MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN) — A historic school in Rutherford County is being restored —more than 60 years after it closed down.
Cemetery School in Murfreesboro was an all-Black school that operated for nearly 100 years before desegregation.
Now, the son of a student who attended the school has taken ownership of the property, and he plans to restore it as both a museum and community venue.
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“This story of Cemetery School is a story that’s similar to everyone else’s story,” said Vincent Windrow. “It’s a story of adversity, overcoming tragedy. It’s a story of being the underdog and being able to fight back and win. It’s a story of resiliency, and it’s a story of hope.”
Cemetery School was built to serve the educational needs of Black children off Old Nashville Highway, originally opening in 1874. The current structure was built in 1941.
So yes, it has plenty of stories to tell. Speaking of, Windrow’s story can’t be told without Cemetery School. Not only did his mother attend the school, but he spent most of his childhood on the property itself.