Project Mission

This site is not just a repository for information but is ultimately designed to enhance community engagement by allowing the public to connect with a lesser-known historical narrative that has profoundly impacted their community. Through interactive features and accessible content, the site encourages visitors to actively engage with the history of the school and its legacy. By fostering this deeper connection, the project aims to increase interest in the museum, and through this community engagement, it will help improve and support the museum’s growth over time.

My interest in local history began while working on the We Are Here project in Fairhope, which focused on preserving the historic legacy of the Anna T. Jeanes School, a vital feeder institution to Baldwin County Training School (BCTS). Through this experience, and my work with the Digital History Lab at the University of South Alabama, I was able to construct my own project centered on the history of BCTS. This work deepened my appreciation for uncovering and preserving the stories of local institutions that shaped communities and contributed to broader educational and social progress.

Patrick Willoughby Public Historian

My name is Patrick Willoughby. I am a Public Historian with a Bachelor’s degree in History and a Master’s in Public and American History. I believe that public and digital history can improve access to historical knowledge by investigating and making lesser-known narratives, like the history of Baldwin County Training School BCTS, more accessible. By showcasing these smaller, local stories, community members can see how their lives connect to broader historical events, such as the Civil Rights Movement. This approach provides a more comprehensive perspective of local history and fosters greater community engagement, which can eventually inspire social change.

A Community Endeavor

This project is a community endeavor based on generous feedback and input from Macedonia Baptist Church and BCTS members. Their voices and perspectives are essential in telling a story that is not only grounded in historical fact but also deeply connected to the lived experiences of those who created this history.

I am profoundly grateful for the invaluable contributions of the students of BCTS, whose personal experiences and insights have been instrumental in shaping the project’s narrative. Dedicated members of the University of South Alabama’s history department, including Mara Kozelsky, Clayton Vaughn-Roberson, Phillip Carr, and Henrey Mckiven offered valuable insights.

Hope for the Future

This website marks the beginning of a dedicated digital initiative to strengthen community interest in the Daphne Black Education Museum and expand its presence both online and throughout Baldwin County. By making the museum’s resources and history more accessible, we aim to reach a wider audience and engage local residents, historians, and educators in preserving the legacy of Black education in the region. This digital effort seeks not only to protect and celebrate the museum’s invaluable artifacts and stories but also to increase community involvement, inspire future generations, and enhance the museum’s role as an educational and cultural cornerstone in Baldwin County. Through interactive content, historical insights, and community-driven projects, we hope this platform will become a vital resource that amplifies the museum’s impact and secures its relevance for years to come.