Black History Month: Remembering the legacy of Mary Washington Howe

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A pre-k center on Meares Street in Wilmington bears the name of a very important figure in the city’s history.

Mary Washington Howe was born in 1852, taught by local private tutors before attending The Institute for Colored Youth in Philadelphia.

Howe returned to Wilmington in 1874 to begin her teaching career at Williston Grammar School.

While still in her 20’s, she became the first and only female principal at the school, a position she held for 22 years.

It was said that she served with distinction, ability, efficiency, and faithfulness.

She died in 1900 at the age of 48 after a three-week battle with an illness.

The Mary Washington Howe Elementary School, now a pre-k center, was named in her honor in 1963.