Groundbreaking For Princeton Graded School Restoration Project Set For August 15

PRINCETON – A significant milestone in the restoration of the historic Princeton Graded School will be celebrated on August 15 at 9:00 a.m. with a groundbreaking ceremony to officially launch the school restoration project. The event, to be held at the school’s location at 601 W. Edwards Street, marks a new chapter for this important Rosenwald School. The public is invited to attend.

The Princeton Graded School, built between 1925 and 1926 with the vision of Booker T. Washington and the financial support of philanthropist Julius Rosenwald, served as a vital educational and social hub for the African American community in Princeton from 1925 to 1973. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.

The school’s restoration is supported by private donations and a federal grant awarded through the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office, aimed at repairing damage from Hurricanes Florence and Michael. The restoration will include roof and window repairs, interior finishes, HVAC, plumbing and electrical replacement, storm windows, and ADA improvements.

The groundbreaking ceremony will be attended by representatives from various organizations crucial to this preservation effort. Attendees will include individuals from the Town of Princeton, the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office, the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR), the Central Pines Regional Council, Maurer Architecture of Raleigh, Ledford Contracting Group of Kinston, the former owner, and TESS of North Carolina.

This restoration project not only preserves a significant piece of local history, but also aims to revitalize the space for future community use by offering diverse educational, cultural, and entertainment initiatives. The groundbreaking is a step forward in honoring the legacy of the Princeton Graded School and its continued impact on the community.

To donate financially, volunteer sweat equity, serve on a committee, and/or offer in-kind products and services, email: M. Kaye Brimmage at tessnc@gmail.com