Unveiling of Portrait Honoring Luray School Namesake to Be Held in June
LURAY, Va. — The Andrew Jackson School Museum Committee has announced plans to unveil a portrait of the school’s namesake during a June 27, 2026 ceremony.
The event will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. at the museum, located at 630 West Main Street.
According to organizers, Jackson played a substantial role in establishing the school named in his honor.
Jackson had previously worked alongside educator Booker T. Washington to help fund educational opportunities for Black children in the years following Reconstruction.
The Andrew Jackson School, created for the African American students of Page County, opened in 1924.
The school was made possible through contributions from the local Black community, the county of Page, and the Rosenwald Fund — a school-building initiative created by Washington and philanthropist Julius Rosenwald of the Sears Roebuck family.
In a May media release, museum officials said the June 27 event will explore the school’s history, the impact of segregation and desegregation in Virginia, and the legacy of the students and teachers connected to the school.
Students initially attended the Andrew Jackson School through seventh grade, later expanded to 11th grade. Those seeking high school diplomas, however, were forced to travel to schools outside of the area.
Many Black Page County students ventured to Harrisonburg or moved to Manassas or New Jersey to complete their twelfth grade studies and pursue higher education.
The Andrew Jackson School closed in 1959 when the still-segregated West Luray School opened.
Luray High School was not desegregated until 1966.
The Historic Andrew Jackson School Museum was established in 2020 to preserve the history of the school and its students.
A historical marker was installed in 2022 at the former school site, now the West Luray Recreation Center.
Organizers say the newly-obtained portrait of Andrew Jackson is the first known likeness acquired by the museum, and represents a long-awaited tribute to him.
To learn more about the Andrew Jackson School and Museum, click HERE.