Pender County Training School Museum and Community Center

The orginal location of the Pender County Training School is located just inside the community of Rocky Point NC. Though the orginal structures are no longer safe for visitors the Alumni Association located on Shaw Hwy have collected years of photos, yearbooks, historical documents and more that is on display in the Pender County Training School Musuem and Community Center.

The Pender County Training School was one of the only higher education facilites in NC for those of African descent. In the winter of 1917/18 the school opened for 218 students and just 2 teachers but within weeks more teachers were hired to meet the demand for a solid education. Throughout the years the campus grew to include mulitple buildings including a canteen and gymnasium and gave the African American Community the oppurtunity to participate in sports, music, drama and more.

The Pender County Training School had some of the best African American teachers in the state, that even under the adversity of the times were able to cultivate their students into successfull and inspiring adults. Graduates went on to become doctors, lawyers, professors, military personell, performers, artists and other professionals. The school produced a doctor of physics, the first African American county commissioner, Artist Ivey Hayes, the notable Ambassador Mattie Sharpless and more. To read more click here

If you would like to schedule a Tour and learn more about the history of the Pender County Training School and its graduates please call (910) 675-8528.