Rosenwald Schools Initiative
Rosenwald Schools, A National Treasure
National Treasures are a growing portfolio of irreplaceable places that epitomize the American story, but face distinct threats. The entire National Trust for Historic Preservation is working to save them.
As a collection of important and endangered resources, Rosenwald Schools were awarded National Treasure status in 2011, when we began focusing the work of the entire organization around saving a portfolio of threatened places. Our mission to save Rosenwald Schools remains the same. Our strategy is more focused and powerful.
Visit SavingPlaces.org for more frequent updates on our important work through the Rosenwald School National Treasure program. Share your own personal stories and comments. Help us save the past and enrich the future.
Revised: Preserving Rosenwald Schools Booklet
Preserving Rosenwald Schools by Mary S. Hoffschwelle (2003; revised 2012) now features new case studies and a pull-out Grassroots Guide to Preserving Rosenwald Schools containing useful step-by-step hints on how best to think about rehabilitating your school. Download the PDF or request a copy by emailing Rosenwald@nthp.org.
About the Rosenwald Schools
The Rosenwald School Building Program has been called the "most influential philanthropic force that came to the aid of Negroes at that time." It began in 1912 and eventually provided seed grants for the construction of more than 5,300 buildings in 15 states, including schools, shops, and teachers' houses which were built by and for African Americans.
- History
- School Buildings
- Find a School
(Fisk University Database) - Podcast: Voices of Rosenwald Schools
