Williamsburg Bray School facts for kids
The Williamsburg Bray School was a special school for Black children in Williamsburg, Virginia. It opened in 1760. Both free Black children and enslaved Black children went to this school. The small building where the school was located is thought to be the oldest building in the United States used specifically for educating Black children. From 1760 until it closed in 1774, about 400 students learned there.
Contents
The Story of the Williamsburg Bray School
How the School Started
The school was started by a group from England called the Associates of the Late Dr. Bray. This group was connected to the Church of England. A famous American, Benjamin Franklin, was part of this group. He suggested that places like Williamsburg would be good for a school. The Associates rented a building from Dudley Digges to use as the school.
Where Was the School Located?
The school building was first located near The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg. It was at the corner of Boundary Street and Prince George Street. In 1765, the school moved out of that building. On May 8, 1930, the school building was moved to the college campus. It was placed at 524 Prince George Street.
Discovering the Original Building
For many years, people did not know if this was the exact original school building. But in 2020, scientists used a special method called dendrochronology. This method dates wood by looking at its tree rings. They found that the wood used to build the school came from trees cut in the winter of 1759-60. This proved it was indeed the original building!
Who Went to the School?
The school taught both free Black children and enslaved Black children. For enslaved students to attend, their enslavers had to give permission.
What Did Students Learn?
The schoolmistress, Ann Wager, taught all the students. Their lessons were strongly based on the Bible and religious writings. Learning to read was a very important part of the school's teaching. Students might have also learned to write. Girls who attended the school were also taught useful skills like knitting and sewing.
The School's Trustees and Closure
Robert Carter Nicholas Sr. was a trustee for the school. He communicated with the Dr. Bray's Associates group in England. The Williamsburg Bray School closed its doors in 1774.
