The School was built in 1921, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. Mission Statement
The Mission of the Walnut Cove Colored School, Inc. is to preserve and honor the legacy of the former Walnut Cove Colored School, in order that future generations may develop an understanding of the rich cultural heritage and history of early 1900’s: and to promote the use of this His
toric Landmark for education, pleasure, community revitalization and intergenerational enrichment for the residents of Stokes County and surrounding communities. Background
The Walnut Cove Colored School (WCCS) was built in the community of Walnut Cove in Stokes County, North Carolina in 1921, through a cooperative partnership involving funds from famous philanthropist Julius Rosenwald, noted educator Booker T. Washington, and matching funds raised by the Walnut Cove community. The WCCS closed in 1952, and the building was converted into apartment units. In the early 1990’s, the building was uninhabited and slated for demolition. However, an extraordinary grass-roots fundraising effort, led by alumna Mrs. Dorothy Hairston Dalton, garnered partnerships with several community-based organizations, including Preservation North Carolina, to buy the school in 1994. The restoration efforts were immensely successful, and were completed within the designated timeline. The WCCS building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995, and was fully restored in 1999. Current Activities
Today, the WCCS serves as home to the Stokes County Walnut Cove Senior Center, which hosts a number of programs for older adults ranging from computer classes to diabetes care and exercise classes. Also, the WCCS provides a number of services to the larger community, including being the base from which the County’s hot lunch and Meals on Wheels programs are delivered. These food programs have continued to be delivered during the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of its 2021 - 2022 Centennial Celebration, the School hosted a community-wide Rosenwald Day on June 19, 2021, also known as Juneteenth. The celebration included partnerships was sponsored by several local organizations, and enjoyed a large "turnout" from members of the community. Due to the popularity of this event, the WCCS plans to hold Rosenwald Day events on a biannual basis.
