Carnegie Library at FAMU facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Carnegie Library
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FAMU's Carnegie Library
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 Location in Florida
Location in the United States
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| Location | Tallahassee, Florida |
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| Built | 1908 |
| Architect | William Augustus Edwards |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 78000949 |
| Added to NRHP | 17 November 1978 |
The Carnegie Library at FAMU is a really old and important building. It's located on the campus of Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida. This beautiful two-story building was built in 1908. It has white columns and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. This means it's a special place recognized for its history.
A Special Gift from Andrew Carnegie
This library was part of a big program started by a rich man named Andrew Carnegie. He helped build many public and college libraries across the country. These libraries were often named "Carnegie Library" after him.
The Carnegie Library at FAMU is very special. It's the oldest brick building on the FAMU campus. It was also the first Carnegie Library built on a "black land-grant college campus." Land-grant colleges were set up to teach practical subjects like farming and engineering.
Why FAMU Got the Library
Andrew Carnegie had a rule for his libraries: they had to be open to everyone. At the time, the city of Tallahassee didn't want a library that served all people. So, FAMU's predecessor, the State Normal and Industrial College for Colored Students, got the library instead.
The college really needed a new library. Their old one was in a mansion that burned down in 1905. The Carnegie Library was built right where that mansion used to be.
The famous architect William Augustus Edwards designed the building. It was finished in 1908. Later, on November 17, 1978, it was officially added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
The Black Archives Museum
In 1976, the Southeastern Regional Black Archives Research Center and Museum opened. It was first located in the Carnegie Library building at FAMU. This museum collects and shares important history.
The archives grew bigger over time. In 1996, they expanded to the nearby Union Bank building. A new building was added in 2006.
The museum shows exhibits about African American history in Florida. You can learn about the role of the African-American church. It also highlights school and social life at Florida A&M University. The museum features important people in politics, science, and medicine. It also shares stories of inventors and military heroes.
The idea for the archives came from history professor James N. Eaton in the early 1970s. He wanted to collect historical items and share them with students and the public. By 1976, he had put together the first collection and exhibits.
In 2007, the archives were named in honor of two special people. One was Carrie P. Meek, a retired U.S. Congresswoman and FAMU graduate. She helped get money for the museum's expansion. The other was Dr. James N. Eaton, the founder and first director.
