RenovateVictorianNegroSchool1890

In 1888 the white citizens of Tipton, Missouri wanted to build a new school house and finance it through the passing of a levy. However; for the levy to pass, they needed the votes of the negro men within their community. To gain the negro votes white citizens promised that the negro community would also receive a new school building.  In 1890 the Harrison School, a Victorian style building constructed of brick and stone hand carved by former slaves, was built for the negros.

Today we plan to preserve and protect the history of the Harrison School, which served to educate former slaves and their descendants, many of whom have gone on to heroically serve their communities and country. In doing so, this historical landmark will demonstrate to all that you can be born into bondage, earn emancipation, engage in the system that once held you captive, earn degrees, and become leaders in the world and the community.

We plan to restore the entire schoolhouse, which will consist of three rooms and the basement. One room will become a replica of a late 19th-century classroom so that today's generations can get a glimpse of what segregated education looked like.  A second room will become the Galveston Shipley library, named after an alumnae, teacher and principal for 32 years of the school.  The library will display family histories of the students of the Harrison School and other literature attesting to our shared history. The library will also be available to scholars and students wishing to do research. The final room will serve as a community room, that others may rent for community functions. In addition, throughout the school visitors will be able to view pictures and artifacts from distinguishing alumnae of the school and the school itself.

All donations will explicitly be used for the restoration of this historical building.