Celebrating Black History Month and the Legacy of Parkville’s Banneker School
Banneker School in Parkville, Missouri is a tiny historic schoolhouse listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Black History Month reminds us to honor the achievements and stories of Black Americans, both nationally and locally. By learning about the creativity and resilience of Black communities, we all gain insight to build a more inclusive future.
It’s a time to highlight heritage sites like Banneker School, which embody our community’s past. In fact, only about 3% of the roughly 95,000 sites on the National Register focus on Black Americans, so preserving places like Banneker is crucial. This simple one-room schoolhouse, built in 1885 specifically for Black children in Parkville, stands as a tangible reminder of those local stories that might otherwise be forgotten.
A Legacy of Education: Banneker School in Parkville
Before Banneker School was built, classes met in the basement of Parkville’s Missouri Valley Hotel and later in college halls. Construction on the Banneker School began in 1885, and it is believed to be the oldest remaining one-room schoolhouse purpose-built for black students west of the Mississippi River.
Remarkably, Park College students themselves fired the bricks used to build it, showing broad local support for the project. Initially just one room, the schoolhouse quickly filled to capacity. By 1898 a graduating class included 50 students through sixth grade, and by 1899 enrollment reached 69 pupils.
The school was named for Benjamin Banneker (1731–1806), a self-educated Black scientist and advocate for equality. Banneker School became a beacon of learning for Parkville’s Black American community, a place where children hungered after knowledge even under the hardships of segregation.
Today, Banneker School teaches us about the history of struggle and determination. It reminds us how community members came together to build an institution of learning when no public school would serve Black children. Its survival into the 21st century is a testament to the power of education and community action.
Preserving the Past: Restoration and Community Effort
Banneker School’s importance was officially recognized when it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. But like many historic Black schools, it faced neglect and the threat of loss. By 2008, the old building was even named one of Missouri’s most endangered historic places.
Fortunately, champions emerged: longtime Parkville teacher Lucille S. Douglass discovered a developer was about to demolish the school and stepped in to save it. She bought the property and eventually donated it to the Platte County Historical Society.
In 2008, the Banneker School Foundation was formed to carry on her mission. Today, the Foundation is working to restore Banneker School and turn it into a living history museum.
Banneker School is not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about keeping alive the story of Parkville’s Black American community. By supporting the Foundation’s work, we ensure that this story continues to educate and inspire future generations.
Join the Celebration: Juneteenth at Banneker School
This year, the Banneker School Foundation will celebrate Juneteenth with a special community event on June 6, 2026 in Parkville, Missouri.
Juneteenth, which marks the emancipation of enslaved people in the U.S., is a fitting occasion to honor the freedom and progress that schools like Banneker represent. We invite you to attend and take part in celebrating both Juneteenth and the ongoing restoration of Banneker School. More details will be posted on our website soon. Make sure you save the date!
Together, let’s use Black History Month as a springboard to action. Help us preserve the Banneker School, celebrate on June 6, and ensure that this little schoolhouse continues to stand for history, hope, and learning. Contact the Banneker School Foundation on our Facebook Page if you have questions or, make a donation online to support the cause and be a part of this meaningful journey.