Pocomoke City in Worcester County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Sturgis One-Room School Museum
African-American History on the Shore
Students in grades 1-7 learned their ABCs in this classic one-room school
Originally located on Brantley Road east of Pocomoke City, the Sturgis School is one of the last remaining one-room school buildings built to educate African-American children in Worcester County. Dating to around 1900, the single-story frame structure is similar to schools erected during the 19th century with its one-room plan, six-over-six sash windows, and plain weatherboard siding. The interior remains with its characteristic board wainscoting below the window sill level and a plastered finish above. One teacher taught children in grades 1 through 7. Built on land owned by William Sturgis, the school operated until 1937 when the Stephen Long School opened in town. The Sturgis School then became a residence and was eventually abandoned until preservation-minded individuals and organizations joined efforts to relocate and restore the school as a local museum in 1998.
Erected by Maryland Heritage Area Authority.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1900.
Location. 38° 4.54′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on the Eastern Shore. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic, on the Delmarva Peninsula, and in the Tidewater. 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 one of the original Thirteen Colonies and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Mar-Va Theater (within shouting distance of this marker); The Shapes of Ships (within shouting distance of this marker); River Trades & Traditions / River Lore & Legend (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); In Memory of the Deceased Who Served to Protect Our Country (about 400 feet away); Loblolly Pine (about 600 feet away); Olive Marie Lippoldt
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 11, 2025
2. Sturgis One-Room School Museum Marker
The marker stands next to the right set of stairs.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Sturgis One Room School (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker.
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 11, 2025
3. Sturgis One-Room School Museum as seen from Willow Street
Credits. This page was last revised on October 12, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 12, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 58 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 12, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
