07008.07037.ED.07.001.7037.ED-037-

07008.ED – Students at Storer College, Harpers Ferry, WV; circa ?; [037] — This photo shows students at Storer College in Harpers Ferry, WV, in the early days. Storer College was founded as the first institution for educating freed slaves in the South. John Storer of Maine offered $10,000 as a donation to establish such a school if there was a matching donation from others, which was accomplished. Storer College began its noble task of educating Negroes with 19 students on October 2, 1867 with Rev. Brackett serving as principal. It was opened in the Lockwood House with that building serving as a dwelling house, school and church. It grew rapidly and only 2 years later, there were 96 students enrolled. It finally closed its doors in 1955.