Wechsler School, First brick public school for African Americans in Meridian, Mississippi
Wechsler School is a historic school building in Meridian with classrooms and an auditorium, featuring Italianate architectural style throughout. The structure was expanded and modernized to accommodate more students and updated systems as needs changed.
Built in 1894 with public funds, it was the first brick school for African American students in the area. The building operated continuously for nearly 9 decades, making it a key educational institution for the region.
Named after Rabbi Judah Wechsler of Congregation Beth Israel, the school reflects how different communities supported African American education in the city. The building itself became a gathering place where generations built connections and shared learning experiences.
The building is easy to access, located in downtown Meridian and straightforward to find. Visitors should know it is currently undergoing restoration, so hours may vary and some areas might have limited access.
In 1914, the building received a major upgrade when coal fireplaces were replaced with steam heating, making it one of the most advanced schools of that era. This modernization showed the city's commitment to providing quality facilities for its students.
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