How It All Began

The Oak Grove School Heritage Center, established in late 2018, was created to renovate and maintain The Oak Grove Rosenwald School, one of the only two Rosenwald Schools left in Hale County. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places on March 3, 1998, and identified as one of the 10 “Places in Peril” in 2019 by The Alabama Historical Commission, the school’s preservation has been crucial.

Despite plans to start a three-phase renovation in 2019, the Committee overseeing the Center encountered delays, and a major set back due to the covid pademic in 2020.

Phase One finally began on the school during the spring of 2021, thanks to grants and donations from The Alabama Historical Commission, Robertson Bank, Walmart in Demopolis, AL and non profits like Oak Grove Baptist Church, and personal contributions.

Phase One, which was completed during the 4th quarter of  2023. This phase of the renovation, included a comprehensive restoration of all historic windows, a foundation overhaul, pillar repairs, and entrance step replacements.

The school secured grants during the summer of 2024 from The Alabama Historical Commission and The National Historical Commission to undertake Phase Two.

This phase will cover replacing damaged siding and doors on the outside of the school, painting the entire school, and installing a handicap ramp with an awning.

The final Phase Three will focus on landscaping and comprehensive interior renovations. Plans include refinishing walls and doors, repairing hardwood floors, remodeling bathrooms to include a handicap facility, installing a full HVAC system, and updating plumbing and electrical systems to code.

Upon completion, The Oak Grove School will reopen as a community center and museum, enhancing cultural and historical awareness in Hale County. An application will also be submitted to the Alabama Bureau of Tourism to reestablish the school as a recognized tourism site.

Look How Far We've Come

**Phase One (Completed Q4 2023)**: Focused on the restoration of historic windows, foundation overhaul, pillar repairs, and entrance steps replacement.

**Phase Two (Secured in Summer 2024)**: Supported by grants from The Alabama Historical Commission and The National Trust for Historic Preservation, this phase will include replacing damaged siding and doors, painting the entire school, and installing a handicap ramp with an overhead awning.

**Phase Three (Final Phase)**: Will involve landscaping, comprehensive interior renovation, refinishing walls and doors, repairing hardwood floors, remodeling bathrooms (including a full handicap bathroom), installing a full HVAC system, and updating plumbing and electrical systems to meet code requirements.

Once the renovations are complete, The Oak Grove School will reopen as a community center and museum, aiming to enhance cultural and historic awareness in Hale County. Additionally, an application will be submitted to The Alabama Bureau of Tourism to reestablish the school as a recognized tourism site in Alabama.