Update on Louisiana Rosenwald Schools

One month ago, we launched the Louisiana Rosenwald School Inventory, as a focused effort to identify the sites and stories of the 378 Rosenwald Schools which were constructed here between 1916 and 1932.  We want to gather stories, digital images, and other information from those who attended the schools to map their locations and determine if the structure is still standing.  Since then, we have heard from a dozen former students and identified former school buildings in East Baton Rouge, West Feliciana, and Bossier Parishes.  We have also located a former Teacher's Home in Claiborne Parish.  

This past Saturday, a small group gathered for a volunteer work day at the Mt. Olive Rosenwald School, northeast of Homer.  Staff from the Claiborne Parish Library first noticed this rural building as a possible Rosenwald and contacted LTHP.  The interior was cleaned and several trees which had grown up next to the structure were removed.  The next step will be to raise funds to repair the metal roof and replace some rotten sills and siding at one end of the building.

With our field services in all 64 parishes, it makes sense for Louisiana Trust to be the "boots on the ground" for this program and investigate these buildings and their stories.  

If you have information or photos of former Rosenwald Schools in Louisiana or would like to assist with saving ones we identify, please let us know.  Click here to learn more about Rosenwald Schools in your area. 

Featured Properties in Homer 

Two large, commercial buildings could be yours in historic Homer, Louisiana!  These properties were stablized through the LTHP Revolving Fund Program and are ready for new owners and businesses.  Located on the Courthouse Square, these buildings are contributing to the National Register district in Homer and are eligible for both state and federal tax credits for restoration. Listed at $82,500.  Learn and see more photos of these available properties here. 

Is there a historic property up for sale in your neighborhood or looking to sell your own property?! Click here to list and promote them to interested buyers.

"Get Your Spirits Up, Louisiana" Photo Contest 

Spooky Season is here! Enter our October photo contest by sending in a photo of a favorite haunted site in Louisiana.  Cemeteries and back stories are encouraged!  To enter you can email your photo to wprince@lthp.org or share on Facebook or Instagram by tagging #louisianatrust.  All submissions must be received by October 15th.  Entries will be reviewed and uploaded to our Facebook page for voting.  The photo with the most likes will receive one complimentary membership with LTHP!

Stay tuned for other photo contests coming up this year!  Also, make sure to tune into our YouTube channel this month featuring resources for cemeteries - videos added each week!

Connecting Louisiana to Australia

Tomorrow, Thursday October 8th (7PM Central), Louisiana and Australia will connect to learn about the Griffin Brothers (designers of Monroe's Cooley House - a Most Endangered Places site) and their designs throughout Australia during an on-line lecture, The Tale of Three Cities.  Learn more and register here.  

Save Louisiana Landmarks as a Supporting Member or Sponsor

Join today as Louisiana Trust member or sponsor to help save historic sites in all 64 parishes of Louisiana! Your support helps grow technicial assistance and advocacy efforts to help save and reuse landmarks for future generations.  Members enjoy benefits including:

• Sherwin-Williams Paints discount nationwide
• Free real estate listings for available properties 
• Subscription to Preservation in Print (Preservationist level and above
• *NEW* Historic sites and museums linked on website
• and continue to build a growing network in Louisiana and beyond

Make your membership official here or return membership dues to PO Box 1587, Baton Rouge, LA 70821.  Sponsorship is also available for video series, Most Endangered Places, and more.  Click here for the Sponorship Packet.