Whitney Young Birthplace and Museum facts for kids
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Whitney M. Young, Jr. Birthplace
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Side of the house
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 Location in Kentucky
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Simpsonville, Kentucky |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1921 |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000543 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 18, 1972 |
| Designated NHL | April 27, 1984 |
The Whitney Young Birthplace and Museum is a special historic house. It is located on the campus of the former Lincoln Institute in rural Shelby County, Kentucky. This house was the birthplace and childhood home of Whitney M. Young, Jr. (1921-1971). He was an important American civil rights leader.
Young became famous for leading the National Urban League from 1961 to 1971. Today, the Lincoln Foundation manages the house. This foundation is the group that continued the work of the Lincoln Institute. The house now serves as a museum, teaching visitors about its history and Whitney Young's life. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and became a National Historic Landmark in 1984.
Contents
What is the Whitney Young Birthplace?
The Whitney Young Birthplace is a two-story house. It is made of wood and has a simple design. The outside is covered with clapboard siding. A porch stretches across the front of the house. This porch is held up by square columns.
A Look at the Lincoln Institute
The Lincoln Institute was started in 1912 by Berea College. This happened because Kentucky passed a law that did not allow colleges to have students of different races together. The Lincoln Institute operated until 1966. The Whitney Young Birthplace stands on the land where this important school once was.
Whitney Young's Early Life and Impact
Whitney Young was born in this house in 1921. He lived there through his high school years. As the leader of the National Urban League from 1961 to 1971, Young worked hard to make life better for African Americans. He helped improve their chances for good housing, education, and jobs.
After Whitney Young passed away in 1971, his birthplace became a special place to remember him. The house remained owned by the Lincoln Institute and then by its successor, the Lincoln Foundation.
Visiting the Museum Today
Today, the house is a museum. Inside, you can see many photographs, articles, and other items. These displays tell the story of Whitney Young and the Lincoln Institute. You can visit the museum through the Whitney M. Young Jr. Jobs Corps Center. This center is part of the United States Department of Labor.
