Martindale - Brightwood in Indianapolis in Marion County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
John Hope School No. 26
Photographed By Tom Bosse, November 20, 2022
1. John Hope School No. 26 Marker (Front)
Amid Jim Crow segregation, School No. 26 was established in 1901, providing Black children with academic and vocational education. In addition to offering grades K through 9, the school served as a community center. Prioritizing inclusivity, School 26 welcomed youth with disabilities, migrants from Southern states, and adults deprived of educational opportunities.
In 1922, the Paul Laurence Dunbar Library opened in School No. 26 (renamed John Hope School). Directed by pioneering Black librarian Lillian C. Hall, the library served as a neighborhood hub for Black literature, culture, and history. Despite laws passed in the 1940s, desegregation of city schools like John Hope did not begin until the 1970s with mandatory busing.
Erected 2022 by Indiana Historical Bureau, The Oaks Academy, Alumni and Friends of John Hope School No. 26. (Marker Number 49.2022.2.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1901.
Location. 39° 47.307′ N, 86° 8.201′ W. Marker is in Indianapolis, Indiana, in Marion County. It is in Martindale - Brightwood.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Indianapolis Public Library Branch No. 6 (approx. half a mile away); North Western Christian University (approx. half a mile away); Robert F. Kennedy Speech on Death of Martin L. King (approx. half a mile away); Ovid Butler, Sr. (approx. 0.7 miles away); The Old Northside (approx. 0.7 miles away); Woodruff Place (approx. 0.9 miles away); Camp Morton (approx. 0.9 miles away); Meredith Nicholson (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Indianapolis.
Photographed By Tom Bosse, November 20, 2022
2. John Hope School No. 26 Marker (Back)
Photographed By Tom Bosse, November 20, 2022
3. John Hope School No. 26 Marker
Photographed By Tom Bosse
4. John Hope School No. 26
Photographed By Tom Bosse, November 20, 2022
5. Paul Laurence Dunbar Library
Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 21, 2022, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 95 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 21, 2022, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
