NHHS History
NHHS is one of the oldest high schools in
NC and arguably the oldest building
still in daily use in the State.
The NHHS Alumni are active and engaged. If you are a proud Alumnus of NHHS, please consider joining the NHHS Alumni Association. Go here for more information:
They also have some great hats for sale:
New Hanover High School History - 1922: Today
Located downtown, built in 1922, NHHS prestigious alumni include star athletes like Roman Gabriel and Trot Nixon, writers and journalists like David Brinkley and Peggy Payne, and entrepreneurs like Jim Goodnight, founder of SAS.
1922 - When the school opened in 1922, it was considered the largest high school in North Carolina. It was opened to only white students, with black students attending Williston High School.
1930s & 40s - Two wings added to the building to accommodate student body growth with more classrooms. Princess St. Gym built. Legion Stadium built by the City, which NHHS still uses for home football, baseball, soccer, and lacrosse games.
1950s - Brogden Hall built as a basketball gym and auditorium. When Brogden Hall opened its doors in 1954, it was the largest public venue in New Hanover County
1960s - Black students integration. Pembroke Jones Park taken over by the County School System to improve New Hanover’s access to athletic facilities (current site of NHHS Tennis Courts). Hoggard High School opened.
1970s - The old auditorium remodeled to become the current library. The "Crosswalk” completed, making it easier for students to travel throughout the school’s campus walking over (vs. on) Market Street. Laney High School opened.
1980s - Fence built across Market St. to prevent students from crossing except by the “Crosswalk.”
1990s - Approval of ½ size track at 13th & Ann field, the only field walking distance to NHHS.
2000s - 150,000 SF renovation to upgrade the electrical grid and mechanical systems, with an 8,000 SF addition to house electrical equipment. Designed 75 years earlier, the buildings also received significant improvements to address accessibility issues. NHHS football field house condemned. Ashley High School opened.
2010s - NHHS football field house restored. Legion stadium turf installation. 2014 School Bond approved. NHHS receives new roof and other repairs. Hoggard and Laney receive new “second” gyms, and cafeteria and media center remodeling and updates.
2020s - Brogden Hall receives HVAC, a new floor and roofing repairs. Princess St gym (which is not regulation size so unable to host basketball or volleyball games) receives HVAC.
Plus all that for which we are currently advocating and fundraising!