Florida's Historic Black Public Schools Multiple Property Submission facts for kids

Imagine a special list that keeps track of important historical places across the United States. That list is called the National Register of Historic Places. When a building or site is added to this list, it means it's recognized as a significant part of our country's history. Sometimes, many similar places can be added to the list all at once through something called a Multiple Property Submission (or MPS). This article is about several schools in Florida that were built for African American students during a time when schools were separated by race. They were all added to the National Register of Historic Places together because of their shared history and importance.

Florida's Historic Black Schools

For many years in Florida, and in other parts of the United States, laws kept people of different races apart. This was known as segregation. Because of these laws, African American students had to go to separate schools. These schools often received less money and resources than schools for white students. Despite these challenges, these schools were very important places. They were centers of learning and community for African American families.

Why These Schools Are Important

These historic black schools represent a significant part of Florida's past. They show the strength and determination of communities that valued education, even when faced with unfair conditions. Teachers and students worked hard to make these schools places where young people could learn and grow. By preserving these buildings, we remember the history of segregation and honor the people who fought for equal opportunities. It helps us understand how far we've come and reminds us to keep working for fairness for everyone.

Schools on the National Register

Several of these special schools have been added to the National Register of Historic Places. Each one has its own story, but they all share a common purpose: to educate and uplift their communities. Here are some of the schools recognized for their historical value:

• DeLeon Springs Colored School: This school, also known as Malloy Elementary School, is located in DeLeon Springs in Volusia County. It was added to the Register on August 1, 2003. Today, it serves as the Malloy Head Start Center, helping young children get a good start in their education.

• Orange City Colored School: Found in Orange City, also in Volusia County, this school was sometimes called Marian Coleman Elementary. It joined the Register on August 1, 2003, the same day as the DeLeon Springs school. It is now known as the Coleman Head Start Center.

• Osborne School: Located in Lake Worth in Palm Beach County, this building was once Osborne Elementary School. It was added to the National Register on August 1, 2003.

• Liberty Hill Schoolhouse: This historic schoolhouse is in Gainesville, Alachua County. It was recognized on the National Register on August 28, 2003.

• Meacham Elementary School: In Tampa, Hillsborough County, this school has had a few names, including India Street School and Christina Meacham Elementary School. It was added to the Register on September 15, 2005.

• Old Howard Academy: This important school is in Monticello, Jefferson County. It was one of the more recent additions, joining the National Register on September 15, 2021.

These schools stand as reminders of a challenging but important time in history. They teach us about the power of education and the strength of communities working together.

Gallery

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  DeLeon Springs Colored School (now Malloy Head Start) in DeLeon Springs.

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  Orange City Colored School (now Coleman Head Start Center) in Orange City.

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  Liberty Hill Schoolhouse in Gainesville.

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  Osborne School in Lake Worth