Carnegie Hall: The Legacy of Education at Morgan State University
By: Morgan Lewis, Elena Waller
“Every student, faculty, and staff member on this campus needs to understand they are standing on sacred ground,” said Dr. Ida Jones, Morgan State University’s archivist, during an interview about Carnegie Hall, the university's oldest building. In this story, we explore the history and significance of a building that represents more than just a physical location.
Carnegie Hall on Morgan State University
Carnegie Hall, like many structures on Morgan’s campus, is a historical landmark that carries deep meaning and honors an individual whose contributions helped shape the legacy of the university. Andrew Carnegie’s financial support in 1915 played a crucial role in the construction of Carnegie Hall, a central building on campus. His donation was part of a broader mission to promote higher education for African Americans, aligning with his belief in education as a means to uplift underserved communities and foster social progress.
Carnegie Hall stands as the oldest building on Morgan State University's campus, named after Andrew Carnegie, who made an original and conditional grant of $50,000—a substantial sum of money at the time—for the construction of the academic building around 1915. However, Carnegie’s grant came with specific conditions. The university was required to purchase a new site, clear all outstanding debts, and construct a building named in his honor. Morgan College, as it was known then, met these conditions by acquiring the 65-acre Ivy Mill and Farm site, the present location of Morgan State University, in 1917. By 1919, with an additional donation from the Carnegie Corporation, the university erected Carnegie Hall, which was constructed using stone quarried directly from the site.
The construction of Carnegie Hall is not only significant for its role in the expansion of the campus but also as a lasting testament to Carnegie's vision and influence. Originally built to house various academic departments, the building is currently home to the Mathematics Department and the Medical Laboratory Science Program. It was renovated in 1992 to preserve its historical significance while ensuring it remained functional for modern academic needs. The building’s architecture and long-standing presence symbolize the endurance of Carnegie's ideals and the lasting impact of his philanthropy.
Picture of Andrew Carnegie
Andrew Carnegie, born in 1835, rose from humble beginnings to become a leader in the steel industry, amassing great wealth in the process. However, he is perhaps best known for his deep commitment to philanthropy and education. Carnegie firmly believed in using personal wealth to benefit society and famously stated, “The man who dies thus rich dies disgraced.” His philanthropic efforts were particularly focused on funding libraries, schools, and universities, as he saw education as a powerful tool for personal and societal transformation.
Carnegie’s gift to Morgan College in 1915 was part of his larger mission to promote education, particularly for African Americans. At the time, access to higher education for Black students was severely limited due to racial segregation and systemic discrimination. By providing funds to build a central academic facility at Morgan College, Carnegie demonstrated his commitment to increasing educational opportunities for underserved communities. His donation came at a critical time in the university’s development, helping Morgan expand its facilities and solidify its role as a leading institution for African American students.
The construction of Carnegie Hall not only addressed the university's immediate need for an academic building but also symbolized a broader commitment to advancing education for Black Americans. Carnegie’s vision for using education to uplift marginalized communities is reflected in Morgan State University’s mission to foster social progress through academic excellence. His philosophy continues to shape the legacy of Carnegie Hall and the university itself. Today, the building stands as a reminder of Carnegie’s belief in the power of education to change lives and create opportunities.
Over the years, Carnegie Hall has remained a vital part of campus life at Morgan State University. Its historical significance extends beyond its architectural features; it represents the values of education, opportunity, and progress that are central to both Carnegie’s legacy and Morgan’s mission. The building continues to serve as a space for academic growth, where students engage in learning that prepares them to contribute to their communities and society at large. Carnegie’s contribution to Morgan State University has had a lasting impact on the campus and its students, as the building still plays an integral role in the university’s academic programs.
Picture of Mathematics poster in Carnegie Hall
Furthermore, Carnegie’s support of Morgan State University was part of a larger national effort to fund the education of African Americans during a time of widespread inequality. His contributions to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) helped ensure that these institutions could continue their work of educating future generations of Black leaders, thinkers, and professionals. Through his philanthropy, Carnegie helped lay the foundation for increased access to higher education for African Americans—a legacy that continues to resonate today.
Engaging Students with the Legacy of Carnegie Hall
To further explore the connection between students and Carnegie Hall’s history, we conducted a poll among students on campus. Here are some of the key results, which reflect a mix of knowledge and curiosity about the building’s significance:
Inforgraphic of Interviews
"Do you know the historical significance of Carnegie Hall on campus?"
- Yes: 22%
- No: 78% (Pie Chart)
"Have you ever had a class in Carnegie Hall?"
- Yes: 65%
- No: 35% (Pie Chart)
"Before this survey, did you know Andrew Carnegie's role in the construction of the building?"
- Yes: 18%
- No: 82% (Bar Graph)
"Do you think knowing the history of the buildings on campus adds to your overall educational experience?"
- Yes: 67%
- No: 33% (Pie Chart)
"Would you be interested in learning more about the history of buildings like Carnegie Hall?"
- Yes: 74%
- No: 26% (Bar Graph)
These statistics highlight the importance of integrating the university’s history into the student experience. While a majority of students are interested in learning more about Carnegie Hall and the history of Morgan State, the data also shows that many are unaware of the building's significance. This disconnect presents an opportunity to educate students about the historical context of the university’s landmarks, adding depth to their educational journey.
Educate Yourself:
Author Bios:
Morgan Lewis is a multimedia storyteller and student at Morgan State University, majoring in Multiplatform Production. With a passion for documenting culture and identity through photography, videography, and writing, she aims to capture the essence of meaningful narratives.
Elena Waller is a multiplatform production major at Morgan State University, with a love for creating stories and entertainment with deeper meanings to evoke thought and emotion through videography and writing.
