Colonial Williamsburg’s newest historic site is an 18th-century school for free and enslaved black students.
It would take decades to solve the mystery.
Because it had been altered over the years, it was difficult to pinpoint when it was originally made.
Credit:Brendan Sostak, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Researchers painstakingly studied the buildings construction and materials and tried to connect it with historical records.
What Was The Williamsburg Bray School?
At the suggestion of Benjamin Franklin, one opened in Williamsburg.
Credit:Special Collections, John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
As Merideth has discovered, the lessons taught in the school extended far beyond the building itself.
After careful restorations, it is expected to open to the public this fall.
Currently, the museum is offeringwalking toursof key sites connected to the Bray School.
Credit:Brian Newson, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Wayne Reynolds, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Credit:Wayne Reynolds, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
