Avery Normal Institute

The Avery Normal Institute was established by the American Missionary Association (AMA) in Charleston, South Carolina in 1865. It originally served as a school for former slaves and free persons of color, providing normal, or teacher, training to students pursuing careers in education. Avery's educational mission evolved as its all-black administrators, faculty, and students played pivotal roles in combating racism and Jim Crow laws in Charleston. The school eventually became known just as Avery Institute, operating as a high school, with financial support from the AMA until 1947, when it became part of Charleston's segregated public school system. It was closed in 1954. Decades after the institution ceased to exist, many of its alumni were instrumental in creating the Avery Research Center for African American History & Culture, which is housed in the old Avery Building, at 125 Bull Street.