The park and CBA entered into a formal Friend’s Group partnership in 2010, and entered into a cooperative agreement for the 1872 Neosho Colored School Project in 201 2. In 2004 CBA received the donation of a lot and house located at 639 Young Street in Neosho, MO – the site of the 1872 Neosho
Colored School.
The site is of special historical significance as the first school George Washington Carver attended in his quest for education.
CBA and the park are working collectively toward to goal of restoration of the historic property and nomination to the National Register of Historic Places.
The cooperative agreement fulfills a public purpose of support and economic stimulation by encouraging cooperative work to carry out tasks in preparation for restoration of the historic 1872 Neosho Colored School (located in Neosho, MO).
The public-at-large benefits from this cooperative arrangement, which supports education and stimulates tourism.
The NPS is substantially engaged in writing scopes of work for various components of the project, monitoring the progress of each activity and adjusting work plans as needed, reviewing one stage of work before the next stage can begin, participating in ongoing partnership meetings, and providing technical expertise in historic preservation and historic research.