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Arson destroys Black History Museum in Grant County

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Photographer: Anthony Mirones
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Posted: 10/15/2012

By: Anthony Mirones, Anthony.Mirones@wcpo.com

CRITTENDEN, Ky. - The Grant County Black History Museum was burnt to cinders Sunday after an apparent arson.

Fire departments from Crittenden, Dry Ridge, Piner, and Williamstown responded to the blaze that destroyed the form-segregated school and damaged the all-black church that was within 50 feet of the school.

“It is a sad day for anyone who values preserving history," wrote Grant County Parks & Recreation Director Tabatha Clemons. "The Rosenwald School cannot be replaced and this is a senseless crime. We will make every effort to find those responsible for these arsons and hold them accountable for their actions.”

The museum was formerly the Dry Ridge Consolidated Colored School. It closed in 1958 when Grant County Schools integrated blacks and whites. The building was moved to the Grant County Park in Crittenden in 2011, to be restored with a grant from Lowes.

It opened in June 2011 as a museum with historical documents, photos, desks and even shackles. You can see video and photos of the school from a WCPO story that aired in July of 2011 at www.wcpo.com/dpp/news/region_northern_kentucky/segregated-school-reopens .

This is the second suspected arson at the Grant County Park since May. That is when the Grant County Little League field house was destroyed.

There is still a $1,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest in the May fire from the Kentucky Arson Task Force. The Grant County Fiscal Court is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to a conviction in the Oct. 14 fires.

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