News Summary
The Burritt Museum in Huntsville, Alabama, will launch an exhibit titled ‘History Lives On: Preserving Alabama’s Rosenwald Schools’ in Spring 2025. This important exhibit will showcase the impact of Rosenwald Schools on African American education in the South during the early 20th century, highlighting contributions from philanthropist Julius Rosenwald and educator Booker T. Washington. Featuring loans from Auburn University’s College of Architecture, the exhibit will emphasize community efforts to support education, amid the challenges of the Jim Crow era. The exhibit runs from January to May 2025.
Huntsville, Alabama – The Burritt Museum is set to unveil a new exhibit titled “History Lives On: Preserving Alabama’s Rosenwald Schools” for Spring 2025. This exhibition will highlight the critical role of Rosenwald Schools in the education of African American children in the South during the early 20th century. Opening on January 28, 2025, the exhibit will remain on display until May 2025.
The exhibit is a collaborative effort between the Burritt Museum and the Alabama Department of Archives, featuring materials on loan from Auburn University’s College of Architecture, Design and Construction. It focuses on the partnership between philanthropist Julius Rosenwald and educator Booker T. Washington, who worked together to establish Rosenwald Schools as a means to enhance educational opportunities for African American students in rural areas.
From its inception until 1932, the Rosenwald School Program funded the construction of over 5,000 schools across 15 states, serving approximately 600,000 students. The initiative aimed to provide better learning environments and educational resources, offering core academic subjects alongside industrial and home economics classes.
The Burritt Museum’s exhibit will delve into the stories of the local communities that rallied together to fund and support the establishment of these schools, celebrating their efforts to advance education against the backdrop of the Jim Crow era. Only about 500 Rosenwald schools remain standing today, making the initiative’s legacy even more significant.
Exhibit Details
Admission to “History Lives On: Preserving Alabama’s Rosenwald Schools” is included in the general admission price to the Burritt Museum. General hours of operation for the museum are as follows:
- Through March: Tuesday – Saturday 10 AM – 4 PM; Sunday 12 PM – 4 PM
- April – May: Tuesday – Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM; Sunday 12 PM – 5 PM
Admission Fees
The admission fees to the museum are structured as follows:
- Adults: $12
- Children & Students: $8
- Seniors (60+) & Military: $10
- Children aged 2 and under: Free
- Burritt Members: Free (tax added to all admission rates)
To keep informed about the exhibit and purchase tickets, visitors can access updates through the Burritt on the Mountain’s website. The exhibit promises to not only illuminate the historical significance of the Rosenwald schools but also discuss their current relevance as symbols of community perseverance and educational advancement.
Background Context
The Rosenwald School initiative emerged in response to a glaring need for improved education among African American children during a time when such opportunities were severely limited. By providing financial support for school construction, the program aimed to enhance literacy and vocational skills, contributing to better opportunities for students in rural areas.
The collaborative efforts between communities and educational leaders like Julius Rosenwald and Booker T. Washington cultivated a network of schools that fostered a sense of pride and empowerment among African Americans. This exhibit at the Burritt Museum seeks to emphasize these historical narratives and their lasting impact on Alabama’s educational landscape.
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Additional Resources
- Rocket City Mom: History Lives On Exhibit
- Wikipedia: Rosenwald Schools
- Garden & Gun: Rosenwald Schools on the Road
- Google Search: Rosenwald Schools
- AL.com: Saving Alabama’s Rosenwald Schools
- Google Scholar: Rosenwald Schools
- CBS 42: Alabama Treasures
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rosenwald Schools
- J. Weekly: Preserving the Legacy of Rosenwald Schools
- Google News: Rosenwald Schools Alabama
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.
