- Preserving North Carolina History, Building the Future -

📍 Eden, North Carolina

Eden’s Rosenwald School: A Forgotten Treasure:

During the early 20th century, Black communities in the segregated South faced immense educational inequalities. Many children had little to no access to quality schools, and the ones that did exist were often overcrowded, underfunded, and poorly maintained.

In response, Julius Rosenwald, a philanthropist and then-president of Sears, Roebuck & Co., partnered with Booker T. Washington of the Tuskegee Institute to establish a groundbreaking initiative: the Rosenwald School Program.

Between 1912 and 1932, over 5,000 Rosenwald Schools were built across 15 Southern states, providing new opportunities for Black students during the Jim Crow era. These schools were more than just buildings—they were symbols of progress, resilience, and the power of education to break cycles of poverty and discrimination.

One of these historic schools still stands in Eden, North Carolina. For decades, it served as a pillar of education for Black students in Rockingham County, offering a safe and structured learning environment during a time when educational access was deeply unequal.

This school represents a crucial chapter in our local and national history, and yet, like many Rosenwald Schools, it has suffered from neglect and deterioration.

Without urgent restoration, we risk losing an irreplaceable piece of our shared past—one that tells the story of resilience, community, and the fight for equal education.

🏫 Historic & Cultural Preservation

• This school is one of the few surviving Rosenwald Schools in North Carolina.
• Restoring it ensures that future generations can learn about the struggles and triumphs of early Black education in the South.

📖 Educational & Community Impact

• Our vision is to transform the school into a living history museum and cultural center, offering exhibits, workshops, and educational programs for schools and visitors.
• It will serve as a gathering space for the community, hosting events, storytelling sessions, and historical preservation initiatives.

💡 Economic & Tourism Benefits

• Restored Rosenwald Schools across the South have drawn heritage tourism and economic revitalization to their communities.
• The restored school could become a regional attraction that strengthens local businesses and tourism efforts.

Your contribution will go directly toward:
✔ Structural repairs (foundation, roofing, windows, and exterior restoration)
✔ Interior rehabilitation (classrooms, museum space, and historical exhibits)
✔ Programming & education initiatives (student field trips, lectures, and community events)

🌟 All donations are tax-deductible and can be made securely through the Hampton Historical Foundation

We are seeking corporate sponsors, nonprofit collaborations, and individual patrons to support this effort. 

📩 For sponsorship inquiries, email:
📧 info@hamptonhistorical.org

• Share this project on social media to help us reach more supporters.
• Talk to local businesses, schools, and historical organizations about getting involved.

📅 Phase 1: Immediate Restoration Needs (2024-2025)
🔹 Structural stabilization & emergency repairs
🔹 Securing grants & fundraising efforts

📅 Phase 2: Interior Restoration & Museum Planning (2025-2026)
🔹 Restoring classroom spaces & historical artifacts
🔹 Developing educational programming & exhibits

📅 Phase 3: Grand Opening & Community Engagement (2026 & Beyond)
🔹 Official reopening as a community resource
🔹 Ongoing preservation & expansion efforts

📢 Follow our journey and stay updated on progress!

📩 Interested in funding this project, volunteering, or learning more?

📧 info@hamptonhistorical.org
🌎 Hampton Historical Foundation Website: www.hamptonhistorical.org

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🚀 Together, we can save this historic landmark and inspire future generations!