News Summary
The Burritt Museum in Huntsville, Alabama, will feature an exhibit titled ‘History Lives On: Preserving Alabama’s Rosenwald Schools.’ The exhibit showcases the partnership between Julius Rosenwald and Booker T. Washington, highlighting the impact of the Rosenwald Schools established for rural African American children. With over 5,000 schools built from 1917 to 1932, these institutions provided crucial educational opportunities and community engagement. The display will run from late January through May, offering insights into Alabama’s educational history and the enduring legacy of these schools.
Burritt Museum to Host Exhibit on Alabama’s Rosenwald Schools in Spring 2025
The Burritt Museum in Huntsville, Alabama, will host an exhibit titled “History Lives On: Preserving Alabama’s Rosenwald Schools,” beginning on January 28, 2025, and running through May 2025. This exhibit, which is on loan from Auburn University’s College of Architecture, Design and Construction, was created in partnership with the Alabama Department of Archives.
The exhibit will focus on the historical collaboration between Julius Rosenwald, a wealthy philanthropist, and Booker T. Washington, the influential African American educator. It will emphasize the significance of the Rosenwald Schools, which were established to provide better educational opportunities for rural African American children in the South.
Significance of the Rosenwald Schools
Between 1917 and 1932, the Rosenwald School Program was instrumental in building over 5,000 schools across 15 states, serving approximately 600,000 students. These schools played a crucial role in enhancing educational conditions by providing basic education in a clean and healthy environment. Additionally, they offered programs such as industrial training and home economics classes, which were vital for the personal and professional development of students.
The exhibit aims to showcase the critical contributions of local communities in fundraising for the establishment and maintenance of these schools. The collaborative efforts of residents allowed these institutions to thrive, fostering a sense of unity and purpose within the African American community.
Exhibit Details
Visitors to the Burritt Museum can access the exhibit with their general admission ticket. Admission prices are set as follows:
- Adults: $12
- Children & Students: $8
- Seniors (60+) & Military: $10
- Children 2 and under: Free
- Burritt Members: Free (tax is added to all admission rates)
The Burritt Museum will operate under the following hours:
- Through March: Tuesday – Saturday: 10 am – 4 pm; Sunday: 12 pm – 4 pm
- April to May: Tuesday – Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm; Sunday: 12 pm – 5 pm
Historical Context
The Rosenwald Schools initiative was not just about education; it played a significant role in shaping educated leaders who would later become pivotal figures in the civil rights movement. Today, only about 500 Rosenwald School buildings remain, with many of these structures now serving as community centers or museums, preserving the legacy of this significant educational program.
For updates, additional information, and tickets for the exhibit, visitors are encouraged to check the Burritt on the Mountain’s website. This upcoming exhibit promises to be an insightful look at an important facet of Alabama’s educational history and the broader struggle for educational equality in America.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Rocket City Mom: Rosenwald Schools Exhibit
- AL.com: Saving Alabama’s Rosenwald Schools
- Smithsonian Magazine: Legacy of Rosenwald Schools
- Wikipedia: Rosenwald Schools
- Garden & Gun: Rosenwald Schools Road Exhibit
- CBS42: Alabama Treasures at Archives
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rosenwald Schools
- Forward: Hidden History of Rosenwald Schools
