Field Trip – Rosenwald Schools of Jefferson County

Cost: Members $50; Non-members $60

Join us for a bus tour of the remaining Rosenwald schools of Jefferson County. Between 1917-1930, seven
Rosenwald schools were built in Jefferson County, Louisville. Only three remain today. Former Rosenwald students, historians, and caretakers of sites will meet us on location to share the stories of this important part of African American education in the early 20th century.

The tour includes a visit to the Division Street School in New Albany, IN. Division Street School was one of the first elementary schools in Indiana for African American children with construction beginning in June of 1884, and it operated as a school until May 1946. Although not a Rosenwald School, it shared a similar fate with Rosenwald schools, but survived the test of time because of a community that recognized its importance in American history. It now serves as a museum of African American life and education in New Albany.

Andrew Feiler, photographer, and documenter of Rosenwald Schools will join us on the trip along with Dr. Alicestyne Turley who published “Rosenwald Schools in Kentucky 1917-1932” for the Kentucky Heritage Council and The Kentucky African American Heritage Commission in 1997.

The ticket price includes a box lunch and transportation during the tour. The tour will depart from the Filson Historical Society at 9:00 am and return at 4:00 pm.

This program is made possible by the Jewish Heritage Fund.