Holley Graded School represents the dedicated work of a small African American community, who, despite economic hardship and the deterrence of segregation, erected a schoolhouse which was remarkably well appointed for its time and the people it served. It was begun ca. 1914 to replace a smaller schoolhouse erected during the Reconstruction era. It stands on property purchased shortly after the Civil War by Sallie Holley (1818-1893) of New York State, for whom the school was later named. An ardent abolitionist, Holley followed the example of her friend Emily Howland and established a school for former slaves in Northumberland County in 1869. The present Holley Graded School was primitive compared to the commodious facilities for white children, but it was a point of pride in that it was achieved entirely though private efforts of the black community. The school building went on to house the county’s Adult Literacy Program.