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Dedication of the Freedmen's Schoolhouse in Smithfield
Date and Time
Fri, Jun 19, 11:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Venue
First Missionary Baptist Church, Smithfield
Address
403 Caswell Street, Smithfield, NC
(248.4 mi)
Price
FREE
Description
Join the Historic Smithfield Foundation for a significant cultural milestone as we host the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the restored Freedmen's Schoolhouse. This historic landmark, originally constructed in 1868-1869 by the Freedmen's Bureau, stands as the only known surviving schoolhouse of its kind in North Carolina. The event begins at 11 a.m. on June 19, 2026, at the First Missionary Baptist Church.
We are honored to welcome keynote speaker Dr. Crystal R. Sanders, an award-winning historian and professor whose expertise in African American history and civil rights provides a powerful perspective on this site's importance. Following the address, guests are invited to participate in the official ribbon-cutting ceremony and explore the schoolhouse during guided tours at 308 North Fourth Street.
This preservation achievement represents nearly a decade of collaboration and community dedication to honoring our local heritage. We warmly invite students, history enthusiasts, and the entire public to witness this inspiring tribute to education and resilience. Please mark your calendars for this momentous celebration of history, and join us in ensuring the legacy of the Freedmen's Schoolhouse continues to educate future generations.
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