Wheatley School still educates today

Poplar Bluff Museums have tales about us, our family and our history. I want to tell you some of those tales found within their museum walls.

Wheatley School opened in 1908. It provided a 1-12 level education for the African American children of Poplar Bluff. The school was named after the Poet Phyllis Wheatley. In 1958 Wheatley School was integrated with children from the rest of the Poplar Bluff School District. In 2000 the school was closed.

In 2003, the Wheatley Historical Preservation Association opened the school again. Today it provides community services using the school’s gymnasium, playground, auditorium, reading room, computer room, dining area and seven classrooms. Services include tutoring, computer literacy, mentoring and lectures. Community cultural events at Wheatley School include Dr. Martin Luther King Day, Black History Month, Heritage Fest, Juneteenth and Kwanzaa.

Of special interest was the creation of the museum. It celebrates the accomplishments of the African American community. The multi-room museum includes national heroes and role models throughout history as well as local icons of Poplar Bluff and Butler County. The unique history of Wheatley School is also on display in numerous exhibits.

The Wheatley School and Museum is open to the public by appointment or during one of the many special events. It is located at 921 Garfield Street. Contact Rex Rattler at (573) 872-9090 for a true cultural trip through history. Tell them Mike sent you!

Mike Shane is a veteran, Poplar Bluff resident and board member for the Poplar Bluff Museum.