Our Historical Roots

Phyllis Wheatley Community Center was established in 1924 as one of the original settlement houses in Minnesota under the direction of W. Gertrude Brown, who laid the foundation for Wheatley's mission. Since then, "The Wheatley" has been stirring the leader within by providing a place where people gather to discover their strengths, develop their skills, participate in community and find the encouragement and support to pursue their dreams. Phyllis Wheatley is one of the oldest organizations in Minnesota to continuously deliver human and social services to diverse communities.

In its early years, the Center housed numerous African American entertainers, civic leaders, educators and students who were refused lodging elsewhere at the time due to racial discrimination.

Phyllis Wheatley is among 150 of Minnesota's treasures nominated by the people and recognized in the Minnesota Historical Society's MN150 exhibit as part of Minnesota's sesquicentennial celebration at the Minnesota History Center.

You can learn more about the incredible story of Gertrude Brown and the Phyllis Wheatley House - once called "the greatest settlement house in the United States for Negroes".  A DVD documentary, called The Heart of Bassett Place is available on-line through the Minnesota Historical Society Store.  Enter "Wheatley" in the search box to find the DVD.