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The Rosenwald Revamped Story

Rosenwald Revamped was established on November 5, 2022, following news that the Rosenwald-Felts school could potentially be sold. This organization is committed to restoring the school’s legacy, ensuring it remains meaningful to both current residents and future generations. The group seeks to honor the heritage of all children who attended Rosenwald-Felts, preserving their stories and contributions for years to come.

Our Mission

Preserving African American history while turning lives around with open doors.

Dedication Pays Off

Rosenwald Revamped is now officially recognized as a certified nonprofit organization with tax-exempt status. The school has achieved historic landmark designation and is acknowledged by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources as a Historic Register site.

This recognition underscores the importance of the Rosenwald-Felts school in the community’s history and its enduring legacy

3rd Grade Rosenwald Felts School
3rd Grade Class

The central mission of Rosenwald Revamped is to transform the school building into a vibrant educational center, a community service hub, and a museum. These plans are designed to preserve the building’s role as the heart of the local African-American community. We are deeply committed to restoring the school’s legacy so that it remains meaningful and accessible to current residents, while honoring the heritage of every child who attended the school for generations to come.

Booker T Washington and Julius Rosenwald
Booker T. Washington (left), Julius Rosenwald (right)

What is a Rosenwald School?

A Rosenwald School was one of nearly 5,000 schools built for Black children in the segregated rural South between 1912 and 1932, funded by philanthropist Julius Rosenwald (Sears Roebuck president) in partnership with educator Booker T. Washington, providing crucial education where public schools were inadequate. These schools significantly improved Black literacy and opportunity across 15 states.

Booker T. Washington was the first African-American on a U.S. Postage Stamp. The Booker T. Washington National Monument is located near Smith Mountain Lake in Franklin County, Virginia where Washington was born into slavery in April 1856. He would later found the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama.
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