Burritt Museum to Feature Exhibit on Alabama’s Rosenwald Schools

News Summary

The Burritt Museum in Huntsville will host an exhibit titled ‘History Lives On: Preserving Alabama’s Rosenwald Schools’ from January 28 to May 2025. This exhibit explores the crucial educational initiatives led by Julius Rosenwald and Booker T. Washington that created over 5,000 schools for African American children in the South. Visitors will discover inspiring community stories of support for education. Admission is included with the general fee. Additionally, a kick-off event on October 17, 2023, will feature a reception and panel discussion on the legacy of these schools.

Exciting Exhibit at Burritt Museum on Alabama’s Historic Rosenwald Schools!

Folks in Huntsville, get ready for a cultural treat! The Burritt Museum is gearing up to showcase a remarkable exhibit titled “History Lives On: Preserving Alabama’s Rosenwald Schools” right in the heart of Spring 2025. Mark your calendars for January 28, 2025, as this exhibit will delve deep into a vital piece of history that shaped education for African American children in the South.

A Legacy of Learning

This incredible exhibit is on loan from Auburn University’s College of Architecture, Design and Construction, made possible through a partnership with the Alabama Department of Archives. It’s all about shining a light on the impactful collaboration between two visionaries: Julius Rosenwald and Booker T. Washington. Together, they set out on a mission to provide better educational opportunities for African American children during a time when that was far from a given. This initiative led to the establishment of over 5,000 Rosenwald Schools across 15 states, serving approximately 600,000 students between 1913 and 1932.

Community Spirit in Action

What’s really special about these schools is the integral role that local communities played in this grand educational endeavor. Communities rallied together to raise funds, caring deeply about the future of their children and support for education. The exhibit will explore these inspiring stories of grassroots efforts and the lives touched by the Rosenwald Schools. It’s a perfect opportunity for visitors to learn how communities can assemble together, demonstrating their commitment to education and empowerment!

Keep Those Dates in Mind

The exhibit will run from January 28 to May 2025. The good news? If you plan to visit, admission is included with the general entrance fee to the Burritt Museum! Here’s a quick look at the admission prices: Adults cost $12, children and students can get in for just $8, seniors (60+) and military personnel for $10, and the littlest ones—kids aged two and under—get in absolutely FREE. Plus, if you’re a Burritt Member, you can enjoy the exhibit without paying a cent.

Hours of Operation

The Burritt Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday from 12 pm to 4 pm until the end of March. Then from April and May, they’ll extend their hours to Tuesday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm. It’s a perfect time to explore the site and take in other exhibits too!

The Road Ahead for Rosenwald Schools

The efforts to preserve the legacy of Rosenwald Schools are strong. Local historians have been diligently tracking which original structures still stand in Alabama—sadly, only about 15 remain. Community members are actively involved in rehabilitation projects, restoring these historic schools to their former glory. Alumni of schools like the Pickensville Rosenwald School, for instance, have been spearheading initiatives to revitalize their hometown schools, organizing community programs and fundraising efforts that are vital to the rehabilitation process.

Kick-Off Event on the Horizon

Get excited because there’s a special opening event coming up on Tuesday, October 17, 2023! Attendees can enjoy a reception at 5 pm, which will transition into a thought-provoking panel discussion at 6 pm, focusing on the legacy of the Rosenwald Schools and a fascinating research project called Realizing Rosenwald. This event is part of the Alabama Department of Archives and History’s “History/Now: Conversations on the Past + Present” series.

Don’t Miss Out!

So, whether you’re a history buff, an education advocate, or just looking for an engaging way to spend a day, the upcoming exhibit on Alabama’s Rosenwald Schools at the Burritt Museum is definitely one to add to your list. It’s a journey through history that highlights resilience, community, and the power of education. We can’t wait to see you there in 2025!

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Additional Resources

• Rocket City Mom: History Lives On Exhibit
• AL.com: Saving Alabama’s Rosenwald Schools
• South Alabamian: The Importance of Rosenwald Schools
• WSFA: New Exhibit Honors Rosenwald Schools
• Garden & Gun: See the Rosenwald Schools
• Wikipedia: Rosenwald Schools
• Google Search: Rosenwald Schools
• Google Scholar: Rosenwald Schools
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Rosenwald Schools
• Google News: Rosenwald Schools