The Alabama Historical Commission (AHC) recently added Putnam School in Putnam to the Alabama Register of Landmarks & Heritage.

The Alabama Register is a prestigious listing of historic, architectural, and archaeological landmarks. The AHC considers the notable historic properties in this register to be particularly worthy of preservation and appreciation, and therefore deserving of this special recognition.

The Putnam School is listed in the Alabama Register for its educational and social history and for its associations with African-American heritage. The school is significant as the only African-American school to serve the Putnam community from 1926 until it closed in 1961. “The school still has much of its historic features in place on both the inside and outside including the original wooden doors, windows, chalkboards, stage and most notably the picturesque historic setting around the building,” said Lee Anne Wofford, Alabama Register Coordinator for the Alabama Historical Commission.

Members of the Gooden Hill Baptist Church are credited with founding the school and the church donated the land for the school. When the school closed, the property reverted back to the church. The Rising Star Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star (William Pride Chapter) purchased the property in 1983 and maintains it as a lodge hall and community center.

The Alabama Historical Commission administers the Alabama Register program, which gives the public a simple way to bring recognition to historic properties.

The Alabama Register officially recognizes and honors buildings, sites, structures, objects, and historic districts that are at least 40 years old.

The Alabama Register designation is honorary and carries no restrictions on property and offers no financial incentives.