Details on Submitting to the Missouri Director of Historic and One-Room Schools

Many volunteer historians and historic societies across Missouri have created books that document the last remaining one-room schools in their county. In fact, I wrote one for Greene County back in 2001 (link to book here). Those are exhaustive reports on all the former school buildings in those counties.

But a statewide resources is on the horizon. A book I am creating and writing as part of the Missouri Historic Schools Alliance that will highlight the very best examples from around the state. Close to 90% of the listings in the book will feature historic schools that are fully restored and either open to the public or available for a public use. The exception is made for those schools on the National Register that are not restored or those that are in the process of being restored.

This book has been in the works for about three years and has received statewide coverage. I have encouraged groups to submit their own information and photos. The hope is that directory can be used to help promote rural hertiage tourism to individuals nationwide that are interested in historic schools (and there are many). We are also working on bringing the national historic schools conference back to Missouri and to re-launch a statewide conference as well.

This book is going to be updated on a regular basis as part of the Missouri Historic Schools Alliance.

Here the current Table of Contents for the book which shows the schools listed.

There is no cost for being listed. However, we also ask that all listed schools submit photos and required information for this publication. Provide written answers to the following questions:

· Name of school, location or address (as much detail as possible)

· current owner or contact

· current use (mention if it is publicly or privately owned)

· history of building

· explain how the school was or is being preserved

· why the school was preserved

· where information can be found online

· contact information for the group or individual that owns or operates the school

· and personal stories about the history of the school and building.

Please also include some interior and exterior photos of the school. Written answers and photos can be submitted by email or by using this mailing address:

David Burton

Greene County Extension, 2400 S. Scenic Ave, Springfield, Mo. 65807

Telephone: 417-881-8909 * Email: burtond@missouri.edu