The Smithfield Schoolhouse Museum was built in 1932 as an addition to the original Historic Rosenwald School-circa 1924 former Christian Home School. The Christian Home School was originally on two acres of land in the Chuckatuck area in the eastern part of Isle of Wight County. In the 1920's, Julius Rosenwald a former Sears, Roebuck and Co. president, contributed $4.3 million to build more than 5,000 schools across the South for black students. The black community raised $4.7 million in matching funds and built the schools. For the Christian Home School addition, community members raised money of their own and then petitioned the county for money to expand the school. This additional has all of the architectural features of the original Rosenwald buildings although it was not built directly with Rosenwald funds. The original part of the building had deteriorated to the point that it couldn't be saved or repaired. Over 150 oral interviews were conducted to preserve the history of this wonderful part of our African-American heritage. The building stands as a reminder of the community that demanded more educational opportunities.

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Focus public attention on the importance of the African American Heritage and contributions in Isle of Wight County.

Provide for the development of an African-American History Museum of Public Education of the Town of Smithfield and Isle of Wight.

1. HISTORIC PRESERVATION - To perserve the former 1932 Christian Home Schoolhouse.
2. EDUCATION AWARNESS - To increase public understanding of early African-American education and the one and two-room schoolhouses.
3. TOURISM DEVELOPMENT - To provide a focal point for heritage tourism in the Town of Smithfield and the County of Isle of Wight.