Brick Schoolhouse, Providence
Tucked modestly away from the street, this is one of the nation鈥檚 oldest public school buildings. Providence鈥檚 initial attempts at public education were ambitious but met with early challenges. Originally, the first floor housed a mixed-age elementary school, while the second floor served students of what is now Brown University until the College Edifice was completed. After 1800, it returned to continuous use as an elementary school and remained a cornerstone of public education.
In the mid-19th century, the school became a designated institution for African American students. Then, in 1908, it was repurposed into an 鈥渙pen air鈥� school for children with tuberculosis, a bold adaptation that saw large sections of the second-story walls removed to improve ventilation. By the mid-20th century, the building had evolved into a school serving children of all mental and physical abilities. This pioneering effort, which became known as the Meeting Street School, established a legacy of innovative education.
Currently owned by the City of Providence, the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and now serves as the headquarters of the Providence Preservation Society (PPS). Founded in 1956 to save the East Side鈥檚 historic 18th and 19th-century structures from demolition, the PPS not only restored this landmark building but also preserved the character of entire neighborhoods. Today, the PPS is a citywide advocate for preservation, continuing to protect Providence鈥檚 architectural heritage.
In the mid-19th century, the school became a designated institution for African American students. Then, in 1908, it was repurposed into an 鈥渙pen air鈥� school for children with tuberculosis, a bold adaptation that saw large sections of the second-story walls removed to improve ventilation. By the mid-20th century, the building had evolved into a school serving children of all mental and physical abilities. This pioneering effort, which became known as the Meeting Street School, established a legacy of innovative education.
Currently owned by the City of Providence, the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and now serves as the headquarters of the Providence Preservation Society (PPS). Founded in 1956 to save the East Side鈥檚 historic 18th and 19th-century structures from demolition, the PPS not only restored this landmark building but also preserved the character of entire neighborhoods. Today, the PPS is a citywide advocate for preservation, continuing to protect Providence鈥檚 architectural heritage.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Providence. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Brick Schoolhouse on Map
Sight Name: Brick Schoolhouse
Sight Location: Providence, USA (See walking tours in Providence)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Providence, USA (See walking tours in Providence)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Providence, Rhode Island
Create Your Own Walk in Providence
Creating your own self-guided walk in Providence is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Providence Historical Buildings Tour
A beautiful city on the banks of the Providence River, Providence, Rhode Island, is nearly as old as the United States themselves 鈥� founded in 1636. As such, the city has many interesting historical and architectural landmarks worth checking out that tell the story of its past.
Among these, the Providence County Courthouse stands as a symbol of justice and governance. The Old Stone Bank,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Among these, the Providence County Courthouse stands as a symbol of justice and governance. The Old Stone Bank,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Brown University Walking Tour
Chief among the iconic landmarks contributing to the cultural atmosphere of Providence, Rhode Island, is Brown University, a prestigious Ivy League institution known for its liberal arts education and vibrant campus life. Founded in 1764, this is the seventh-oldest university in the United States, chartered before the American Revolution.
Brown's historic campus offers a classic New... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Brown's historic campus offers a classic New... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Providence Introduction Walking Tour
Along the banks of the Providence River sits one of New England鈥檚 oldest and most storied settlements. Founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, a bold dissenter fleeing Massachusetts Bay Colony, it initially began as a sanctuary of religious freedom. Williams believed this haven was revealed through divine mercy鈥攈ence the name 鈥淧rovidence.鈥� Over time, the city grew from its humble beginnings... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles