Nansemond County Training School facts for kids
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Nansemond County Training School
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Front of the school, while undergoing reconstruction in 2018
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | 9307 Southwestern Boulevard, Suffolk, Virginia |
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| Area | Less than 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1924 |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And Early 20th Century American Movements |
| MPS | Rosenwald Schools in Virginia MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 04000847 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | August 11, 2004 |
The Nansemond County Training School, also known as Southwestern High School, was a very important school in Suffolk, Virginia. It was a special type of school called a Rosenwald School. These schools were built to help African-American students get a good education. This was during a time when schools were separated by race.
The school building was finished in 1924. It was a one-story building with a main part. It also had a covered porch and two side sections. The roof was made of tin. There was also a separate building. This building started as a cafeteria and later became an extra classroom.
This school was the first public high school for African-American students in Nansemond County, Virginia. It taught students from elementary grades all the way through high school. The school closed its doors after the 1969–70 school year. Because of its history, the school was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.
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What Was a Rosenwald School?
Rosenwald Schools were schools built for African-American children in the early 1900s. They were created thanks to a partnership. This partnership was between Booker T. Washington and Julius Rosenwald. Rosenwald was the head of Sears, Roebuck and Company.
At that time, many Southern states had separate schools for white and Black students. Schools for Black students often had very little money. They had poor buildings and few supplies. Julius Rosenwald wanted to help. He set up a fund to build better schools.
The Rosenwald Fund helped build over 5,000 schools. These schools were in 15 Southern states. They helped millions of African-American children get a better education. The Nansemond County Training School was one of these important schools.
A Place for Learning
The Nansemond County Training School opened in 1924. It was built to serve students from Nansemond County. Before this school, many African-American students had limited access to high school. This school changed that.
It was designed to teach both younger and older students. This meant it had classrooms for primary grades. It also had classrooms for secondary (high school) grades. The school provided a full education for its students.
The school building itself was well-designed. It had a central block and wings. This layout was common for schools built during that time. The separate cafeteria building was also important. It provided a place for students to eat. Later, it was used as an extra classroom.
Why Was the School Important?
The Nansemond County Training School played a big role in its community. It gave African-American students a chance to get a good education. This was especially important during a time of segregation. Segregation meant that Black and white people were kept separate.
The school helped students learn and grow. It prepared them for future jobs and college. Many students who attended the school went on to do great things. The school was a center for the community. It was a place where students could feel safe and supported.
The school closed after the 1969–70 school year. This was due to changes in school systems. However, its legacy lives on. It is remembered as a place that offered hope and opportunity.
Preserving History
In 2004, the Nansemond County Training School was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places in the United States. These places are important in American history. Being on this list helps protect the school building. It also helps people remember its story.
The school building has been undergoing reconstruction. This work helps to preserve it for the future. It ensures that this important piece of history will not be forgotten. It reminds us of the challenges and triumphs of education in the past.
