Our History
Plessy v. Ferguson
US Supreme Court decision Plessy v. Ferguson established the “separate but equal” doctrine.
Construction
Moton School built to hold 180 students.
Growth
Enrollment grows to over 450; “tar-paper shacks” built. Moton PTA petitions for new high school.
Student Strike
Moton students strike to protest conditions. First lawsuit filed, Davis v. County School Board, calling for an end to segregated education.
New Moton High School Built
New Moton High School built for black students. Old building becomes Mary E. Branch Elementary.
Brown v. Board of Education Decision
Davis case decided in Supreme Court ruling in Brown v. Board of Education, which declares segregated education unconstitutional.
Brown II Ruling
Supreme Court rules in Brown II that public school desegregation should occur “with all deliberate speed.”
Public Schools Close
Prince Edward County Board of Supervisors votes to close public schools rather than desegregate them.
Free Schools Open
Prince Edward Free Schools open to provide free education to all children in the county.
Robert F. Kennedy Visits
Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy visits Prince Edward County in May 1964.
County Schools Reopen
County schools reopen after Supreme Court ruling in Griffin v. County School Board.
Moton School Closes
After 56 years of service, the Moton School is closed. Martha E. Forrester Council of Women commits to lead the conversion to the Moton Museum.
Moton School named a National Historic Landmark
Moton Museum Opens
Moton Museum opens on the 50th anniversary of the student strike.
Children of Courage Exhibit Debuts
First phase of The Moton School Story: Children of Courage exhibition debuts on the 60th anniversary of the student strike.
Children of Courage Exhibition Finished
The Moton School Story: Children of Courage permanent exhibition opens.
