Newspaper suppresses Jefferson School history

Jefferson School 1865-2002, this incarnation 1926


Charlottesville, Va.—Today’s Daily Progress updates the redevelopment and preservation of the traditionally all-black Jefferson School. The front-page article repeats, almost verbatim, the historical myth of a controversial 2007 article.

Despite a letter to the editor to assert 1865 as the earliest Jefferson School, a call to the editor where she rejected the letter as “fact-based,” and a speech to read the letter at City Council, the Progress continues to imply that the first Jefferson School dates back to 1894. Yes it does, but it goes further back than that. They never say 1894 is the first or original. By omitting the previous 29 years, the foundational years, the Progress official policy is to minimize the legacy of Jefferson School.

In 2007 the Progress could have claimed an omission or mistake, that they simply didn’t know about the 2006 Historical Society article or the 1976 book, both detailing the 1865 origins, or the blogs, speeches and pamphlets ongoing since 2000. Now that they know, it makes no difference.

The omission of history is clear. But what’s the motive? How does the Daily Progress benefit, how does anyone benefit by denying the first three decades of Jefferson School? Why are they doing it?

That piece of history is yet to be revealed.


“Jefferson School set for rezone” by Rachana Dixit, Apr. 11, 2010, The Daily Progress.

“The Jefferson School was built in 1926, adjacent to the old Jefferson Graded Elementary School that was constructed in 1894. The newer building functioned as an all-black high school until 1951, when it was converted into an elementary.

The school was closed 13 years later. It then was primarily used as classroom and office space, as well as for housing preschool and Piedmont Virginia Community College programs. The school shuttered its doors for good in 2002.”

“Jefferson renovations to begin in summer” by Rachana Dixit, Oct. 28, 2009, The Daily Progress”.

“The school was built in 1926, adjacent to the old Jefferson Graded Elementary School that was constructed in 1894. The newer building functioned as an all-black high school until 1951, when it was converted into an elementary.

Thirteen years later it was closed, and then was primarily used as classroom and office space as well as housing preschool and Piedmont Virginia Community College programs. The school shuttered its doors for good in 2002.”

“City mindful of preserving Jefferson School legacy” by Seth Rosen, July 5, 2007, The Daily Progress.

“The Jefferson School was built in 1926, adjacent to the old Jefferson Graded Elementary School, constructed in 1894. The newer building functioned as an all-black high school until 1951, when it was converted into an elementary.

Thirteen years later it was closed, and then was primarily used as classroom and office space, as well as housing preschool and Piedmont Virginia Community College programs. The building was shuttered for good in 2002.”

“Origins of Jefferson School and Public Education in Virginia” by Blair Hawkins, Dec. 4, 2006. Excerpts pages 230 to 234 in Albemarle: Jefferson’s County, 1727-1976. John Hammond Moore, 1976. The Albemarle County Historical Society.

“Jefferson School: The Original Model for Public Education in Virginia” by Blair Hawkins, July 16, 2007. Letter to the editor delivered as speech before City Council and copies handed out at meeting.

“2007: The Jefferson School Rule” by Blair Hawkins, Jan. 5, 2008. Includes timeline of links.


Historical Marker at site of 1894 (fourth) schoolhouse. The marker mentions Freedmen's schools in 1860s but doesn't distinguish Jefferson.


1960 Vinegar Hill photo shows 1894 school at (E).




Site of first Jefferson School at 632 West Main in the Starr Hill neighborhood.


Site of 2nd and 3rd Jefferson Schools. In 1866 classes moved from Colored First Baptist Church (left) next door to Union Barracks when troops returned to the North. These barracks were torn down and a new Jefferson School built 1869.


Union Depot (Wild Wings Cafe)