The Eleanor Roosevelt School in Warm Springs, Georgia, stands as a significant chapter in American history. As the last Rosenwald school ever built, it represents the culmination of a transformative educational movement that reshaped the South.
The Rosenwald Schools were the product of an extraordinary partnership between Julius Rosenwald, a Jewish-American philanthropist and then-president of Sears, Roebuck & Company, and Booker T. Washington, a prominent African American leader and educator. Their meeting on May 18, 1911, sparked a movement across 15 southern states that would change the educational landscape for African Americans. Through the efforts of Rosenwald and the Julius Rosenwald Fund, over 4,978 schools, 163 shops, and 217 teachers' homes were constructed between 1912 and 1937, providing quality education to over 660,000 African American children.
The Eleanor Roosevelt School, commissioned by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and named in honor of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, was the last of these schools. Its creation marked the end of an era, yet its legacy continues to inspire.
Our mission is to restore this historic school and preserve its legacy for future generations. Through our efforts, we aim to transform the Eleanor Roosevelt School into a state-of-the-art immersive museum and community center. This space will not only honor the rich history of the Rosenwald Schools but also serve as a hub for educational programs, community engagement, and cultural preservation.
Join us as we work to restore this iconic institution and ensure that the stories, struggles, and triumphs of those who walked through its doors are never forgotten.
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