Mister Cropp revives historic Colton's Point schoolhouse into a world-class museum

This article was created by AI using a video recording of the meeting. It summarizes the key points discussed, but for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Link to Full Meeting

The St. Mary's County Commissioners meeting on January 21, 2025, featured a significant discussion led by Mister Cropp regarding a community project aimed at restoring a historic schoolhouse. Cropp, who previously built a lighthouse on Saint Clement's Island, expressed his commitment to revitalizing the schoolhouse, which dates back to 1890 and is the only remaining structure of its kind in the area.

Cropp outlined a series of planned improvements, including raising and sanding the floors, applying traditional linseed oil, and using authentic whitewash sourced from Virginia. He also mentioned plans to replace the roof with an identical structure and restore the chimney using bricks from the 1800s. The project aims to transform the schoolhouse into a world-class museum, showcasing the history of education for African Americans in the region.

In addition to the physical renovations, Cropp emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating that he has been in contact with local businesses for support. Companies such as Taylor Engineering and Taylor Gas have pledged assistance, and Cropp anticipates further donations as awareness of the project grows. He also mentioned that David Taylor from Focus Video will document the restoration process, capturing the stories of former students who attended the school.

Cropp expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its educational value and the opportunity to preserve local history. He hopes to begin work immediately, aiming for completion by fall, when a trust fund will be established to ensure the museum's sustainability. The initiative not only seeks to restore a physical structure but also aims to honor the legacy of education in the African American community, providing a platform for storytelling and historical reflection.

Converted from 5/26/2015 Commissioners of St. Mary's County meeting on January 21, 2025
Link to Full Meeting