From Vision to State Park: A study of Rosenwald Schools will help determine the viability of a new historic trail.
Speakers, Timika Wilson, Dr. Larry Watson, Dr. Valinda Littlefield, Tripp Muldrow, Holley Springs, and Zach Bjur presented the rich history of the Rosenwald Schools in South Carolina at the 2024 Landmark Conference at SC State University. These early-20th century schools were built to serve rural African American children. Booker T. Washington and Julius Rosenwald helped to ensure that the Black community could have a sustainable network of schools focused on community and education based on a cost shared model with funding from the Rosenwald Fund, the community, and the state. With over 500 schools built in SC, this network has regrettably been lost over time. At least 44 schools remain in some shape or form across SC. The Rosenwald Schools Trail Study seeks to determine whether a set of extant sites could become South Carolina’s first state park focused on African American and Jewish history. The study is a collaborative effort of the Conservation Voters of South Carolina, the WeGOJA Foundation, the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, the SC Department of Archives and History, and Rosenwald preservation organizations across the state. The study will focus on six sites: Great Branch Rosenwald School and Teacherage. Lincolnville, Hope School, St. George, Mt. Zion, and Pine Grove.
During the study, the Master Planners and Oral Historian will engage with alumni and community stakeholders to assess site integrity and build a descriptive narrative to design a plan that shares this important history with the public. This 18-month initiative will provide a report that any school and stakeholder could utilize to develop an interconnected trail both virtually and physically highlighting the success of the students and surrounding communities.
Key concerns from participants at the conference included: how other schools may be incorporated and included in a wider trail, what to do if you know a Rosenwald School isn’t depicted, but should be, and how best to assist in this important work. Join our community of volunteers, stakeholders, and advocates at our website for project updates and inquiries.
Earth Design, alongside Dr. Val Littlefield and the WeGOJA Foundation recently conducted a visit to the historic Mt. Zion Rosenwald School in Florence, SC, located within the Mars Bluff Community. The team was met by Mr. Terry James and Mr. Frank Cooper. Constructed in 1925, this school holds significant historical importance as the first public school for African American students in the area, funded in part by the Julius Rosenwald Foundation. Its architectural design, featuring a standard two-classroom plan typical of rural schools built between 1917 and 1932, showcases the foundation’s commitment to providing education opportunities for African American communities across the South that were starved of public funds for education during Jim Crow. Operated on a four- or five-month calendar, with two or three teachers instructing grades 1-6, Mt. Zion Rosenwald School served as a beacon of learning until its closure in 1952.
Despite being unrenovated, the school’s frame structure remains intact, and interiors remain largely intact with chalk writing still on the boards. This unvarnished look at the school provided a profound tangible connection to a pivotal era in South Carolina’s educational history. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2001, the school stands as a reminder of the Julius Rosenwald Fund’s dedication and the local African American community’s commitment to improving black education in the early to mid-twentieth century.
Rosa Kennerly-Dance is the point of contact for the Great Branch Rosenwald School (1918) and Teacherage (1923). Her passion and commitment is infectious. Earth Design, Inc. Master Planners, Oral Historian, Dr. Valinda Littlefield, and WeGOJA learned quickly that the extensive development of the Rosenwald School site was a community initiative led by alumni, family members, and the local government. The site has original architectural details and and an extensive archive of images of students and events at the school. Articles documenting the renovation of the Great Branch Teacherage are showcased on the walls and in period display cases.
Students, Dorothy Pough Jackson and Delona Jamison Kindell, attended the school until 1954. While the original school burned down in the early 60’s, their memories are vivid from walking to school to eating soup and peanut butter for lunch. Both students stressed that the dedicated educators, distinguished principals, and the Black community ensured students were afforded the best education possible in a time when resources were limited.
Ms. Brenda McGriff along with school alumni and a representative of the Richland County Recreation District welcomed the Earth Design team to Pine Grove School in Columbia, SC on February 27, 2024. Situated within the Pine Grove Community in Richland County and restored in 2006, the Pine Grove School now serves as a learning center for Rosenwald Schools. Built in 1923, the Pine Grove School is a wood-frame, one-story building with a V-crimp tin metal roof, showcasing characteristic elements of Rosenwald school architecture aimed at providing proper ventilation and natural lighting.
The school, the last extant Rosenwald School in Richland County, closed its doors in 1953 due to school consolidation efforts. However, through collaborative funding efforts, including support from the South Carolina Community Competitive Grant Program, Richland County Conservation Commission, and the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Preservation Fund, the school was restored to its original configuration in 2006. Recognized with a National Register designation in 2009, the Pine Grove School now serves as a historic community gathering place and offers educational programming focused on the history of African American education in South Carolina.
In a recent exploration of St. George, SC, the Earth Design team embarked on a comprehensive tour of the historic St. George Rosenwald School, guided by community chair Judge Ralph James. Situated within Dorchester County, St. George boasts a rich history dating back to the late 18th century when it was established as a trading post. The arrival of the railroad in 1872 further catalyzed its growth into a bustling commercial center, shaping its identity as a vibrant community with a strong sense of heritage. Originally built in 1925 as part of the Julius Rosenwald Foundation’s initiative to improve African American education, the St. George Rosenwald School served as a cornerstone of the local community. Over the years, the school evolved to meet the needs of its students, with additions made in 1935, 1950, and 1954. Despite its closure in 1954, the school continued to play a vital role as a community center, hosting social and political events that were instrumental in shaping the local neighborhood.
The remarkable restoration of the St. George Rosenwald School has been made possible through collaborative efforts, including the dedicated involvement of the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry. This restoration project not only preserves the rich historical significance of the school but also transforms it into a vibrant educational hub for future generations. Through innovative programming and interactive exhibits, the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry aims to engage visitors of all ages, providing immersive learning experiences that celebrate the cultural heritage of St. George and its surrounding community. Together, these initiatives contribute to the revitalization of the area, fostering a sense of pride and unity while honoring the enduring legacy of the Rosenwald School system.
During a recent visit to Lincolnville, SC, guided by Dr. Pernessa Seele, the Earth Design team embarked on a comprehensive tour of the community, all while riding a bus. Our journey included a thorough exploration of the historic Lincolnville School. As the wheels of the bus rolled through the streets, we were captivated by the stories unfolding around us, deepening our understanding and appreciation for Lincolnville’s history and spirit. We concluded our tour with a special meet and greet session with alumni of the Lincolnville Rosenwald School.
Lincolnville, tracing its origins back to the late 19th century, emerged as one of the first predominantly African American communities in the region, offering refuge and opportunity for freedmen seeking autonomy after the Civil War. Despite enduring challenges such as racial segregation and economic instability, Lincolnville has flourished, evolving into a vibrant community with a rich cultural heritage and a resilient spirit.
The historic Lincolnville School, constructed in 1924, was the first public school for black students in the community. Initially constructed with four classrooms and an auditorium on a four-acre lot, it was part of the extensive network of schools funded by the Julius Rosenwald Foundation between 1917 and 1932. Over the years, the school underwent transformation, including the addition of brick veneer and expansion to become Lincolnville Elementary School in 1953. Today, under the stewardship of The Town of Lincolnville, the school remains a vital symbol of educational advancement and community resilience. Dr. Pernessa Seele along with members of the Lincolnville Preservation and Historical Society have worked tirelessly and passionately for preserving the community’s rich heritage.
