Preserving African American Schools in South Carolina

Preserving African American Schools

Learn More About Rosenwald schools, Equalization schools and HBCUs

Historic African American schools (including Rosenwalds, Equalization schools, and others) were not only sites of education – they were places of pride, mentorship, camaraderie, sports rivalries, and community gatherings. Alumni speak fondly of their schools, but due first to equalization and later integration, many of these schools fell into disrepair. Preserving the heritage of African American schools also preserves a historic moment in time.

Within this Schools topic page you will find resources curated from across the SC Preservation Toolkit related specifically to preserving African American Schools, such as Rosenwald Schools and SC Equalization Schools. Whether you are new to this work or a long-time advocate, this page’s blog posts on school preservation projects, related How-To Guides, helpful resource links, and relevant Tools will help you be successful in preserving your local African American school.

Knowledge Center

Reclaiming Narratives – My Journey as a Black Female Historian

What does it take to become a leader in historic preservation as a HBCU student? Enfinitee Irving, a SC State Alumni, talks about her experience in a field where representation is key to opening the doors for others to explore the important work of preservation.

Completing Structural Maintenance Work with Ruffin Rosenwald School

It’s not easy maintaining a structure. John Stephens highlights the necessity of partnerships and the challenges to keeping an old Rosenwald School building operational.

Carlisle Santuc Equalization School Transforms into Renaissance Park

Savings spaces through innovative ideas includes reinvinting areas that no longer exist. Renaissance Park pays homage to the Carlisle Santuc School by building a park for local families with ties to the Equalization School.

How To Guides

Explore a range of best practices, tips and tricks with our handy “how to” guides before you start your preservation project.

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How to Acquire a State Historical Marker

A guide to the process of applying for, reviewing, and installing a State Historical Marker for your historic space.

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How to Apply for the National Register of Historic Places

A guide to the process of preparing for, researching, writing, and the review stages for getting your historic space listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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How to Start a Preservation Project

A guide on beginning a project to save your local historic space or place.

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How to Apply for a Preservation Grant

A guide to setting the stage for your project to get preservation funding.

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Helpful Resources

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Preservation Topics

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Preserving African American Schools in South Carolina