|
The Brown Foundation was established in Topeka, Kansas in 1988 to
In its early years The Foundation sponsored programs with emphasis on racial and ethnic diversity, supported historic research and other educational activities, and provided scholarships to minority students entering teacher education.
In 1990, the former Monroe Elementary School, which had once served as one of four segregated schools for African-American children in Topeka, stood empty and was up for sale. The building was to be auctioned by an owner who was unaware of its historic significance as a site associated with the Brown decision. The Brown Foundation saw an opportunity to intercede and save the unwanted property.
The sudden availability of the property and the sense of urgency created by the proposed auction presented a supreme challenge for the Brown Foundation. The fiscal resources to acquire and rehabilitate the former schoolhouse were well beyond the Foundation's means.
After several unsuccessful attempts to generate interest in saving Monroe School, an idea was formulated based on the significance of Brown v. Board of Education in United States history. Letters sent to members of the Kansas Congressional delegation resulted in suggestions of grant opportunities and organizations to contact.
The turning point of this preservation effort came when the Foundation was put in touch with the author of the NPS Constitutional Theme Study. He suggested there had been an oversight in his research and that he return to Topeka to research the formerly segregated African American schools for inclusion in his original document.
During a meeting the author of the study suggested that because of the historic significance of the old school building and its endangered status, the National Park Service might be interested in preserving it. He spoke of this property becoming a National Historic Site, a national park. To make that happen, the Foundation would have to enlist the support and cooperation of both the U.S. Congress and the U.S. Department of Interior.
During the latter half of 1991 through the fall of 1992 the Brown Foundation worked with the National Park Service, members of Congressional delegations, and the Trust for Public Lands to save and acquire the school.
Monroe School was designated a National Historic Landmark in the fall of 1991. During the summer and fall of 1992 the Foundation and Congressional delegation staff prepared legislation to establish Monroe School as a National Historic Site. Legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate in July; hearings were held in August. The Senate legislation passed shortly afterward.
Legislation was then introduced in the House. A special hearing was held and the Brown Foundation again provided testimony. Following passage of the legislation in the House, President George Bush signs the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site Act of 1992 into law on Oct. 26, 1992.