Help preserve a treasured part of Manassas history. With a gift of $25 or more, you’ll support the restoration of the last remaining Manassas Industrial School building and help keep its story alive for future generations.

Help bring home the last standing structure of the Manassas Industrial School and honor Jennie Dean’s legacy of education, empowerment, and community.

Founded in 1893 by Jennie Dean, the Industrial School offered academic and vocational training to Black students at a time when opportunities were limited and segregation was the law of the land. The Model Cottage is the only surviving building from that historic campus. Once used for home economics instruction, it later became a private residence after being moved in the 1960s. 

Thanks to a generous donation from Dominion Energy, the Cottage has been gifted back to the City of Manassas. The next step is returning it to its original site and restoring it so this landmark can stand for years to come. Your contribution, in any amount, helps move this preservation work forward.

Read more about the project here.