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Hannah Rosenwald School
Hannah Rosenwald School 2.jpg
Hannah Rosenwald School, March 2012
Hannah Rosenwald School is located in South Carolina
Hannah Rosenwald School
Location in South Carolina
Hannah Rosenwald School is located in the United States
Hannah Rosenwald School
Location in the United States
Nearest city 61 Deadfall Rd., near Newberry, South Carolina
Area 4 acres (1.6 ha)
Built 1924-1925
Architectural style Bungalow/craftsman
MPS Rosenwald School Building Program in South Carolina, 1917-1932
NRHP reference No. 08001369
Added to NRHP January 22, 2009

The Hannah Rosenwald School is a special historic building located near Newberry, in Newberry County, South Carolina. It was built in 1924–1925. This school is important because it was part of a big effort to improve education for African American children during a time when schools were separated by race.

What Was the Hannah Rosenwald School?

The Hannah Rosenwald School was a one-story building made of wood. It was designed to be a "three-teacher type" school. This meant it had enough space for three teachers to teach different grades.

The school had three classrooms where students learned. It also had three cloakrooms for coats and bags. There was an "industrial room" too, which was a space for learning practical skills. An entry hall welcomed students each day. The school was connected to the Hannah A.M.E. Church nearby. It served the community until it closed in the 1960s.

A Special Kind of School

The Hannah Rosenwald School was one of many "Rosenwald schools." These schools were built across the Southern United States. They were created to provide better education for African American children. At that time, public schools for Black students often received very little money.

The Rosenwald Fund helped build over 5,000 schools, shops, and teacher homes. This project was a partnership between communities and the fund. It was a huge step forward for education in the early 20th century.

Who Was Julius Rosenwald?

The idea for these schools came from Julius Rosenwald. He was the president of Sears, Roebuck and Company. Rosenwald was a very successful businessman. He was also a generous person who cared deeply about education.

He teamed up with Booker T. Washington. Washington was a famous educator and leader. Together, they started the Rosenwald Fund. This fund provided money to build new schools.

Building a Better Future

The Rosenwald Fund didn't pay for everything. Local communities had to raise money too. They also had to provide land and labor. This encouraged people to work together for a common goal.

These schools gave thousands of African American children a chance for a better education. They helped many students go on to college or find good jobs. The schools became centers for community life.

Hannah School's Story

The Hannah Rosenwald School was built following standard plans. These plans were created by architects working with the Rosenwald Fund. They made sure the schools were well-designed. They often included lots of windows for natural light.

The school served the local African American community in Newberry County. It provided a safe and encouraging place for learning. Many people from the area have fond memories of their time at Hannah School.

Why Was It Important?

The Hannah Rosenwald School played a vital role in its community. It offered education during a time of segregation. It helped prepare young people for their futures. It was a symbol of hope and progress.

Even after it closed, the school building remained. It stands as a reminder of the challenges and triumphs of the past. It shows how communities worked hard for their children's education.

Preserving History

Because of its importance, the Hannah Rosenwald School was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009. This is a list of places in the United States that are important to history. Being on this list helps protect the building. It also helps people learn about its past.

Preserving places like the Hannah Rosenwald School is important. It helps us understand our history. It teaches us about the struggles and achievements of people who came before us.

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