50th Anniversary Celebration of Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site

Date:
October 2, 2024
Contact:Myia Patterson, (334) 421-0340

Tuskegee, Alabama - The Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site, in partnership with the City of Tuskegee, Blanchard House Institute, Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System, Macon County Board of Education, Macon County Commission, Tuskegee Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Alabama Peanut Producers Association, is proud to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its designation as a National Historic Site with a two-day celebration on October 25-26, 2024. This special occasion will honor the legacy of one of America's most significant educational institutions and its profound impact on African American history and culture.

The celebration begins on Friday, October 25, with Youth Day activities from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This will feature exclusive tours of The Oaks, Booker T. Washington's home, interactive stations, and a special Junior Ranger activity designed to engage children in learning about the Tuskegee Institute. The Alabama Peanut Producers Association will lead a hands-on demonstration of the peanut farming process, highlighting the significance of peanuts in Alabama's history. Guided tours of the Tuskegee University campus will be conducted by university ambassadors, giving attendees the opportunity to explore key locations and learn about the university's rich history. Additionally, there will be an interpretive talk focusing on the life and legacy of George Washington Carver, emphasizing his contributions to agriculture, science, and environmental stewardship.

On Saturday, October 26, Community Day continues the festivities with more tours of The Oaks, interactive stations, and Junior Ranger activities. The Alabama Peanut Producers Association's peanut farming demonstration and university campus tours will also take place, along with the George Washington Carver interpretive talk.
Tuskegee Normal School of Colored Teachers began in Butler Chapel A.M.E Zion Church, symbolizing both national independence and the newfound freedom of the formerly enslaved. Under Washington's leadership, the school quickly grew, attracting remarkable figures like George Washington Carver and Robert Taylor, whose work in agriculture and architecture brought the Institute worldwide recognition.

Join us as we celebrate 50 years of preserving the history and impact of the Tuskegee Institute, paying tribute to leaders like Booker T. Washington, George Washington Carver, and many others who helped shape its legacy. The site's historic buildings, many constructed by students, stand as reminders of the educational model of learning through labor and self-reliance. In 1974, Tuskegee Institute became the first university campus designated as a National Historic Site by the National Park Service, ensuring its legacy will be preserved for generations to come.

This event is free and open to the public, with activities for both youth and adults. We invite everyone to join us in honoring 50 years of protecting, honoring, preserving, celebrating history and impact of the Tuskegee Institute.

For more information and event updates, visit our website at www.nps.gov/tuin and follow us on facebook at Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site.

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 431 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov or on social media to learn more about our work and how you can get involved.

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