Peabody Building of the Peabody-Williams School facts for kids
Peabody Building of the Peabody-Williams School
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![]() Peabody Building of the Peabody-Williams School, Jones St. Petersburg, next to new Peabody Middle School
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Location | Jones St., Petersburg, Virginia |
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Area | less than one acre |
Built | 1920 |
Architect | Charles M. Robinson |
NRHP reference No. | 00000891 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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Added to NRHP | August 2, 2000 |
The Peabody Building of the Peabody-Williams School is a special historic school building. It is located in Petersburg, Virginia. This building opened in 1920. It was a public high school for African American students. At that time, schools in Petersburg were segregated. This meant Black and White students went to separate schools.
The building was designed by a famous Virginia architect named Charles M. Robinson. It is a two-story building made of red brick. It was once part of a bigger school campus. This campus also had a junior high school and an elementary school. The Peabody Building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. This list recognizes important historical places in the United States. The old Peabody Building is now closed. A new middle school was built right next to it, and that school is still used today.
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A School for Learning
The Peabody Building was built to help students learn. It was a place where African American teenagers could get a high school education. This was very important during a time when equal opportunities were not always available. The school helped many students prepare for their futures.
Who Designed the Building?
The architect, Charles M. Robinson, was well-known. He designed many schools across Virginia. His designs often focused on making schools functional and welcoming. The Peabody Building shows his skill in creating strong, useful buildings.
What is Segregation?
Segregation means keeping groups of people separate. In the past, many places in the United States had laws that separated people by race. This included schools, buses, and even water fountains. The Peabody Building was created because of these laws. It provided a dedicated space for African American students to learn. These laws were later changed, and segregation is now illegal.
A Historic Landmark
The Peabody Building is important because of its history. It represents a time when education was a challenge for some groups. It also shows the efforts made to provide schooling for all students. Being on the National Register of Historic Places means it is recognized as a significant part of American history.
Why is it Important Today?
Even though the building is closed, it reminds us of the past. It helps us understand how education has changed over time. It also honors the students and teachers who were part of the Peabody School. It stands as a symbol of the community's dedication to learning.