Downtown in Binghamton in Broome County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

School No. 8

First Public School for Black Children

Photographed by Charles Berman, October 3, 2024

1. School No. 8 Marker

Inscription. Before the enslaved population gained their freedom in the American south, the City of Binghamton had a school for Black children established in 1861. In this way Binghamton was an early pioneer in the education of Black youth. The school was located at the corner of Hawley and Jay St. The daughter in law of Frederick Douglass was one of the first teachers and the acclaimed African American educator and activist, Edmonia Highgate, was its first principal.

Erected by Binghamton University Harriet Tubman Center for Freedom and Equity.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1861.

Location. 42° 5.933′ N, 75° 54.32′ W. Marker is in Binghamton, New York, in Broome County. It is in Downtown. It is on Jay Street just north of Hawley Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4 Jay St, Binghamton NY 13901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York

and in the Southern Tier.

It is also in the American Northeast,

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in the Mid-Atlantic,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Phelps Mansion Museum (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Phelps Mansion Black Veteran's Contribution (about 600 feet away); AME Zion Church (about 700 feet away); Chester B. Lord (about 700 feet away); Carpenter-Hunt Building (about 700 feet away); Alfred Dunk House (approx. 0.2 miles away); African American Community (approx. 0.2 miles away); Centenary Church (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Binghamton.

Photographed by Charles Berman, October 3, 2024

2. School No. 8 Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 4, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 4, 2024, by Charles Berman of Binghamton, New York. This page has been viewed 369 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 4, 2024, by Charles Berman of Binghamton, New York. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.