Associated Press - October 20, 2009 8:14 AM ET

DERIDDER, La. (AP) - A grand opening and dedication for the newly renovated Beauregard Parish Training School will be held Oct. 26.

The school opened its doors to the African American community of DeRidder in 1920. It was 1 of 107 training schools for African Americans in the South.

The school was closed in the 1960s. In 1996, it became the first African American structure in Southwest Louisiana to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is also listed as being of regional importance.

After sitting vacant for many years, the building is being put back into service by BeauCARE Inc.

In 2007, the agency received a federal grant to renovate the school to facilitate Head Start students and community organizations for training and meeting purposes.

Information from: American Press, http://www.americanpress.com

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