Collected Item: “Sumner High School (National Historic Landmark Designation)”
Future Site
Sumner High School (National Historic Landmark Designation)
In a few sentences, describe what you imagine in this location to bring hope.
Sumner High School was the first high school for African American students west of the Mississippi and during the time that The Ville was a thriving neighborhood, it played an important role in the community and culture. The building in The Ville neighborhood was built in 1910 but due to damage has not been able to have students since the St. Louis tornado in the Spring. Because of low enrollment, the school has been fighting closure by the St. Louis School Board. Alumni of the school are now working towards having the school designated as a National Historic Landmark, which would allow for applications for grants and other preservation funding. As organizations like 4 The Ville work to revitalize The Ville neighborhood, I feel that preserving this building would give future students the opportunity to attend a hopefully renewed and thriving high school in their neighborhood.
Your name and age (optional).
Michelle
Select the semester submitted below.
Fall 2025