524 Schoolhouse Road
524 Schoolhouse Road as seen in May 2025 (staff photo).
History
The Historic Sykesville Colored Schoolhouse today reflects its 1916 appearance, but the school itself served the segregated community of Sykesville from January 1904 through May 1938. A detailed history of the students, teachers, and community that used this school can be found here.
After its use as a school, the structure was divided into a four-room home, which was used by the Norris family from 1939 through the 1960s. Through this time, the structure had no bathroom, no running water, no electricity, and no heat except a woodstove.
In the 1980s, Sykesville's Black community worked together with the Town government to establish funding and community help to restore this building and help share its history.
Since 2006, the building has been open to the public for tours, field trips, and programs.
See the photos below to learn more!
Architectural Details
(Awaiting from SHDC)
c. 1930
Schoolhouse seen from the path below c. 1930.
c. 1950
This photograph shows a member of the Norris family, who lived in the former schoolhouse from the 1930s through the 1960s.
c. 1950
This photograph shows a member of the Norris family, who lived in the former schoolhouse from the 1930s through the 1960s.
1997
This photograph shows the state of the schoolhouse prior to its renovation.
2006
This promotional image of the schoolhouse was taken in 2006 when the structure reopened to the public.
2025
Staff image of the schoolhouse taken in May 2025.
Site Use
Research is ongoing to confirm the historical use of this property. If you see any errors or have additional information, please contact the Museum through the methods at the bottom of the page
Confirmed Use as of Jan. 23, 2025:
1903: local businessman, Asa Hepner, sells the plot of land including access to a nearby spring to Carroll County Public Schools.
1904-1938: The school is in use for students of color in grades 1-6 who lived in the Freedom District of Carroll County. At the time, it was the only school for students of color in southern Carroll County.
1938: Relatives of Hepner buy back the structure and land from Carroll County Public Schools and divide the building into a four room residence.
1939-1974????: The Norris Family occupy the residence.
19>>: The Sykesville Historic District Commission helps fund the initial renovation of the structure
2001???: Initial work is finished on the structure, but years go by waiting for funding to finish land electrifying the structure.
2006-present: renovation is completed, and the school reopens for tours, field trips, and programs.