This bell was used to signal class changes at the Carver School from 1940-1966.
In the words of Fran Ferguson, the Salem Museum’s Outgoing Executive Director:
“My favorite artifact is this bell from the Carver School. Carver was an important educational and cultural anchor which served the region’s African American residents during the time of segregation. I like to think of the principal ringing this bell to call his students to class, students who worked hard and were eager to learn. The children and youth who attended Carver grew up to be doctors, educators and leaders, locally and beyond, and overcame many challenges on the road to success.”
Fran is retiring! The Board of the Salem Historical Society would like to express their deep gratitude and appreciation for Fran’s exceptional service as executive director. When Fran joined the museum in 2017, she had a vision and a plan to take the Salem Museum into the 21st century. Now, the Salem Museum is an organization to be proud of, an essential community asset!
Please stop by the Museum on August 17, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. to say goodbye to Fran, and hello to Garrett and Hunter, the museum’s new executive director and assistant director.
