From the Historic Smithfield Foundation and the Johnston County Heritage Center:

We are proud to invite you to a historic celebration!

On Friday, June 19th at 11:00 AM for the Freedmen’s Schoolhouse Dedication & Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony. Built in the 1860's, this incredible landmark is the only known remaining freedmen’s schoolhouse in all of North Carolina.

We are thrilled to welcome Smithfield native, award-winning historian, and descendant of the school's original students, Dr. Crystal R. Sanders (Emory University), as our keynote speaker.

Ceremony Location: First Missionary Baptist Church (Sanctuary), 403 Caswell Street, Smithfield

Ribbon-Cutting & Tours: 308 N. Fourth Street, Smithfield (immediately following the ceremony)

This event is free and open to the public!

Learn more about the schoolhouse's history: https://www.johnstonnc.gov/freedmenschool/