About The Historic Neely School Foundation
About the Foundation
The Historic Neely School Foundation, a non-profit, was founded in 2010 by the Neely family and Rowan County community advocates who believed in the importance of restoring the historic Neely School. In 2017, the Neely School was designated as Rowan County’s fifth historic landmark.
Today the Foundation manages the Neely School historical site and community center complete with a picnic shelter, nature trail, playground, and bathrooms—all of which are available to the public for educational visits and private events.
Neely School History
Around 1910, Julius Erastus Neely founded the Neely School in China Grove, NC. Julius was the son of an enslaved person. As a carpenter and minister, he recognized the importance of educating his family and community. He worked with family and friends to build the single-room Neely School, which educated approximately 1,300 students before the local school system started providing schools for African Americans in 1948.
Our Visionary
Mary Neely Grissom was the visionary heart and soul behind the founding of our organization, a leader who truly turned dreams into reality through her unwavering faith. When others said the school couldn’t be saved, Mary refused to let it be, overcoming countless obstacles to achieve the monumental successes of moving, restoration, and reopening. For the fifteen years she dedicated to the THNSF, her commitment was the legacy she lived and showed through countless trips, personal finances, and tireless efforts. In recognition of her vision, leadership, and perseverance, we honor her memory and pledge to carry forward the legendary legacy of a granddaughter who proved (like her grandparents) that with determination, no hurdle is too great for the sake of the community.
Our Team
Our team is made up of Neely family members and community leaders who are passionate about preserving history within our community. We partner with a variety of organizations and businesses to keep the historical site standing and a part of the community.