In the South during the Civil War, most African Americans were not allowed to receive an education. With the help of a government agency, missionaries and others, African Americans were able to establish schools for “freed people”. Education was not only a way for them to improve their lives but it was a symbolic step away from slavery.
During the reconstruction period, the federal Bureau of Refugees and Abandoned Lands, nicknamed the Freedman’s Bureau, used their authority to provide buildings for the schools.
The Freedman’s Bureau provided funds for one such school in Smithfield, which is believed to be one of only three left in existence in the United States and possibly the only Freedman School House in North Carolina.
Susan Hayes, a young white teacher from Maine, who worked for the American Missionary Association based in New York, purchased the lot where First Missionary Baptist Church is now located and had the school house built by the Freedman’s Bureau in 1869. It was later moved to its present location at 308 North Fourth Street and was used as a school house for African Americans until 1913.
Todd Johnson, Executive Director of the Johnston County Heritage Center said the former school building was renovated many years ago to a residential home. Now the rush is on the save the historic building.
Johnson said the home was recently sold to the First Missionary Baptist Church. The church is willing to donate the home if it can be moved to a suitable site.
On July 11th, Johnson asked members of the Smithfield Town Council to consider allowing the home to be placed on a lot near the John Thomas Cemetery, next to Talton Field. Johnson said the home is part of the history of Smithfield and efforts need to be made to keep the home within the city limits. He is also working with a state agency to try and secure grant funds to pay for the move. Johnson expected any costs to the Town to be minimal.
Mayor Andy Moore and members of the town council all expressed interest in helping save the historic home.
Johnson said the house has national significance as one of the last surviving Freedmen’s Bureau schoolhouses in the nation. “Smithfield does not need to lose this rare piece of history,” Johnson said.
If the school house can be saved and set up on the town lot, Johnson envisions the property being open to tours from students and groups.
Photo courtesy Johnston County Heritage Center
