Welcome

Thanks to the work of pioneering grassroots activists and the National Trust’s Rosenwald Schools Initiative, Rosenwald schools have begun to be identified, preserved and celebrated.

Key to the success of the rehabilitation of the Historic Mars Hill Anderson Rosenwald School is the outstanding support provided by Madison County Schools, Mars Hill University, and the dedication of the Friends of the Anderson Rosenwald School. Grants are being sought to help preserve the 100 year-old school and return it to an active role at the center of the community.

Note: Throughout this site, the historically outmoded terms “colored” and “negro” are used. Our use of these terms is purely academic and made in reference to historical documents and other research. The usage of these derogatory terms is not encouraged or condoned and is deemed inappropriate.

Latest News

The classroom

July 2023 Meeting

Greetings MHARS Friends (Past, Present, and Future), It has been sometime since we have gathered to reflect on the 14-year journey of rehabilitating the MHARS. Through each of your dedicated efforts over these years, the ...

Unlocking the Doors of Opportunity Now Showing on PBS

A documentary about the Rosenwald Schools of NC. In the early 1900s, North Carolina and other Southern states largely ignored their responsibility to provide education for rural Black children. Unlocking the Doors of Opportunity illustrates ...

Exhibit of Paintings by Charity Ray

Opening at Mars Landing Galleries on Saturday, March 25 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Among the many distinguished alumni of the Mars Hill Anderson Rosenwald School is local watercolor artist Charity Ray. She devoted her ...
The blackboard at the historic school, which has been rehabilitated.

Madison County Educators Visit Restored, Historic School for Black Students

by Tammy Watford, WLOS - Educators in Madison County recently came together to see a piece of history made new again. The Mars Hill Anderson Rosenwald School was built in 1928 in the Long Ridge ...
The historic Mars Hill Anderson Rosenwald School

Historic Site in Madison County Supports NC African American Studies

by Charles Perez, WLOS - Educators in Madison County came together Tuesday, February 14, 2023 to discover a unique location now available to them in the teaching of African American history. The site, recently rehabilitated, ...

Sarah Hart: School Day Memories

Sarah Hart, an alumni of the historic Mars Hill Anderson Rosenwald School, speaks at the schools commencement celebration. The event took place Wednesday, September 21, 2022 in Broyhill Chapel on the campus of Mars Hill ...