Douglass School Project

Douglass School Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, whose mission is to preserve one of Lafayette County’s historic treasures – the Douglass African-American School, built in 1925. All donations go directly the renovation and repair of the building, under the direction of the Board of Directors. All gifts and donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. See “donations” page.

**********************

DOUGLASS SCHOOL PROJECT RECEIVES GRANT FROM

NATIONAL PARKS SERVICE

Douglass School Project of Higginsville, Missouri, proudly announces receipt of a grant from the National Parks Service. The award comes through the African American Civil Rights grant program, and is in the amount of $209,800. Part of this money has been earmarked for an historic structure survey which would outline steps to be taken to move forward with restoration  of the Douglass School. The remaining money would be used to replace exterior windows to prevent further damage to the building.

This project was started two years ago with the mission of restoring Douglass School and establishing a museum and learning center to preserve African American history in Lafayette County. In that time critical repairs were made to stabilize the structure, and extensive cleanup was completed. 

Douglass School Project was one of 39 projects to receive the AACR award, which focuses on the preservation of sites and stories direclty associated with the struggle of African Americans to gain equal rights. Since 2016 the National Park Service has provided over $126 million through this program to document, preserve, and recognize the places and stories associated with the struggle for civil rights of African Americans,” according to National Park Service Director Chuck Sams.

This project will rehabilitate the 1925 Douglass School building in Higginsville. This school served the African American students of Higginsville and the surrounding area until integration (Brown v. Board) in 1955. The number of buildings that served the African American community has dwindled significantly in the area, with only two (originally twenty)  such school buildings remaining in the county. A museum and learning center will be established in the building to preserve the rich history of the African American population in this region once known as Little Dixie.

Douglass School Project still appreciates donations to cover other costs associated with this undertaking. The community support to this date is deeply appreciated. To make a donation, please go to our website Douglass-School-Higg.org or send a check to “Douglass School Project,” 214 W. 17^th Street, Higginsville, MO 64037. 

We are pleased to announce that Douglass School Project has received a $2,100 grant from Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage (FFNHA) for the purpose of completing cleanup of the building and premises. When cleanup is complete, renovation will begin.

FFNHA is a federally funded nonprofit organization and affiliate of the National Park Service dedicated to building awareness of the struggle for freedom along the Missouri-Kansas border. Established by Congress in 2006, its nationally significant themes are the settlement of the frontier, the Missouri-Kansas Border War and Civil War, and the enduring struggle for freedom. These diverse, interwoven, and nationally important stories grew from a unique physical and cultural landscape. FFNHA inspires respect for multiple perspectives and empowers residents to preserve and share these stories. We achieve our goals through interpretation, preservation, conservation, and education for all residents and visitors.

Check us out on Facebook— https://www.facebook.com/DouglassSchool1925?mibextid=LQQJ4d