In the heart of Vicksburg, Mississippi, stands a modest yet deeply significant house—the childhood home of Dr. Jane Ellen McAllister. To some, it may appear like just another aging structure. But to those who know her story, this home represents something far greater: a legacy of excellence, resilience, and groundbreaking achievement.

Now, we're launching a $1 million campaign to preserve this historic home—and we’re asking for your help.

Who Was Dr. Jane McAllister?

Born in 1899, Dr. Jane Ellen McAllister was a pioneer in every sense of the word. She became the first African American woman in the United States to earn a Ph.D. in education, receiving her degree from Columbia University’s Teachers College in 1929.

Throughout her life, Dr. McAllister was an educator, mentor, and advocate. She taught at historically Black colleges and universities, including Jackson State, Fisk University, Virginia State, and Southern University. Her work shaped the lives of thousands of students and helped push the boundaries of what was possible for African American women in academia.

What’s even more remarkable is that her story began right here—in Vicksburg—in the very house we now aim to save.

Why This Home Matters

The McAllister home isn’t just a structure—it’s a piece of living history. It's where a young Jane McAllister was raised by parents who believed deeply in the power of education. It's where she began tutoring neighborhood children, studying piano, and imagining a future where her voice could make a difference.

Today, the home stands as a quiet testament to her life and legacy. But time has taken its toll. Weathering, age, and lack of preservation have left the structure in desperate need of restoration. Without urgent action, we risk losing this vital landmark forever.

Our Vision

We don’t just want to save the house—we want to bring it back to life.

Our vision includes:

Restoring the home to its original condition using historically accurate materials and methods
Creating an interactive museum and educational space that tells Dr. McAllister’s story
Developing programming and tours that inspire youth and celebrate African American history and achievement
Providing a gathering space for educational workshops, community conversations, and leadership development

How You Can Help

We’ve set a goal to raise $1 million to make this vision a reality. This funding will be allocated toward the restoration, programming, and long-term sustainability of the site.

You can be a part of preserving this powerful legacy by:

✅ Making a donation

✅ Sharing this story on social media

✅ Spreading the word within your networks and organizations

Every dollar, every voice, and every action brings us closer to honoring Dr. McAllister in a way that future generations can see, walk through, and learn from.

Join Us

Dr. Jane McAllister shattered ceilings and broke barriers so others could rise. Now it’s our turn to ensure her story is never forgotten.

Let’s preserve her home. Let’s honor her legacy. Let’s invest in the future by remembering the past.

Latest News & Updates

Stay informed about our latest initiatives and events. Join us in preserving Dr. McAllister's legacy through the renovation of her home as a museum. Discover the power of education within the Black community through our exhibitions and public programs.

Campaign Launched to Preserve the Home