Our vision is to preserve and advance the
academic, artistic, and cultural legacy of
Brainerd Institute.

About
Brainerd Institute was formed as an elite educational institution for African Americans by the Presbyterian USA Church in 1867. The school continued to... Learn more.

Programs
Dr. Vivian Ayers Allen's current endeavor is a project called Workshops in Open Fields, based on the ground-breaking program she started in Houston, Texas. Learn more.

Donate
The ambitious vision of the Brainerd Institute Heritage board of directors, to restore Brainerd and share its legacy and that of Dr. Vivian Ayers Allen... Learn more.
JOIN US FOR
SOUTH CAROLINA FOLK POETRY FEST
IN HONOR OF VIVIAN AYERS' 100th BIRTHDAY
JULY 29, 2023 • 4:00-6:30PM
115 Marquis St., Chester, SC 29706
Contact for more info: 803-519-7535
All poets from ages 3 - 300 are welcome to present and the public is welcome to freely enjoy and grow.
Readings from Vivian Ayers's NASA celebrated poem "Hawk" will also be read by special guests to commemorate Clemson University republishing the epic poem that uses space flight and love as an allegory for Freedom. Copies of Hawk will be available for purchase.
