Ainsworth Hall is home to Norwich University’s School of Criminology and Justice, including its highly regarded Criminal Justice program and growing forensic science concentration. Inside this historic building, students explore real-world applications of law, investigation, and justice while working closely with faculty across disciplines like criminal justice, history, and political science.
Blending history with hands-on learning, Ainsworth provides an academic environment where students prepare for careers in law enforcement, federal agencies, legal studies, and forensic fields. Small class sizes and faculty mentorship help students build critical thinking and investigative skills that translate directly into professional pathways.
History: Built in 1910, Ainsworth Hall originally served as a United States Weather Bureau facility—a legacy still visible today in its distinctive cupola and ornate weather vane. After returning to Norwich University in 1948, the building became the university’s administrative headquarters and later the campus infirmary.
The Ainsworth name traces back to 1915, when Mrs. Laura Ainsworth honored her late husband, Capt. James E. Ainsworth (NU 1853), a civil engineer responsible for constructing more than 2,000 miles of railroad across the Midwest.
Highlights:
- Home of the School of Criminology and Justice
- Criminal Justice and forensic science programs
- Faculty offices in CJ, History, and Political Science
- Historic Weather Bureau architecture
- Distinctive cupola and weather vane