In a significant milestone for African American history and education in America, Williamsburg’s Bray School, recognized as the oldest Black school in the country, is set to reopen its doors to the public in September 2024. The reopening coincides with the 250th anniversary of the school’s closure, marking a momentous occasion for historical preservation and cultural heritage.
Originally housed on the campus of William & Mary, the restoration efforts for the 18th-century Bray School commenced after scholars identified its historical significance in 2020. This February, the Bray School building was relocated from the W&M campus to its new permanent home at the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area, paving the way for its anticipated reopening later this year.
As a collaborative endeavor between William & Mary and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, the Williamsburg Bray School Initiative aims to serve as a hub for research, scholarship, and dialogue on the intertwined legacy of race, religion, and education in Williamsburg and America at large.
Matt Webster, Executive Director of Architectural Preservation and Research at The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, emphasized the unique historical significance of the Bray School building. He highlighted its role as the oldest known surviving structure where Black children received education in the United States, offering valuable insights into the past lives and learning environments of its occupants.
Dating back to its establishment in 1760, the Bray School provided education to hundreds of Black children in Williamsburg, Virginia, including both free and enslaved individuals. Over its 14 years of operation, an estimated 300-400 students attended the school, leaving a lasting impact on generations to come.
Benjamin Franklin, chairman of the Anglican charity named after philanthropist Reverend Thomas Bray, played a pivotal role in recommending the establishment of the Bray School. The curriculum included essential texts such as the Book of Common Prayer and spellers, reflecting the educational practices of the time.
Following the Revolutionary War, the Bray School in Williamsburg ceased operations in 1774, with only Philadelphia’s Bray School reopening thereafter. The original structure served various purposes over the years before being integrated into William & Mary’s campus and eventually relocated to its current site.
As preparations for the reopening continue, stakeholders express hope that visitors will engage with the rich history of the Bray School to gain a deeper understanding of the past and its implications for the present and future. The reopening of the Bray School promises to be a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of African American education and resilience in America’s story.
