News Summary

The Burritt Museum will launch an exhibit titled ‘History Lives On: Preserving Alabama’s Rosenwald Schools’. This exhibit emphasizes the collaboration between Julius Rosenwald and Booker T. Washington in fostering education for African American children. The showcase runs from January to May and highlights the importance of community efforts in establishing over 5,000 schools. Admission prices vary by age and group, with detailed information available on the museum’s website.

Burritt Museum to Host Spring 2025 Exhibit on Rosenwald Schools in Alabama

Huntsville, Alabama – The Burritt Museum is set to unveil an informative exhibit titled “History Lives On: Preserving Alabama’s Rosenwald Schools”, which will open on January 28, 2025, and run through May 2025. This significant display, on loan from Auburn University’s College of Architecture, Design, and Construction, highlights the crucial partnership between philanthropist Julius Rosenwald and educator Booker T. Washington in advancing education for rural African American children in the South.

The exhibit serves as a collaborative effort with the Alabama Department of Archives, showcasing the historical impact of the Rosenwald School Program that operated primarily in the early 20th century, concluding its initiative in 1932. During its operation, over 5,000 schools were built, benefiting approximately 600,000 students across 15 states, and contributed significantly to the education landscape.

Focusing on Community Involvement

One focal point of the exhibit is the critical role that local communities played in funding these educational projects. The program’s success relied not solely on contributions from Rosenwald and Washington, but also on the dedication of local families who raised funds to facilitate the opening of the schools. These institutions aimed to provide a clean and healthy environment for education while offering industrial and home economics classes, contributing to the development of various vocational skills among students.

Exhibit Details and Admission Information

Admission to the Rosenwald Schools exhibit is included with the general admission to the Burritt Museum. Regular operating hours through March are Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday from 12 pm to 4 pm. Beginning in April and lasting through May, the hours will change to Tuesday to Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm.

Admission prices for visitors are as follows:

• Adults: $12
• Children & Students: $8
• Seniors (60+) & Military: $10
• Children 2 and under: Free
• Burritt Members: Free (tax added to all admission rates when purchased)

Visitors planning to attend the exhibit can check for updates and purchase tickets on the Burritt on the Mountain’s official website.

The Legacy of Rosenwald Schools

The legacy of the Rosenwald Schools is profound, as they significantly enhanced educational opportunities for many rural children who might have otherwise had limited access to quality schooling. The initiative not only focused on academic subjects but also aimed to empower students with functional skills that prepared them for future careers in a rapidly changing society.

The upcoming exhibit at the Burritt Museum will not only celebrate this important aspect of Alabama’s educational history but also aim to educate attendees on the long-lasting impacts of such community-driven initiatives. By emphasizing the partnership between Rosenwald and Washington, the museum hopes to inspire current and future generations to recognize the value of community effort in educational advancement.

Mark your calendars for this enlightening exhibit, and explore the rich history and contributions of Rosenwald Schools in Alabama from January 28, 2025, through May 2025 at the Burritt Museum.

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Additional Resources

• Rocket City Mom: History Lives On Exhibit
• Wikipedia: Rosenwald Schools
• AL.com: Toney Rosenwald School
• Google Search: Rosenwald Schools Alabama
• Rocket City Mom: Bloomin’ Festival
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Rosenwald Schools
• Rocket City Mom: Black History Month in Huntsville
• Google News: Rosenwald Schools Exhibit

Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER

The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.