PRESERVING HERITAGE: NATIONAL PARK SERVICE ALLOCATES $10.6 MILLION TO HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
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Posted By: Catalina Deossa on July 11, 2024 The National Park Service has awarded $10,670,000 to fund 15 preservation projects across eight states through the Historic Preservation Fund’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) grant program. This initiative focuses on the restoration and conservation of historic structures located on HBCU campuses, aiming to safeguard their cultural significance and ensure the preservation of their histories for future generations. Director Chuck Sams of the National Park Service emphasized the program's importance, highlighting its role in maintaining the vibrant histories of America's HBCUs. He underscored that these institutions play a crucial role in American history, and preserving their physical spaces is essential to keeping their stories alive. This year’s grants will support a variety of projects aimed at restoring significant buildings. For example, Simmons College of Kentucky, the state's sole private HBCU, will use funds to rehabilitate Steward Hall, constructed in 1924 during the college's peak period. Designed by Samuel Plato, a notable Black architect and Simmons College graduate, the project will focus on repairing windows, doors, and addressing foundational issues. Delaware State University plans to rehabilitate Hope House, a historic building with Queen Anne architectural features acquired by the university in 2021. The project will address building envelope concerns, interior water damage, and mold remediation. Once restored, Hope House will serve as a hub for social services benefiting both students and the community. Similarly, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania will restore Melrose Cottage, a structure dating back to around 1785 and previously serving as the university president's residence. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the cottage will undergo repairs to its electrical systems, installation of a fire suppression system, and enhancements to improve accessibility. Upon completion, it will function as a welcome center for campus tours and a central hub for the university's admission team. Other funded projects include the rehabilitation of the Leontyne Price Library at Rust College in Mississippi, the preservation of Florida A&M University's Carnegie Library, and the restoration of several historic buildings at Paine College in Georgia. Each of these initiatives aims not only to preserve physical structures but also to honor the cultural heritage embedded within these institutions. Funding for these projects comes from the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), which derives revenue from federal oil and gas leases on the Outer Continental Shelf. Established in 1977 and authorized at $150 million annually through 2024, the HPF supports a broad range of preservation efforts across the United States. To date, it has allocated over $2 billion in grants to states, tribes, local governments, and nonprofit organizations for the preservation of America's historic and cultural resources. Administered by the National Park Service, the HPF encompasses various grant programs that support the preservation of underrepresented communities, Tribal heritage sites, and locations significant to African American civil rights and the history of equal rights in America. This comprehensive approach ensures that diverse aspects of America's cultural tapestry are safeguarded and celebrated for future generations. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Catalina Deossa
Archaeologist, CHRONOS SAS Florida Int`l Univ class of 2011 Member Since April 2024 |
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