Exhibits & Archives

Preserving the Legacy of African American Education at The Mitchellville School

The Mitchellville School stands as a testament to the resilience, determination, and pursuit of education within the African American community. Our exhibits and archives tell the powerful stories of students, teachers, and families who fought for equality and opportunity through education.

Explore our carefully curated collections that document this important chapter in American history, from historical photographs and documents to personal testimonies and artifacts that bring the past to life.

Current Exhibits

The Classroom Experience

Step into a recreated 1920s classroom featuring original desks, textbooks, and teaching materials used by students and educators at The Mitchellville School.

✓ Original wooden desks and benches
✓ Vintage textbooks and primers
✓ Teaching tools and supplies
✓ Student artwork and assignments

Faces of Mitchellville

A powerful photographic journey documenting students, teachers, and community members who shaped the school’s rich history from 1890-1960.

✓ Class photographs (1890-1960)
✓ Teacher portraits and biographies
✓ School events and ceremonies
✓ Community gatherings

Documents of Determination

Original documents revealing the struggle for equal education, including correspondence, legal records, and personal letters that tell the story of perseverance.

✓ School enrollment records
✓ Letters and correspondence
✓ Report cards and certificates
✓ Historical newspaper clippings

Research Archives

Our archives house an extensive collection of materials available for research, education, and community engagement. These resources provide invaluable insights into African American educational history.

📑 Manuscript Collections

Personal papers, diaries, and letters from teachers, students, and administrators spanning seven decades of educational history.

🎙️ Oral History Project

Recorded interviews with former students, teachers, and community members sharing their experiences and memories of The Mitchellville School.

📊 Statistical Records

Enrollment data, attendance records, and demographic information documenting the school’s growth and impact on the community.

🖼️ Digital Collection

Digitized photographs, documents, and artifacts accessible online for researchers and educators worldwide.

Featured Artifacts

The School Bell

Circa 1905

The original brass bell that called students to class for over 50 years. Its clear tone marked the beginning and end of countless days of learning and discovery.

McGuffey Reader

1890s Edition

One of the first textbooks used at the school, showing wear from generations of eager students learning to read. Contains handwritten notes in the margins.

Teacher’s Ledger

1920-1925

A meticulously kept attendance and grade book revealing the dedication of teachers who tracked every student’s progress despite limited resources.

Visit Our Exhibits

Experience the history firsthand. Our exhibits are open to the public and available for educational tours, research appointments, and community events.

Hours

Tue-Sat, 10AM-4PM

Admission

Free & Open to All

Tours

By Appointment

Schedule Your Visit

Research & Archive Access

Scholars, students, and community members are welcome to access our archives for research purposes. Our staff is available to assist with your inquiries and provide guidance on our collections.

Contact the Archives:

Email: [email protected] | Phone: (555) 123-4567