On this site in 1943, Thurgood Marshall, NAACP Legal Director and later US Supreme Court Justice, led the movement to end racial segregation in Hillburn schools. His petition prompted the New York State Commissioner of Education to close Brook School and send all the children to this building. Nationally, Marshall's leadership and influence were felt in the increased protection of the civil rights of all races and nationalities over the second half of the 20th century, including his part in the landmark Brown decision of May 17, 1954.
