Brynn Thomas’ class on African American History has been doing research on Gaines High School, a Black school that operated in downtown Cincinnati from 1866 to 1886. (Additional research on Gaines can be found here.) Ms. Thomas’ students traced connections among some of the graduates to explore their social network. The students enjoyed learning about a high school that was only a few blocks but 150 years away from their own. Here are some of their comments:
“Working with the Walnut Historical Society has been one of if not the most interesting activities I’ve participated in my high school career. I enjoy learning about history, so when I heard that we were going to be doing research on individuals who graduated from Gaines Highschool, it immediately captured my interest. The task was to research certain Gaines Highschool graduates and document any significant information about the individual. We would do so by searching through old newspapers and articles which were very neatly organized by one of the main members of the W.H.H.S. The whole experience was enjoyable as well as informative! I find the whole idea of not letting people be forgotten and swept away by time a noble and righteous cause, which I was more than happy to be a part of.” Jorge Garay
“Researching the graduates of Gaines High School, a historically Black school in Cincinnati, was a profoundly rewarding experience. As I delved into the stories of its alumni, I uncovered a legacy of resilience, achievement, and contribution to the city. Learning about the alumni that my classmates had found gave me a great sense that these people lived very rich lives and contributed to the city in an impactful way. Learning about their lives gave me a deeper appreciation for the rich history and vibrant sense of community that continues to shape Cincinnati today. I could not believe I had never heard of Gaines before this and I’m so grateful I know about it now. It was inspiring to see how this institution fostered excellence and unity, leaving a lasting impact on generations and reminding me of the strength and pride embedded in my own city’s history.” Aiden Filson
“Partnering with Walnut Hills Historical Society has been an enlightening experience. Tracing the lives of these people has taught me so much about the power of education and how a single individual can enact immense change in their lifetime. The graduates of Gaines were provided with every opportunity possible to lead great lives, and so many of them did. It’s an inspiring example of the significance of good schooling. Reading about these people, whose names are not as well known as others, has shown me how regular people can do extraordinary things if given the chance. I think the history of Gaines and its graduates can teach us about how and what we provide for the children of today and tomorrow.” Windsor Holman
“During the Walnut Hills Historical Society Research Project, our class dove deep into Cincinnati’s academic history. We researched people who attended Gaines High School and followed their lives through newspaper articles. This was a unique experience because the project made me feel like an investigator and a historian. I enjoyed contributing to a research project to help preserve black history within my community. I also learned a lot about a particular person that stood out to me who went to Gaines High School: William T. Peyton. Not only did I know about the important history that helped shape my community and our city’s schools, but I also learned a little about education for African Americans in the mid-19th century.” Devyn Moorefield
“Our work with The Walnut Hills Historical Society has been very exciting in my opinion. It is fascinating to think that Cincinnati was a big part of Black Community and the Underground Railroad which I didn’t know until after we started our research for The Walnut Hills Historical Society. Before starting this research I had no idea that there was a Highschool just for African Americans. This school had provided opportunities for the Black community that they weren’t able to get at normal high schools. The coolest fact about this school to me was that it is just a few blocks from SCPA, which happens to be where I have gone to school for 13 years. I like that I can take a trip down the street and look at what used to be Gaines High School. The reason I was so interested to WHHS was because I wanted to learn more about my people but I also ended up learning more about my city and how it has helped people like me get to where they are now. I believe that everyone should know the history behind their city so I would like to say thank you to WHHS for informing me on what a great city Cincinnati is!” Samayah Croley-El
“What I’ve researched about Gaines High School through WHHS has made me realize how important it was to African Americans in the Cincinnati area. Each of the graduates I looked at either went on to be a top ranked physician in their class of all white students, or a member of the state government who openly discussed civil rights cases. Without Gaines, the likelihood of them reaching those positions would be extremely low. Now that I’ve spent the time to document their lives through the various mentions of them in newspapers, it will become way easier to find and remember the history of these people. I’m very glad for what I’ve done to contribute to WHHS and I’m hoping that they continue these efforts into the future.” Maxwell Hughes
“My experience collaborating with the WHHS was an interesting experience. I got to learn more about the rich history that lies right here in the city we live in. Before working with geoff and joan I had never even heard of Gaines High School, but now I’m aware of the origins of the school and that it was centrally located here near Taft High School. I also learned that a lot of the buildings here in cincinnati have been standing for as long as Gaines high school was founded. I enjoyed collaborating and learning from them. This experience was quite fulfilling if you ask me.” Aleayah McNeal