Construction of original school started in 1885
The Banneker School Restoration Project is announcing a Juneteenth Membership Drive on Saturday, June 18 at the West Shelter in English Landing Park (next to McKeon Stage).
The public is invited to join to become a member of Banneker School and to learn more about the school and restoration project. For $125 you become a base member of Banneker School and sponsor a capital campaign brick (see below). You can also enjoy hot dogs, lemonade, and popcorn.
Historical background of Banneker School:
Construction of the original Banneker School commenced in 1885. Prior to construction, post-Civil War African American children in the Parkville area were educated in the basement of Parkville’s Missouri Valley Hotel, then in Park College’s Bergen Hall. It was determined the children needed their own facility, and land previously purchased by Park College was allocated for the construction of a one-room school to educate African American children. Students at Park College (now Park University) manufactured the bricks in the college kilns.
Information about the Brick-by-Brick Capital Campaign:
The Banneker School Foundation’s upcoming capital campaign goal is to raise $575,200 to restore the school. The campaign goal is tied to the 5,752 bricks used to construct the school. The bricks are numbered and sponsorships sell for $100 each. Each $100 sponsorship includes a certificate with a brick number and the approximate location of the brick on the school.
Visit the web site at bannekerschoolparkvillemo.org to become a member and to sponsor your own brick.