Established in 1872 the Charles Sumner School, was one of the earliest schools for African Americans. Named for the prominent abolitionist and United States Senator Charles Sumner, this school became the first teachers college of for all black citizens. It presently houses a small museum, a research room, art exhibits, and even the archives of the District of Columbia Public Schools. The school was built on land that had previously been used as a schooling site by the Freedman’s Bureau. Which was created after the civil war to provide support for freed salves.

Charles Sumner (who the school was named after), was a prominent abolitionist and United States Senator from Massachusetts. He fought among other things, for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia. He also fought for the right of black citizens to use streetcars within the city. Adolf Cluss a Washington architect received an award at the 1873 Vienna Exposition for the designing of the school. In 1872 the school had officially opened its doors. By an act of Congress the creation of schools for black children in Washington passed in 1862. However it was not until 1873 that the responsibility for administration of the schools was placed in local hands instead of the federal agencies.

Separate superintendents were appointed to administer education of both white and black children in the city. Charles Sumner School was one of the first schools welcomed into this new system, housing elementary school classes, as well as high school that eventually became Dunbar High School. The school graduated its first set of high school students in 1877. The same year the school was renamed the Myrtilla Miner Normal School, and became the District’s first Teacher’s College. By the year 1980 the school had fallen into disrepair. The district was able to raise five million dollars to renovate the building, the project lasted for two years. The project was lead by Richard Hurlburt. After the renovation of the building it was renamed Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives. It was used to house a museum in which Hulburt himself was curator.

The museum also houses the District of Columbia Public School Archives and associated reading rooms and meeting areas. The museum has also been used for exhibit space by local artists and organizations. In 1978 the building was added to the District of Columbia Inventory of Historic Sites. In 1979 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.