THE MICHIGAN ONE ROOM SCHOOLHOUSE ASSOCIATION

2024 MORSA FALL CONFERENCE

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The 2024 Conference will be held on Saturday, October 5th, 2024 at the James E. Bonine House located at 18970 M-60, Vandalia, MI 49095 and Brownsville #1 School (Cass County).

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We are presenting a unique collaboration at the MORSA Fall Conference in Vandalia, MI. MORSA will be joining the members of the UGRRSCC (Underground Railroad Society of Cass County) The county was the nexus of two underground railroad routes used by Freedom Seekers during the pre-Civil War era.

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Local members have been instrumental in the effort to preserve the stories and structures of the era. Four sites comprise the centerpiece: the James E. Bonine House, the James E. Bonine Carriage House, the Stephen Bogue House, and the Brownsville School.

The school is believed to be one of the oldest integrated schools in the state; providing education for the children of those seeking freedom from its opening in the 1840's until its closure in the 1950's.

 

The conference attendees will meet at the James E. Bonine House for the program. Jim Cameron, President of the Michigan Oral History Association will be the keynote speaker. Jim is a board member of the Historical Society of Michigan and a retired Saline High School history teacher. Guests will tour the UGRR sites, culminating with a visit to the Brownsville School.