The Palmer Memorial Institute closed its doors as an educational institution in 1971, but the private school for African American youth – founded by Henderson native Charlotte Hawkins Brown – continues its legacy of teaching young people as it prepares to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Canary Cottage, the founder’s home.
Staff at the Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum have teamed up with students in West Guilford High School’s Adobe Visual Design class to create a new line of gift shop merchandise as part of the centennial plans.
The students in teacher George Brown’s class simulated the design-to-production process, gaining valuable skills and deepening their understanding of merchandising in the process. The students will unveil their designs and talk about the inspiration, process and lessons learned at a launch event that will take place at Canary Cottage on Wednesday, Mar. 18 at 12:30 p.m.
An array of products from the new line will be available for purchase in the gift shop, with proceeds supporting the historic site.
“Dr. Brown believed deeply in education and preparing young people to lead with confidence and purpose,” said Tanesha Anthony, site manager of the Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum. “This project gave students an opportunity interact with history on their own terms, apply their talents in a real-world setting, and see their work valued by the community. We are pleased to not only preserve the history of Dr. Brown and PMI, but cultivate a space for the next generation of leaders and cultural stewards.”
Read more about Palmer Memorial Institute, located in Gibsonville, N.C. at 6136 Burlington Rd.
It was founded in 1902 by Dr. Charlotte Hawkins Brown, Palmer Memorial Institute transformed the lives of nearly 2,000 African American students. Today, the campus provides a setting where visitors can explore the place where boys and girls lived and learned during the greater part of the 20th century. The museum links Brown and Palmer Memorial Institute to the larger themes of African American history, women’s history, social history and education, emphasizing the contributions of African Americans in North Carolina.
The site is located at 6136 Burlington Rd., Gibsonville, N.C. For more information, call 336.449.3310.
