News Summary
The Burritt Museum in Huntsville, Alabama, will showcase the exhibit ‘History Lives On: Preserving Alabama’s Rosenwald Schools’. This exhibit delves into the collaboration between Julius Rosenwald and Booker T. Washington, focusing on the impact of Rosenwald schools in improving educational opportunities for African American children in the early 20th century. Visitors will gain insights into community efforts that led to the establishment of over 5,000 schools across the South, emphasizing the importance of education during a challenging era.
Huntsville to Host Special Exhibit on Alabama’s Educational Legacy
The Burritt Museum in Huntsville, Alabama, will present a significant exhibit titled “History Lives On: Preserving Alabama’s Rosenwald Schools” from January 28 through May 2025. This showcase, on loan from Auburn University’s College of Architecture, Design, and Construction, examines the critical collaboration between philanthropist Julius Rosenwald and educator Booker T. Washington in improving educational opportunities for African American children in the South.
The exhibit highlights the remarkable efforts of local communities, which played an essential role in raising funds for the construction and maintenance of Rosenwald schools. The initiative, which operated in the early 20th century, resulted in the creation of over 5,000 schools across 15 states, benefiting approximately 600,000 students. These schools were particularly focused on enhancing education for rural African American children, providing access to clean and healthy learning environments alongside industrial and home economics classes.
Details of the Exhibit
Visitors to the Burritt Museum will experience the significant historical impact of the Rosenwald School Program through engaging displays and informative artifacts. The museum provides entry to this exhibit with general admission, making it accessible to everyone interested in learning about this critical chapter in educational history.
The Burritt Museum’s operating hours will vary by month. From January to March, the museum will be open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM and Sundays from 12 PM to 4 PM. From April to May, the hours will extend to Tuesday to Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM, with Sundays remaining the same.
Admission Information
Admission prices are structured to accommodate a range of visitors. Adult tickets are priced at $12, while children and students can enter for $8. Seniors, those aged 60 and older, and military personnel will receive a discounted rate of $10. Children under the age of two can enter for free, as can members of the Burritt organization, although tax will be added to the admission prices.
Background on Rosenwald Schools
The Rosenwald School initiative was founded in 1912 as a partnership between Julius Rosenwald, then president of Sears, Roebuck and Company, and Booker T. Washington, who served as principal of the Tuskegee Institute. The program was instrumental in addressing the educational disparities faced by African Americans in the rural South, where public funding for education was insufficient. The schools provided a place of learning that emphasized both academic subjects and vocational training, equipping students with crucial life skills.
Community involvement was paramount in the success of the Rosenwald schools. Local residents were encouraged to contribute both financially and through labor, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in the educational facilities. This grassroots fundraising approach not only helped in the construction of the schools but also highlighted the importance of community solidarity in advancing education for African American children during a challenging period in American history.
The Burritt Museum aims to preserve and promote the legacy of these schools, celebrating the resilience and determination of African American communities throughout Alabama. Visitors to the exhibit can find updates and purchase tickets on the Burritt on the Mountain website, ensuring they do not miss this vital exploration of Alabama’s historical and 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
- AL.com: Saving Alabama’s Rosenwald Schools
- Smithsonian Magazine: Legacy of Rosenwald Schools
- Encyclopedia Britannica: 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.
