School for Black Children - Williamsburg, VA
Posted by: 
bluesnote
N 37° 16.316 W 076° 42.446
18S E 348615 N 4126405
A state historical marker in downtown Williamsburg.
Waymark Code: WM11WF0
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 12/28/2019
Views: 5
The plaque says, "The Associates of Dr. Bray, a London-based charity, founded a school for enslaved and free black children here in 1760. Located in Williamsburg at the suggestion of Benjamin Franklin, a member of the Associates, the school revived support from the College of William and Mary. Anne Wager instructed as many as 400 boys and girls during her 14 years as a teacher. In a culture hostile to educating African Americans, Wager taught the students principles of Christianity, deportment, reading, and, possibly, writing. The curriculum reinforced proslavery ideology but also spread literacy within the black community. The school moved from this site by 1765 and closed in 1774."
Marker Number: W 109
Marker Title: School for Black Children
Marker Location: Williamsburg
County or Independent City: Williamsburg
Marker Program Sponsor: Department of Historic Resources
Web Site: Not listed
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