Historic Russell School: Movie on the Lawn, and Tour

Historic Russell School, 2001 Saint Marys Road, Hillsborough, is presenting a free event in September. Read on for the details about this event, as well as some information about this historic building. 

The Russell School is the last remaining Rosenwald School in Durham County.

Rosenwald Schools were built in the early 20th century during a time when segregation prohibited black children from getting an eduction. Rosenwald Schools were a collaboration of many people, including Booker T. Washington and Julius Rosenwald, who believed that black children in the rural south should have access to a formal education. 

Over 5,000 Rosenwald Schools were built from 1913 to 1932 throughout the south. Julius Rosenwald, president of Sears, Roebuck & Co contributed over 4.3 million dollars, and African-American communities contributed over 4.7 million dollars to build the schools.

The Historic Russell School was named for one of the major neighborhood supporters, Thomas Russell. It was built in the 1926 and continued to operate until 1945, when it closed. While the school was open, hundreds of children were educated, bringing to fruition the vision and dedication of those who believed that high-quality education should be available to everyone.

The two-room school was equipped to have two teachers. It has high windows, hardwood floors, two cloakrooms (one in each room), and a small kitchen facing the front of the building. The original chalkboards survive as does one of the desks.

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