News Summary

The Burritt Museum in Huntsville, Alabama, will open a significant exhibit titled ‘History Lives On: Preserving Alabama’s Rosenwald Schools’ in Spring 2025. The exhibit will explore the legacy of educational initiatives for African American children in the South, emphasizing community contributions and the impact of the Rosenwald School Program, which established over 5,000 schools. The curated display, in collaboration with Auburn University and the Alabama Department of Archives, aims to enhance understanding of African American education and its historical significance.

Burritt Museum Announces Spring 2025 Exhibit on Alabama’s Rosenwald Schools

Huntsville, Alabama – The Burritt Museum will unveil an important historical exhibit titled “History Lives On: Preserving Alabama’s Rosenwald Schools” in Spring 2025, highlighting the impactful legacy of educational initiatives for African American children in the South. Set to open on January 28, 2025, and running through May, the exhibit is curated in partnership with Auburn University’s College of Architecture, Design, and Construction and the Alabama Department of Archives.

This exhibit aims to shed light on the collaborative efforts between Julius Rosenwald, a philanthropist and part-owner of Sears, Roebuck and Company, and Booker T. Washington, an influential educator and civil rights leader. Their partnership facilitated the establishment of the Rosenwald School Program, which resulted in the construction of over 5,000 schools across 15 states, serving around 600,000 students from rural African American communities.

Examining Community Contributions

One of the central themes of the exhibit is the critical role that local communities played in financially supporting the establishment of these schools. The Rosenwald School Program, which operated until 1932, focused on increasing educational opportunities in areas that had previously suffered from inadequate schooling resources. Through community fundraising efforts, which demonstrated a collective commitment to education, these schools provided African American children with access to the necessary tools for learning in clean and healthy environments.

In addition to offering basic education, the Rosenwald schools were notable for providing classes in industrial training and home economics, ensuring that students acquired practical skills that could benefit them in their adult lives. This comprehensive approach helped lay the groundwork for future educational advancements and community empowerment.

Visitor Information and Admission Fees

Entry to the exhibit is included with general admission to the Burritt Museum. The museum’s operating hours will be Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday from 12 pm to 4 pm through March. Starting in April, the hours will extend to Tuesday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm.

The admission rates are classified as follows: adults for $12, children and students for $8, seniors (60+) and military personnel for $10, children ages 2 and under can enter for free, and Burritt Museum members are also granted free access. Please note, tax will be added to all admission rates when purchased.

Importance of the Exhibit

This exhibit not only serves as a tribute to the legacy of the Rosenwald schools but also emphasizes the historical significance of African American education and community building within the region. It seeks to foster a deeper understanding of how these schools contributed to narrowing the educational gap and promoting equity in schooling between African American children and their white counterparts.

Visitors interested in attending the exhibit are encouraged to check the Burritt on the Mountain website for updates and ticket information. The Burritt Museum stands committed to preserving and highlighting local history, making this exhibit a pivotal learning experience for all who attend.

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Additional Resources

• Rocket City Mom: History Lives On Exhibit
• Smithsonian Magazine: How Rosenwald Schools Shaped a Legacy
• CBS 42: One Last Chance to See Alabama Treasures
• AL.com: Saving Alabama’s Rosenwald Schools
• Forward: Hidden History of Rosenwald Schools
• Wikipedia: Rosenwald Schools

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.