Norwich — Not long after she was elected mayor, Deberey Hinchey learned about an effort to create a visitors’ center for the city, and right away she also learned how many disparate groups there are that represent the city’s rich history and heritage.

She asked them to work together on the project.

“They did,” Hinchey said. “I’m so impressed with this effort."

On Friday, a coalition of 15 historical and heritage entities called the Norwich Heritage Group will celebrate the grand opening of the Norwich Heritage and Regional Visitors’ Center in the 1783 Dr. Daniel Lathrop Schoolhouse on the Norwichtown Green.

The grand opening event will run from 4 to 6 p.m., and will start with a half-hour performance on the green by the Nathan Hale Fife & Drum Corps of Coventry.

The Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce will lead a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4:30. The doors of the historic schoolhouse will open at 5 p.m. for visitors.

Inside, visitors will find a 10-panel display depicting Norwich history from the 17th through the 20th century and brochures for historic sites, tourist attractions and events throughout the region, said project coordinator Regan Miner, a consultant for the Norwich Historical Society.

According to the information panel for the schoolhouse, the small brick building opened in 1783, two years after the Revolutionary War ended, and was used as a schoolhouse until 1843.

The building for a time was used as a voting station and as an arts classroom for the Norwich Arts School at Norwich Free Academy. NFA Ram, a fraternity club, met there in the early 20th century until 1920.

Miner said since then, the building was used only “on and off” for special events or brief exhibits.

The building had fallen into disrepair and needed repairs to the doors and windows, upgraded electricity and ventilation — including air conditioning — and a new gutter to become a visitors’ center.

The Norwich Sachem Fund awarded an $85,000 grant, and the state provided $70,000. Smaller grants, $1,000 from Chelsea Groton Bank, $4,200 from Eastern Connecticut Realtors’ Association and $3,000 from the Gernon Trust completed the funding.

The new visitors’ center will be open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will be staffed by volunteers from the public and from participating agencies.

Anyone interested in volunteering to staff the center should contact Miner at (860) 917-8478.

c.bessette@theday.com

Twitter: @Bessettetheday