Our Project

Details for The Morgantown School Project

Restoration

will occur in phases.

We plan to secure and stabilize the structure and make land improvements that will affect traversal.

Despite The Current Condition
Of The Property...

Professional contractors have advised that the building integrity can be saved.



AAHA envisions the property as an excellent museum and interpretive space for children and adults. History could be taught digitally as well as on-site.

The original metal roof, its wooden support and bell tower are damaged. The bell is no longer in the tower; we hope to locate and install a period replacement.



To complete extensive stabilization of the entire building and care of the grounds, we must begin with protecting the structure in its current state to avoid further damage.

Although funds to begin some of the initial works are available, the Project requires additional support. We continue to seek funding from local Foundations. The Morgantown Church and entire Community are excited to see that there is activity at the Site. We on occasion receive personal donations by way of memorials of loved ones who attended the school.

AAHA also believes that, as in the past, daily travelers on the busy Free State Road will notice our preservation effort and offer support and accolades for recognizing the significance of the Site.

When past activities were undertaken, some passersby made small on-the-spot monetary donations and others contributed hours of labor helping with tree trimming, mowing and removal of debris.

For the future, A historical marker could be considered for the site to state its historic significance, and in addition a GPS marker could be set for the locations for augmented reality and information to be displayed (google maps/street view).

At the completion of Phase I we expect to have safe entrance and exit to the property, parking area and the building secured for safe access.

Our Progress

JULY 2001

Dr. Shelia Johnson donated to the Afro-American Historical Association of Fauquier County, the near one-acre property of the Morgantown School located at 4706 Free State Road in Marshall Va.


2004

Morgantown was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The school is in this historic district.


DECEMBER 2022

Project received an Invitation from Mountainside Montessori School Adolescent Program for a round roundtable discussion regarding experiences of growing up in Morgantown and attending its School


APRIL 2023

Former students and Mountainside students removed day lilies, daffodils and yucca from the school ground and replanted them off site for safe keeping until they can be returned to Morgantown. Students and staff removed over 400 artifacts from the school’s crawlspace. Artifacts are currently stored for future displays.


MAY 2023

National Preservation Month, Mountainside students, former Morgantown students, and Mountainside teachers presented the work accomplished in April and students shared their experiences with the audience.

OCTOBER 12, 2023

The Fauquier County Board of Supervisors approved the Special Permit for the project, allowing us to move forward with submission of our Site Plan application. We will be meeting with Zoning staff soon to discuss application requirements and any plan revisions needed before submission.

Donate Now!

Join Our Mission: Your support is the cornerstone of our ability to preserve and share the rich history of the Morgantown School. Every donation, big or small, fuels our restoration efforts, educational programs, and the safeguarding of invaluable artifacts.

By contributing, you become a vital part of our community's effort to honor the past, engage the present, and inspire future generations. Help us keep the legacy of the Morgantown School alive for years to come. Donate today and make a lasting impact!