News Summary
The Burritt Museum will launch an exhibit titled ‘History Lives On: Preserving Alabama’s Rosenwald Schools’. This exhibit emphasizes the collaboration between Julius Rosenwald and Booker T. Washington in fostering education for African American children. The showcase runs from January to May and highlights the importance of community efforts in establishing over 5,000 schools. Admission prices vary by age and group, with detailed information available on the museum’s website.
Burritt Museum to Host Spring 2025 Exhibit on Rosenwald Schools in Alabama
Huntsville, Alabama – The Burritt Museum is set to unveil an informative exhibit titled “History Lives On: Preserving Alabama’s Rosenwald Schools”, which will open on January 28, 2025, and run through May 2025. This significant display, on loan from Auburn University’s College of Architecture, Design, and Construction, highlights the crucial partnership between philanthropist Julius Rosenwald and educator Booker T. Washington in advancing education for rural African American children in the South.
The exhibit serves as a collaborative effort with the Alabama Department of Archives, showcasing the historical impact of the Rosenwald School Program that operated primarily in the early 20th century, concluding its initiative in 1932. During its operation, over 5,000 schools were built, benefiting approximately 600,000 students across 15 states, and contributed significantly to the education landscape.
Focusing on Community Involvement
One focal point of the exhibit is the critical role that local communities played in funding these educational projects. The program’s success relied not solely on contributions from Rosenwald and Washington, but also on the dedication of local families who raised funds to facilitate the opening of the schools. These institutions aimed to provide a clean and healthy environment for education while offering industrial and home economics classes, contributing to the development of various vocational skills among students.
Exhibit Details and Admission Information
Admission to the Rosenwald Schools exhibit is included with the general admission to the Burritt Museum. Regular operating hours through March are Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday from 12 pm to 4 pm. Beginning in April and lasting through May, the hours will change to Tuesday to Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm.
Admission prices for visitors are as follows:
- Adults: $12
- Children & Students: $8
- Seniors (60+) & Military: $10
- Children 2 and under: Free
- Burritt Members: Free (tax added to all admission rates when purchased)
Visitors planning to attend the exhibit can check for updates and purchase tickets on the Burritt on the Mountain’s official website.
The Legacy of Rosenwald Schools
The legacy of the Rosenwald Schools is profound, as they significantly enhanced educational opportunities for many rural children who might have otherwise had limited access to quality schooling. The initiative not only focused on academic subjects but also aimed to empower students with functional skills that prepared them for future careers in a rapidly changing society.
The upcoming exhibit at the Burritt Museum will not only celebrate this important aspect of Alabama’s educational history but also aim to educate attendees on the long-lasting impacts of such community-driven initiatives. By emphasizing the partnership between Rosenwald and Washington, the museum hopes to inspire current and future generations to recognize the value of community effort in educational advancement.
Mark your calendars for this enlightening exhibit, and explore the rich history and contributions of Rosenwald Schools in Alabama from January 28, 2025, through May 2025 at the Burritt Museum.
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Additional Resources
- Rocket City Mom: History Lives On Exhibit
- Wikipedia: Rosenwald Schools
- AL.com: Toney Rosenwald School
- Google Search: Rosenwald Schools Alabama
- Rocket City Mom: Bloomin’ Festival
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rosenwald Schools
- Rocket City Mom: Black History Month in Huntsville
- Google News: Rosenwald Schools Exhibit
