The historic Cornland School, once known as the 'Benefit Colored School', has reopened its doors as a museum in Chesapeake, Virginia, evoking joy among its former students.
Renovation Journey: Built in 1902 to provide education to African American students during a time of segregation, the one-room schoolhouse had fallen into disrepair near the Great Dismal Swamp. However, recent renovation efforts have revitalized the structure, turning it into a living museum for the public to explore once again.
Alumni Reunion: Earlier this year, surviving alumni expressed their hopes of witnessing the completion of the renovations in their lifetime. Their dreams came true as they gathered on Saturday to walk through the halls of their beloved school, closing a chapter of anticipation and nostalgia.
Resilience Amid Challenges: Alma Mildred Brown, one of the elders at 95, marveled at the transformation of the school. Despite facing adversity in the form of racism and discrimination during their schooling, the alumni stood strong in their commitment to education.
Honoring Community Legacy: The Cornland School now stands as a cornerstone in a historical village project near the Great Dismal Swamp, preserving the region's rich past. With funding exceeding $1.8 million from federal and state sources, the reopening of the school as a museum signifies a profound step in cherishing the community's history and applauding the perseverance of its former students.