Persistence, Purpose, & Preservation: Rosenwald Schools in Anne Arundel County

This innovative project sheds light on these nationally significant historic resources.

Twenty-three Rosenwald schools were built in Anne Arundel County between 1921 and 1932. Rosenwald schools were established to educate African American children during the Jim Crow era. In 1912, businessman and philanthropist Julius Rosenwald, part-owner and leader of Sears, Roebuck and Co., connected with Booker T. Washington to assist in funding a program in line with Washington's belief of self-help for African American southerners that emphasized economic advancement through vocational education. Together they joined with African American communities in the South, including the State of Maryland, to build schools during the early part of the 20th century.


photograph of two old schools

In the National Register of Historic Places

Explore the National Register Multi-Property Documentation Form and learn more about their important history.


old photograph of school children