Sykesville Historic Colored Schoolhouse

Hours
Please call Pat Greenwald at

410-795-8959 or email at SchoolHouse@sykesville.net

 

518 Schoolhouse Road
Sykesville, MD 21784

 

Please call Pat Greenwald at 410-489-6540

for information or to set a time to arrange a visit for your group

 

To see Gazette article about First Day of Class, click here

 

 

To see detailed information about the Schoolhouse click here

 

To see pictures of the Schoolhouse click here

 

April is a great time to visit Sykesville's treasured Schoolhouse! Two special events are planned for the public.

 MEET THE DORSEYS

If you have not heard Warren Dorsey and his sisters Mae and Rosie speak you are missing something inspiring. On Sunday, April 7, at 2:00 p.m. the three siblings, all over 90-years-young, will describe growing up in a Sykesville of poverty and segregation. Three institutions: their family, their schoolhouse, and their church, St. Luke's United Methodist, started them on a path that led to success and important roles in the community for their descendants. Their message will reconfirm your belief in the human spirit! Older children are invited to accompany their parents. Refreshments will be served. There is no charge, but donations are always welcome! Oh, and please don't tell Miss Rosie that I said she was over 90 years old; as the "baby" of the 12 Dorsey children, she is a mere 87!

 SPRING PLANTING

 This event is aimed at the kids. It is planned for 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 13. Children will decorate a terra cotta flower pot with craft paints, then gather on the rug to learn a bit about seeds while their creations dry. They will fill their pots with potting soil and plant a few "guaranteed for success" flower seeds to take home and nurture. Again, there is no charge and refreshments will be served.

 To request reasonable ADA accommodations, call 410-795-8959 or email dashbacher@sykesville.net at least 48 hours in advance of the event.

To reach the Schoolhouse: From Main Street, turn on to Oklahoma, across the street from Beck's Pub. Drive up the hill, about .4 miles, until Oklahoma veers to the right. Turn onto Schoolhouse Road, to the left. (A bunch of sunflowers will be tied to the signpost at this intersection!) The Schoolhouse is the first building on the right.....and it looks just like a one-room schoolhouse should look!

 

This historic schoolhouse has been restored and furnished to its 1904 appearance, but today teaches area children of all ethnicities and ages. A variety of field trips and tours are available for students and Scouts ages kindergarten through grade 12. A nominal fee will be charged for each student. In addition, community organizations may rent the structure upon request.

A Homework Club for neighborhood children takes place after school and, eventually, week-long summer workshops on African-American history will be offered to local children. As a museum, the building is a repository for artifacts which give testimony to the African-American experience in southern Carroll County.

Those with an affiliation to the schoolhouse are being sought for oral history experiences. Periodic special events will bring alumni, teachers, and former residents back to the building. Volunteer opportunities exist for "schoolmarms," students needing service learning credit, churches, Scouts, and other interested individuals.

To request a brochure or schedule an appointment, contact Ms. Greenwald.  410-489-6540

 

 

To see Carroll County Times article from October 2005 click here

 

To see Baltimore Sun article from April 11, 2004 click here