Northern Neck Now

Holley Graded School represents the dedicated work of a small African American community, who, despite economic hardship and the deterrence of segregation, erected a schoolhouse which was remarkably well appointed for its time and the people it served. It was begun ca. 1914 to replace a smaller schoolhouse erected during the Reconstruction era. It stands on property purchased shortly after the Civil War by Sallie Holley (1818-1893) of New York State, for whom the school was later named. An ardent abolitionist, Holley followed the example of her friend Emily Howland and established a school for former slaves in Northumberland County in 1869. The present Holley Graded School was primitive compared to the commodious facilities for white children, but it was a point of pride in that it was achieved entirely though private efforts of the black community. The school building went on to house the county’s Adult Literacy Program.

Holley Graded School