Education Pioneering History in Parkersburg
The Sumner-7 Project honors Parkersburg's proud legacy by preserving the history of Sumner High School through dedicated research and advocacy. Our mission is to celebrate and elevate the school’s trailblazing impact on education. Join us in recognizing these milestones, driving progress, and unlocking limitless potential today by reaching out via email to collaborate.
Welcome to The Sumner-7 Project
Welcome to The Sumner-7 Project
The Sumner-7 Project is dedicated to preserving and honoring the legacy of Sumner High School—one of the earliest and most successful self-start African American educational efforts, founded months before West Virginia achieved statehood. Through research, storytelling, and community engagement, we work to ensure that this history, and the people who built it, are never forgotten.
History of Sumner High School
The Parkersburg Colored School, founded in 1862 by African American men, was renamed Sumner High School in honor of abolitionist Charles Sumner.
For 93 years, it stood as a symbol of resilience and dedication to education. Though the building is gone, its legacy continues to remind us of its lasting impact on American history.
A Legacy Forged Through Education
Tracing the origins, impact, and enduring influence of Sumner High School through key moments that shaped generations and strengthened communities through education.
Founding Education Against All Odds
Established in 1862 as the Parkersburg Colored School, African American community leaders risked their safety to create formal education opportunities. Their determination laid a foundation for learning, resilience, and collective progress generations before equal access was guaranteed.
Renaming and Lasting Institutional Impact
Renamed Sumner High School to honor abolitionist Charles Sumner, the institution served students for ninety-three years. It stood as a powerful example of self-determination, academic excellence, and community commitment during eras of segregation and systemic inequality.
Education Shaping Lives and Communities
Through dedicated faculty and motivated students, Sumner High School demonstrated education’s role in fostering informed choices, leadership, and stability. The school’s influence extended beyond classrooms, strengthening families and neighborhoods across Parkersburg and surrounding communities.
Preserving a Legacy Beyond Walls
Though the physical building no longer exists, Sumner High School’s legacy endures through research, storytelling, and advocacy. The Sumner-7 Project ensures its historical significance remains recognized within broader African American and United States educational history.