Historic Marker Dedication is Sunday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 8, 2008

For additional information, contact:

Beverly Calender-Anderson, Safe and Civil City Program Director, City of Bloomington, 349-3560

Bloomington, IN -- The public is invited to the dedication ceremony for a historic marker to be placed at the City of Bloomington's Banneker Community Center. The state historical marker recognizing the Benjamin Banneker School will be dedicated on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008, at 3pm at the Banneker Community Center located at 930 West 7th Street.

The marker is part of the State of Indiana Marker Program, which is administered by the Indiana Historical Bureau. It will be placed at Banneker Center to commemorate one of Bloomington's segregated schools. Installation of the marker outside of Banneker Community Center will take place once upcoming construction is completed.

Banneker Community Center is named for African American astronomer, mathematician and clock maker, Benjamin Banneker (1731-1806). The building operated as a segregated school for African Americans from 1915-1951. In the early 1950s, the school closed due to declining enrollment and to the repeal of a state law that supported school segregation. The building then became a community center, which functions to this day.

Historical markers commemorate significant Indiana individuals, places and events, and help communities throughout Indiana promote, preserve and present their history for education and enjoyment of residents and tourists of all ages.

For additional information contact Elizabeth Mitchell at emitch1441@insightbb.com or Beverly Calender-Anderson at 349-3560.

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