Rosenwald Schoolhouse

This 3,150-square-foot schoolhouse replicates a 1920s Rosenwald Schoolhouse, and was designed for Burritt on the Mountain. Such schoolhouses were built across the country to educate underserved, rural African American children. Incorporating as many features and materials as would have been used in the original building, this replica also had to meet current codes and standards. Composite lap siding stands in for wood siding, and white-clad wood double-hung windows give the original look and require less maintenance. Reclaimed flooring was hand-selected, kiln-dried and milled with new tongue-and-groove profiles while maintaining the undisturbed face patina. Bead board covers the walls and high ceilings, which are punctuated with schoolhouse globe light fixtures. There are two classrooms with a period-appropriate folding partition, restrooms, an industrial room, and an office. The end product is well-executed and well-crafted, solidly built, and will be a much-valued addition to the Burritt’s wide array of exhibits.