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 School is looking like new again.
As with any project, we have faced many obstacles and hurdles, but we lived up to our commitment to rehabilitate the school so it could be nominated for the National Register of Historic Places. We accomplished this task and the MHARS is now listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. It is an honor to be listed as a property “significant in American history, architecture, archaeology and culture.” In my research on NC Rosenwald Schools, our school is one of only a few in North Carolina to be on the National Register. This is truly a prestigious way for alumni, faculty, and the community to be honored.
In addition to the rehabilitation, with Richard’s leadership of the History Committee, an amazing history book has been written, published, and is available for purchase. I am hearing great reviews from folks who have purchased a copy of “Our Story, This Place.”
We are now ready to move forward with the third phase of our commitment, establishing an interpretive museum. As soon as we get the official Certificate of Occupancy, we will be ready to share the History of the Mars Hill Anderson Rosenwald School and the Long Ridge Community through docent led, in person tours or online programming through the World Wide Web. How awesome is that!
Not only is the MHARS historic, according to national research, our school is the only one, nationwide, to still be owned and operated by the school system that received Rosenwald Funds to help build the school. While Madison County Schools have been in a supporting role throughout the rehabilitation, their role has now shifted. The Board of Education, Dr. Hoffman, and his leadership team will be directing the programming taking place in the Mars Hill Anderson Rosenwald School. I am trusting each of us will stand ready to help as we move into this important phase.
A meeting has been scheduled for 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at the MHARS. The Agenda will include 3 major items. (1) How we can support the School System with programming; (2) Planning School Events during Homecoming Weekend, and; (3) Planning for celebrating the 95th anniversary of the School in September.
Please join us at the Mars Hill Anderson Rosenwald School.
My Best to You,
Willa