Brainerd Institute facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Brainerd Institute |
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The school c. 1910
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| Location | |
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Chester, South Carolina
United States
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| Information | |
| Established | 1868 |
| Closed | 1939 |
Brainerd Institute was a special school for African Americans in Chester, South Carolina. It was started by the Presbyterian Church and opened its doors in 1868. This school helped many students, including famous people like Vivian Ayers Allen and Daniel Jackson Sanders. Brainerd Institute played an important role in education during a time when opportunities for African American students were limited.
A School with a Purpose
Brainerd Institute was founded in 1868, right after the American Civil War. At this time, many African Americans, who had recently gained their freedom, needed schools. The school first received help from the Freedmen's Bureau, an organization created to support formerly enslaved people. Later, the Presbyterian Church took over the main support for the school.
Growing Over the Years
When it first opened, Brainerd Institute was an elementary school. This means it taught younger students the basics. But as years passed, the school grew. By 1913, it offered classes for ten different grades, showing how much it had expanded.
In 1934, the school grew even more. It added a program called Brainerd Junior College. This part of the school focused on training teachers. It was important because it helped prepare more people to educate others in their communities.
Why the School Closed
Brainerd Institute continued to educate students for many years. However, by 1939, more public schools were opening for African American students. These public schools offered education that was free for students. Because of this new competition, Brainerd Institute closed its doors in 1939.
What Remains Today
The original campus of Brainerd Institute was quite large, covering 18 acres. Today, only one building from the school still stands. This building is called Kumler Hall. It is a very important historical site and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized for its special history and importance.
The University of South Carolina Libraries have a collection of old photographs related to Brainerd Institute. These pictures help us learn more about what the school was like.
Before Brainerd Institute, there was another school called Fairfield Institute in Winnsboro, South Carolina. It was run by Willard Richardson and helped set the stage for schools like Brainerd.
