Burritt Museum Unveils Exhibit on Rosenwald Schools

News Summary

The Burritt Museum in Huntsville will host an exhibit titled ‘History Lives On: Preserving Alabama’s Rosenwald Schools’ starting January 28, 2025. This exhibition highlights the collaboration between prominent figures in education and business to enhance educational opportunities for African American children in rural Alabama. Running until May, the exhibit showcases the history and legacy of the Rosenwald School Program, which built over 5,000 schools. Admission is included with general ticket prices, making it accessible for all history enthusiasts.

Exciting Exhibit Coming to Burritt Museum in Huntsville!

Huntsville, get ready for an inspiring journey into history as the Burritt Museum announces its upcoming exhibit titled “History Lives On: Preserving Alabama’s Rosenwald Schools”. Set to open on January 28, 2025, this engaging exhibition will run through May and is sure to attract history lovers from near and far.

What’s All the Buzz About?

This exhibit has something special cooking! Borrowed from Auburn University’s College of Architecture, Design and Construction, it dives deep into the fascinating partnership between Julius Rosenwald, a prominent businessman, and Booker T. Washington, a notable educator. Together, they worked tirelessly to create a network of schools aimed at boosting education for African American children in rural Alabama and beyond. You won’t want to miss this insightful look into Alabama’s educational heritage!

The Story of Rosenwald Schools

Now, let’s take a moment to appreciate the remarkable legacy of the Rosenwald School Program. Active until 1932, this initiative constructed over 5,000 schools, serving approximately 600,000 African American students across 15 states. The program had a noble goal—improving educational opportunities for African American children living in the South’s rural communities. It wasn’t just the schools that uplifted these kids but also the commitment and contributions from local community members, who played a key role in raising funds and rallying for support for these vital institutions.

Admission and Museum Hours

Visiting the exhibit will be easy peasy! Admission to the new Rosenwald exhibition is included with the museum’s general admission, giving you a great bang for your buck! Here’s a quick rundown of the admission rates:

• $12 for adults
• $8 for children & students
• $10 for seniors (60+) & military
• Free for children aged 2 and under and Burritt Members

As of now, the museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm, and Sunday from 12 pm to 4 pm, but remember, these hours are effective only through March. It’s always a smart move to check for any updates regarding event details before your trip, as changes may happen.

A Community’s Dedication

A great example of community involvement is the restoration of the Pickensville Rosenwald School in Alabama. Once in disrepair, it has now been beautifully restored thanks to the incredible efforts of alumni and local community members, who have raised approximately $300,000 to ensure its preservation. However, it’s a bittersweet fact that only 15 Rosenwald schools remain standing in Alabama today. Historian Dorothy Walker shares the heart-wrenching reality that many others have been lost and are now only memories.

Significance of the Legacy

The legacy of these schools is crucial for understanding the educational history of the Black community, and it remains a favored topic among local alumni. For many, it’s not just about the past but also about preserving and sharing the story for future generations.

This spring, be sure to mark your calendars for the Burritt Museum’s “History Lives On” exhibit. It’s an opportunity to celebrate heritage, explore community spirit, and reflect on the journey of education in Alabama. Bring your family, engage with history, and support the ongoing efforts to keep this inspiring part of our culture alive!

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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 Honoring Alabama’s First Schools for Black Students
• Garden & Gun: See the Rosenwald Schools on the Road
• Wikipedia: Rosenwald Schools
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Rosenwald Schools
• Google Search: Rosenwald Schools
• Google Scholar: Rosenwald Schools
• Google News: Rosenwald Schools