The Banneker School, one of the few remaining one-room schoolhouses west of the Mississippi, stands on its original site. Bricks were fired in the kilns by students at Park College (now Park University) almost 140 years ago and construction for the original Banneker School commenced and opened in 1885. Prior to that time, post-Civil War African American children in the Parkville area were educated in the basement of Parkville’s Missouri Valley Hotel, then in Park College’s Bergen Hall. It was determined that the scholars needed their own facility and land previously purchased by Park College was allocated for the construction of a one-room school for the specific purpose of educating African American children. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995 for its significance of Ethnic Heritage – Black Education. In 2008, it was listed on Missouri’s Most Endangered Historic Places because of its significant deterioration at that time.
In the 1980’s Mrs. Lucille S. Douglass, who taught at the second Banneker School in the 1940’s, discovered that a developer had purchased the original Banneker School and planned to demolish the structure. It was her foresight and leadership, with Gaylon Hoskins Banneker School descendant, which saved the building. In 2008 a non-profit was established to carry out the task of restoring the school and the Banneker School Foundation and Historic Site was established to carry out the mission envisioned by Mrs. Douglass.
The goal of the Banneker School Foundation is to open this unique treasure to the public. The vision includes an interactive walking path with historic markers. This also would be a unique and educational experience for use by schools for educational STEM projects. The goal of restoration is to restore the building to its original condition, in as much as it is practical to do so. Preserving the history, determination, and strength of the Black community in Parkville after emancipation and their deep commitment to the improvement and education of their children.
While much work has been done, the Mellon Grant will allow the Banneker School Foundation and Historic Site to accomplish, but not limited, to the following:
- Landscaping, grading, ADA crosswalk, outdoor classroom
- Survey of property to the north of the original school.
- Engineered ADA compliance study for the property and new site plan.
- Installation of 10 Historic Markers.
- Entry Sign / shelter at entry to the property with solar energy array mounted to roof to provide electricity for security cameras and landscape lighting.
