President’s Message
As interim President and Executive Director of the Woodville Rosenwald School Foundation, I am thrilled to be part of an extremely talented and committed group. I am excited to work with our team and community to preserve the history of African American schools in Gloucester County and to tell the stories of the students who attended them.
I would be remiss if I did not thank Dr. Wesley C. Wilson for his extraordinary leadership in what he called “Saving the Building from the Bulldozer.” As a former student at Churchville, a Rosenwald School in King William County, VA, that fell to the bulldozer, that quote rings true to what will happen if nothing is done to preserve these precious treasures. The quote motivated me. The Foundation would also like to thank our donors, former board members, and valued volunteers for their exceptional support and commitment.
Together we purchased the building from the Gloucester Economic Development Authority (EDA).
Together we installed a hardstand parking lot, renovated the building, upgraded it to meet the county’s building permit code, and received the building occupancy permit.
Together we recorded the oral histories of alumni of Gloucester’s Rosenwald Schools, including some now on display in the Virginia Museum of History and Culture’s current exhibit--A BETTER LIFE FOR THEIR CHILDREN: Julius Rosenwald, Booker T. Washington, and the 4,978 Schools That Changed America.
Now the fun begins. But the work continues. The building is accessible and available for community events. Per our strategic plan, we will grow and promote the building as a museum, create a library, and record more oral histories to tell the story of early African American education in Gloucester. We will continue to work with Gloucester County’s educators to design and implement an experiential curriculum for student field trips.
We are excited about what is to come. Soon, when you stop by for a visit you will be able to: tour our restored building; see modern displays that tell the T.C. Walker and Julius Rosenwald story; examine artifacts from archeological digs and view touch screens that display our oral history interviews.
Then help us tell the story. Tell others what you have seen and heard.
Sincerely,
Rev. E. Randolph Graham
Interim President and Executive Director
The Woodville Rosenwald School Foundation.
I would be remiss if I did not thank Dr. Wesley C. Wilson for his extraordinary leadership in what he called “Saving the Building from the Bulldozer.” As a former student at Churchville, a Rosenwald School in King William County, VA, that fell to the bulldozer, that quote rings true to what will happen if nothing is done to preserve these precious treasures. The quote motivated me. The Foundation would also like to thank our donors, former board members, and valued volunteers for their exceptional support and commitment.
Together we purchased the building from the Gloucester Economic Development Authority (EDA).
Together we installed a hardstand parking lot, renovated the building, upgraded it to meet the county’s building permit code, and received the building occupancy permit.
Together we recorded the oral histories of alumni of Gloucester’s Rosenwald Schools, including some now on display in the Virginia Museum of History and Culture’s current exhibit--A BETTER LIFE FOR THEIR CHILDREN: Julius Rosenwald, Booker T. Washington, and the 4,978 Schools That Changed America.
Now the fun begins. But the work continues. The building is accessible and available for community events. Per our strategic plan, we will grow and promote the building as a museum, create a library, and record more oral histories to tell the story of early African American education in Gloucester. We will continue to work with Gloucester County’s educators to design and implement an experiential curriculum for student field trips.
We are excited about what is to come. Soon, when you stop by for a visit you will be able to: tour our restored building; see modern displays that tell the T.C. Walker and Julius Rosenwald story; examine artifacts from archeological digs and view touch screens that display our oral history interviews.
Then help us tell the story. Tell others what you have seen and heard.
Sincerely,
Rev. E. Randolph Graham
Interim President and Executive Director
The Woodville Rosenwald School Foundation.
