News Summary
The Burritt Museum in Huntsville, Alabama, will open its new exhibit, “History Lives On: Preserving Alabama’s Rosenwald Schools,” on January 28, offering an in-depth exploration of the significant impact of Rosenwald Schools on education for African American children in the early 20th century. This exhibit, presented in collaboration with Auburn University and the Alabama Department of Archives, will run through May. It aims to inspire discussions around educational equity and community investment.
Huntsville, Alabama — The Burritt Museum is set to unveil a new exhibit titled “History Lives On: Preserving Alabama’s Rosenwald Schools,” opening on January 28, 2025. This educational showcase will run through May, offering visitors an in-depth look at the significant impact of Rosenwald Schools on education for African American children in the early 20th century.
The exhibit is on loan from Auburn University’s College of Architecture, Design and Construction and is partnered with the Alabama Department of Archives. It focuses on the collaboration between philanthropist Julius Rosenwald and educator Booker T. Washington, who played pivotal roles in advancing educational opportunities in the rural South.
The Rosenwald School Program, launched in 1912 and concluding in 1932, resulted in the construction of over 5,000 schools across 15 states, serving more than 600,000 African American students. These institutions aimed to enhance educational standards and provide a healthy learning environment for rural children. They included basic education programs as well as classes in industrial arts and home economics.
Admission to the exhibit will be included with the general admission fee for the Burritt Museum, which operates Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 AM to 4 PM, and on Sundays from 12 PM to 4 PM. For the months of April to May, the museum will extend its hours, remaining open from 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays. The entry fees are set at $12 for adults, $8 for children and students, and $10 for seniors aged 60 and older and military personnel. Children two years old and under, as well as Burritt Museum members, will be granted free access. Prices are subject to tax upon purchase.
Visitors are encouraged to check the Burritt on the Mountain website for updates regarding tickets and additional details about the exhibit. The Burritt Museum features a collection of 19th-century structures and a replica of a Rosenwald schoolhouse, along with various educational displays that provide insights into Alabama’s history.
The collaboration between Rosenwald and Washington was significant during a period when educational opportunities for African Americans were severely limited due to segregation and systemic inequality. The creation of Rosenwald Schools represented a remarkable effort to combat these injustices by providing quality education to underserved communities.
As the exhibit prepares to open, it highlights a crucial era in history and aims to inspire discussions around the ongoing importance of educational equity and access. The work accomplished through the Rosenwald School Program serves as a reminder of the power of partnership and community investment in fostering the educational development of future generations.
The Burritt Museum is located on Monte Sano Mountain, providing a scenic backdrop for visitors to explore not only the Rosenwald Schools exhibit but also the rich tapestry of Alabama’s past.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Burritt Museum Unveils Exhibit on Rosenwald Schools
University of Alabama Launches Major Summer Construction Projects
Burritt Museum to Host Exhibit on Rosenwald Schools in Alabama
Huntsville School District Seeks Partial Desegregation Release
Burritt Museum to Host Rosenwald Schools Exhibit
Former JROTC Instructor Sentenced for Student Relationship
Downtown Huntsville Announces Summer Events for 2025
Councilman Bill Kling Discusses Community Projects in Town Hall
New Exhibit at Burritt Museum Highlights Rosenwald Schools
Huntsville Kicks Off National Community Development Week
Additional Resources
- Rocket City Mom: History Lives On Exhibit
- Wikipedia: Rosenwald Schools
- Rocket City Now: North Alabama Weekend Events
- Google Search: Rosenwald Schools
- Rocket City Now: North Alabama Weekend Events March 7-9
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Julius Rosenwald
- Rocket City Mom: Burritt on the Mountain
- 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.
