The Historic McConchie One-Room School is directly inside the main gate that faces Fairground Road. Originally located at Blossom Point Road and Maryland Route 6, this one-room school opened in 1912 to serve African American children and closed in 1952. This is when Charles County consolidated all of its schools. A private citizen bought the school, and it became a family rental property. It was ready for demolition in 1992, when several Fair Board members moved it to the Charles County Fairgrounds. Mr. Mitchell Digges and Mr. George Dyson spearheaded the move.
The volunteer, non-profit Charles County Fair Board of Directors and their McConchie School Sub-Committee now oversee and manage all activities related to the historic school building.
The Historic McConchie One-Room School is one of only three such schools in Charles County currently open to the public. It is the only known one still in existence that originally served African American students exclusively. The school now serves as a living museum and is open for tours and programs during the fair, on the Fourth of July and during the Kris Kringle Christmas Market in December. The school is also visited by Charles County students on field trips to learn about their local history. It is open at other times for tours and special programs upon specific request by the public.
If you wish to donate to the upkeep and maintenance of the McConchie School House or other related activities, please go to Fair’s Donation page, fill out the necessary information and type “McConchie School” in the Activity field!
Honoring Our Legacy: Black History Month at McConchie
As we mark the beginning of Black History Month, we reflect on a journey that began over a century ago. Since 1912, the Historic McConchie One-Room School has stood as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of education.
To honor this milestone and our deep roots in the community, we are proud to announce a special centerpiece of our month-long celebration: the official launch of two significant new films, The Life of a Student and Segregation.
The walls of this schoolhouse hold more than just memories; they hold a blueprint of resilience, a pursuit of knowledge, and the heartbeat of the Charles County community. Today, we aren’t just looking back at the past—we are bringing it to life.
These videos offer a window into a pivotal era of our local heritage. They tell the stories of the young scholars who walked these floorboards, the teachers who inspired them against all odds, and the complex reality of a segregated education system.
You can download copies of our new films from our Dropbox account here.
Come to our Free Open House – February 22, 2026
In honor of Black History Month, the Charles County Fairgrounds cordially invites you to an Open House at the Historic McConchie One-Room School. Please join us as we celebrate the rich educational heritage and enduring spirit of the students and teachers who passed through these doors.
Date: Sunday, February 22
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Ribbon cutting at 3:00 PM)
Location: Charles County Fairgrounds – Commercial Building A
Guests will have the opportunity to explore the schoolhouse, enjoy light refreshments, and view newly produced historical videos detailing the school’s unique journey and its significance in our county’s history. We look forward to sharing these stories with you.
Please RSVP to: [email protected] NLT S: Feb 13
OPEN FOR TOURS DURING THE FAIR!
Come visit The Historic McConchie One-Room School at the Fairgrounds during the fair! Enter a time capsule as a student of 100 years ago and experience the fun and hardship of attending a one-room school.
During the Charles County Fair, McConchie One-Room School volunteers will be on hand to provide tours. The volunteers will be available to discuss the history of the School and questions. We continue to seek volunteers to assist the Fair Board and its School Committee with educating the public about our heritage. Questions should be directed to McConchie School Chair, Janice Wilson at 301-751-9610.
Contact us!
We would like to talk to you about your experience or that of your relatives who attended the McConchie School.
Delores Walls, McConchie Project, Alumni Chair
email: [email protected] / cell: 301-412-1449
or
Charlotte Weirich, McConchie Project, Grants Chair
email: [email protected] / cell: 240-210-3307
For more information about The Historic McConchie One-Room School,
please e-mail: [email protected], [email protected] or call 301-848-3476.
For a complete history of the school, please click on the link,
“The Historic McConchie One-Room School: Its History from 1912 through the Present Day”
Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HistoricMcConchieSchool
Video Links
- On Sunday, March 7, 2021, Immediate Past Facilitator Charlotte Weirich and Ed Holland had a wonderful interview with Ms. Tiffany Daniel, Host, “Live To Day Health Talk.” As usual, Community Relations is pleased to get the word out on The Historic McConchie One-Room at the Charles County Fairgrounds Inc. Check us out! https://facebook.com/groups/146915585797358/permalink/1058710707951170/
- We were also highlighted in “Your Charles County” in February 2021!