The historic Leesburg building originally served Black elementary through high school students until closing its doors in 1958. After the property was declared surplus and transferred to county ownership in 2019, contractors spent $6.2 million refurbishing the structure. Renovations successfully preserved the original stonework, historic windows, and flooring while integrating modern restrooms and an elevator-equipped accessible entrance. Daily operations and ongoing maintenance will now be overseen by the Loudoun Freedom Center under a county lease agreement.
Key points
The Loudoun Freedom Center will oversee daily maintenance, site operations, and security…: The Loudoun Freedom Center will oversee daily maintenance, site operations, and security under the county's Resident Curator Program.
Renovations preserved original historic elements including windows, flooring, and stonewo…: Renovations preserved original historic elements including windows, flooring, and stonework while introducing accessibility features like an elevator.
The reopened facility serves as both an educational resource on segregation and an active…: The reopened facility serves as both an educational resource on segregation and an active venue for community meetings and activities.
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A historic school in Virginia that once provided education to Black children during the Jim Crow era has reopened as a museum and community centre. The former Union Street School in Leesburg has undergone a major refurbishment, giving the 1884 building a new purpose after decades of use as a storage facility. The museum officially opened on November 14, following a restoration project costing approximately £4.7 million ($6.2 million), according to the Loudoun County government project page.
A new era as a community hub
The building, located in the heart of Leesburg, has been given a new role while keeping its historical importance. According to the Loudoun County project page, it will serve two main purposes: a museum and a community space. The museum will help visitors learn about Black education and community life in Loudoun County during racial segregation. The building will also provide space for community meetings and other local activities. The county's official project description says the work aimed to protect the building's historic structure while making it suitable for a working museum and educational centre. The…
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