Rosenwald School program for Black History Month

FREDONIA–For nearly 100 years, the New Hope Rosenwald School has stood in the Fredonia community of Chambers County, the last of several across the area that were constructed in the early 1900s as part of a program to improve educational opportunities for African American children in the rural South.

The Rosenwald School Program was a collaborative effort between Julius Rosenwald, president of Sears, Roebuck and Company, and Booker T. Washington, president of Tuskegee Institute. As a result, almost 5,000 school buildings were constructed in 15 states between 1912 and 1932.

In order to preserve the local structure, a group of former students and other concerned citizens formed the New Hope Foundation, which began the process of restoring the school to its original condition. They also succeeded in getting the school listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002, and received National Treasure status in 2011.

In conjunction with Black History Month, the Foundation will unveil a historical marker during a dedication ceremony Saturday, Feb. 27, at noon. The ceremony will begin with a special program inside New Hope Missionary Baptist Church at 7259 County Rd. 267, which is adjacent to the school, approximately 3.3 miles south of the crossroads at Fredonia.

Ceremonial activities will include discussions of the Rosenwald School Program, New Hope School history, restoration plans, special music, alumni memories and more. Unveiling of the marker will take place in front of the school immediately following the ceremony. The public is invited to attend this historic event.

New Hope Rosenwald School at Fredonia as it appeared in the early 1900s.