PR198
Segregated Class Photograph
Annapolis, Maryland - November 9, 1933
Bates High School, Freshman Class
Wiley H. Bates High School was a historic black school building in Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland. It was completed in 1932, and replaced the original Annapolis Colored High School. The school building was named after Wiley H. Bates, a prominent African-American businessman and community leader whose financial donations enabled the school to be built. The name of the school lives on in Wiley H. Bates Middle School, while the original building has been turned into a retirement home combined community center.
Prior to desegregation, Bates was the only public school in the county that African-American students could attend for a secondary level education. In 1966, Annapolis schools were integrated by court order, the upper grades moved to Annapolis High School, and Bates continued as one of the city's two integrated junior high schools. In 1981, a new high school was constructed and Bates left its original building and moved into part of the old high school campus. Since 1990, it has been called Bates Middle School.
Prior to desegregation, Bates was the only public school in the county that African-American students could attend for a secondary level education. In 1966, Annapolis schools were integrated by court order, the upper grades moved to Annapolis High School, and Bates continued as one of the city's two integrated junior high schools. In 1981, a new high school was constructed and Bates left its original building and moved into part of the old high school campus. Since 1990, it has been called Bates Middle School.