Bloomington in Monroe County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Benjamin Banneker School
Photographed By Duane Hall, May 23, 2014
1. Benjamin Banneker School Marker
(Side One)
African-American students went to “Colored School” on 6th Street, circa 1874-1915, under 1869 law. New elementary school for black students opened here December 7, 1915 with 93 students and 3 teachers. Gymnasium added 1941-1942. Schools integrated under 1949 Indiana law. Segregation at Banneker ended in 1951 despite protests from some citizens.
(Side Two)
Renamed Fairview Annex, integrated sixth grade classes with Banneker and Fairview students met here 1951-1954, until new integrated Fairview School was completed. By 1955, this building became Westside Community Center. In 1994, after major renovation, it was renamed Benjamin Banneker Community Center to commemorate its history as segregated school.
Erected 2008 by Indiana Historical Bureau, Bloomington’s Black Business & Professional Association, Repairing the Breach Committee, and the City of Bloomington. (Marker Number 53.2008.2.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Education. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers series list. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1853.
Location. 39° 10.124′ N, 86° 32.699′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Johnson's Creamery (approx. 0.4 miles away); Railroads and Industry (approx. 0.4 miles away); Inns and Taverns Cater to New Travelers (approx. half a mile away); Captain Kathryn Janeway (approx. half a mile away); The Monon Railroad (approx. half a mile away); Warren Henegar (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Mobley-Buskirk-Hill Building (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Buskirk-Hill Building (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bloomington.
Also see . . . IHB Annotations. The Indiana Historical Bureau provides annotations for the text of the marker on their website. (Submitted on June 3, 2014.)
Photographed By Duane Hall, May 23, 2014
2. Benjamin Banneker School Marker
Photographed By Duane Hall, May 23, 2014
3. Benjamin Banneker School
Photographed By Duane Hall, May 23, 2014
4. Entrance to Benjamin Banneker School
Photographed By Duane Hall, May 23, 2014
5. Benjamin Banneker School Marker
Photographed By Duane Hall, May 23, 2014
6. Benjamin Banneker School Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 3, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 621 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 3, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.
