Carver High School
1030 Tuscaloosa Avenue; Gadsden, AL
George Washington Carver High School was Gadsden's first full
12-year public school for African Americans. Construction began in 1936 as part of the Public Works Administration and it opened in 1936.
In the first year, enrollment consisted of 1,017 students and the school had 26 classrooms, an auditorium, and lunchroom. Enrollment steadily grew each year, as did its programs, such as development of a Home Economics Department. Unfortunately, Carver High School was closed in 1971 as a result of desegregation efforts that began in 1969. Alumnae fondly remember the empowering spirit gained through academics, teachers, and studies while in attendance.
Beginnings in 1936
Construction was funded by the Public Works Administration (PWA), which was one of Roosevelt's New Deal economic and infrastructure programs. It was completed in 1937 and remained open until 1971.
What was the New Deal? read more
Photo Credit: The Living New Deal, National Archives Record Group
Mrs. Coffey- a Dynamic Teacher
Mamie L. (Washington) Coffey, who was born in 1893, was a teacher at Carver High School. Her students still recall her amazing ability to uplift, empower, and inspire them to reach for the stars. She taught that education was the way to Utopia, that life was better than segregation and that discrimination should not hold them back. Mrs. Coffey believed everyone had the ability to be great and that once they achieved success to remember to reach back for the others.
Discover Mrs. Coffey's genealogy here.
Photo Credit: Grace Heritage Community Development; Gadsden, Alabama
Marching Band
This undated photo shows students from George Washington Carver High School's marching band. They are dressed in their band uniforms and holding instruments. The central drum has the school's name and logo on the front.
Photo Credit: Robert Langmuir African American Photograph Collection; Stuart A. Rose Manuscript Archives and Rare Book Library; Emory University; Atlanta, Georgia.
Today... a New Beginning
In 2006, the building became home to the Central Carver Museum. Learn more about the museum, its exhibits, galleries, and community focus here.
Photo Credit: Google Maps image