Could a Makerspace Come to Staffordville School?

From the Technocopia Makerspace in Worcester, Massachusetts, to Hartford’s MakerspaceCT, places where creative people come together to make things are springing up all over the country. At the January 7, 2026, Board of Selectmen (BOS) meeting in Stafford, Ryan Harrington presented a brief overview of his would-be plans for a makerspace at Staffordville School.

Harrington told the BOS that his expertise is in sewing and textiles and that he would like to create a small makerspace centered on that industry. He thought this was a good fit for Stafford, given its long history of producing textiles and that there may be grants available for this kind of project. Harrington envisions renting two rooms at the school: one for fabric cutting and the other for sewing.

The selectmen received a packet with more information, but Harrington spoke only briefly about his concept. Selectman Tim Cromwell asked if liability would fall on Harrington. Other makerspaces, Harrington said, require users to sign waivers, but the details would need to be worked out if the board decides to pursue this opportunity. 

The BOS was not asked to take any action; it was only to review the information and consider the proposal. Harrington said he would also like to attend an Economic Development Commission meeting. In past years, the idea of converting Staffordville School into a business incubator was raised but was rejected by some past EDC members.