Wiley H. Bates High School, high school in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, United States
Wiley H. Bates High School is a 1932 brick building in Colonial Revival style located on Smithville Street in Annapolis. The original structure was expanded with classroom wings in later decades and operated as a school until 1981, when it was repurposed as part of a heritage park that now houses senior apartments, a community center, and a museum.
The school opened in 1932 as the only public high school for Black students in Anne Arundel County, named after community leader and businessman Wiley H. Bates. It remained segregated until 1966 when courts mandated integration, after which it transitioned to a junior high school before closing in 1981.
The school served as a gathering place for the Black community during racial segregation, offering not just education but also a sense of belonging. Today, the heritage center on the grounds shares stories of local African American experiences and achievements that shaped the area.
The site is now accessible as part of Wiley H. Bates Heritage Park, with free public access to the grounds and heritage center. Visitors can view the historic building, explore the museum exhibits featuring local African American history and artifacts, and walk through the landscaped park grounds at their own pace.
Wiley H. Bates himself was born into slavery and rose to become a successful businessman, community leader, and one of Annapolis' first Black aldermen. He published a book of personal sayings reflecting his faith and values, and left his house in his will to care for elderly Black residents who needed assistance.
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