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Students Want to Preserve Harrisburg High School

photo of Harrisburg High School taken in early 1900's
photo of Harrisburg High School taken in early 1900's

Two Harrisburg students are working to preserve their historic high school.
Harrisburg High is one of the oldest school buildings still in service in the state.  It was built in 1903 and added on to at various times in the 1920's up through the 1950's.   School leaders are considering plans to renovate or replace the building. Jessica Newell is a Senior at Harrisburg High School and has been doing research on the building's historic significance.  She says Amelia Earhart once spoke at the school. She also says the architecture is unique and there are several murals created in the 50's that represent people and places in the community.
 
Newell and fellow student Maggie Russell are leading the effort to preserve the building.  The Students want Harrisburg High School placed on the national register of historic places.  The school is on this year's list of Illinois' most endangered historic places.   Newell says they will hold an informational meeting on Saturday at 2:00 pm at the Harrisburg library.

Jeff Williams is the Associate Director for Radio and Station Manager for WSIU Radio. Jeff is a native of southern Illinois and has been in broadcasting for 30 years. Contact WSIU Radio at 618-453-6101 or email wsiuradio@wsiu.org
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