06/09/2026
With history seeped into every wall of Elizabeth City State University's Principal's House and Rosenwald School, respectful preservation of the buildings was paramount. In the early 20th century, African Americans often lacked access to schools that met basic standards for proper learning. After the Rosenwald School Program began in 1917, ECSU built a facility that served as both a school for African American children and a teaching site for college students. As the 100-plus-year-old buildings fell into disrepair and stood vacant, they required detailed restoration to preserve their important history.
CT Wilson recently restored both buildings, allowing ECSU to utilize these historical landmarks once again. The Rosenwald School will feature interpretive exhibits, classrooms, and research space focused on African American education and history, while the Principal's House offers administrative offices, meeting areas, and small event space. Together, they form the Northeastern North Carolina African American Research and Cultural Heritage Institute at ECSU.
