Two Mississippi Historic African American Sites Receive Restoration Grants
Lowe's and the National Trust for Historic Preservation to Fund Projects at Rosenwald Schools in Drew and Pass Christian
Posted April 7, 2008 | Contact pr@nthp.org or 202-588-6141
WASHINGTON, DC (April 7, 2008) – Today, Lowe's and the National Trust for Historic Preservation announced that they are awarding $100,000 in grants to fund restoration projects at two historic Rosenwald Schools in Mississippi. The Drew Rosenwald School, also known as The Lil' Red Schoolhouse, and the Randolph School in Pass Christian will each be the beneficiaries of $50,000 grants.
The Mississipi projects are among 17 Rosenwald School grant recipients in the Southern United States. Funding for these grants was provided by Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation through a $1 million contribution to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This is the third year that Lowe's has supported the National Trust for Historic Preservation with a $1 million grant.
The Rosenwald Schools represent an important chapter in the history of the United States. Originally built by Julius Rosenwald and Booker T. Washington between 1918 and 1932 as part of a school-building program for African Americans in the rural South, today only about 10 percent of the over 5,300 buildings constructed remain standing, and many are in serious disrepair. The National Trust for Historic Preservation named Rosenwald schools to its list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places in 2002.
"The Rosenwald schools tell a story of extraordinary generosity," said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "In a time of great racial inequality, Julius Rosenwald worked with communities across the South and Southwest to improve educational opportunities for African Americans. These schools represent a critical link to our national heritage, and we are very pleased that Lowe's understands the importance of preserving the important places that tell America's story."
"Rosenwald schools encouraged a sense of community and paved the way for previously unimaginable educational opportunities," said Larry D. Stone, chairman of the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation. "Time and neglect have put these schools in danger, and we need to act now to save these structures that are as significant to the local community's civic life as they are to our nation's history."
Drew Rosenwald School - The Lil' Red Schoolhouse. (Drew, MS)
Built in 1923, the Lil' Red Schoolhouse restoration project will focus on finishing the interior of the building, including windows, floors, bathrooms and electrical services. Once complete, the building will be used as the headquarters for the Boys and Girls Club, fostering youth and community activity and serving as an important historical tie.
Randolph School (Pass Christian, MS)
The Randolph School was constructed in 1928. Like many other structures of the Gulf Coast, the Randolph School was completely submerged during Hurricane Katrina, suffering major damage. The funds will be used to completely restore the school back to its original design so that it can once again be used as the local Community and Senior Center.
Other Rosenwald School grant recipients include
Old Merritt School (Midway, AL)
Acworth Rosenwald School (Acworth, GA)
Hickory Colored School (Mayfield, KY)
May's Lick Negro School (May's Lick, KY)
San Domingo Community and Cultural Center (Mardela Springs, MD)
The Ware Creek Rosenwald School (Blounts Creek, NC)
R.A. Clement (Cleveland, NC)
Hamilton Rosenwald School (Hamilton, NC)
Warren County Training School (Wise, NC)
Cairo Rosenwald School (Gallatin, TN)
Lincoln School (Pikeville, TN)
W.D. Spigner Elementary School (Calvert, TX)
Pleasant Hill School (Linden, TX)
Great Branch Teacherage (Orangeburg, SC)
Scrabble School (Scrabble, VA)
For more information on Rosenwald schools, please visit www.rosenwaldschools.com.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a non-profit membership organization bringing people together to protect, enhance and enjoy the places that matter to them. By saving the places where great moments from history – and the important moments of everyday life – took place, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps revitalize neighborhoods and communities, spark economic development and promote environmental sustainability. With headquarters in Washington, DC, nine regional and field offices, 29 historic sites, and partner organizations in all 50 states, the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education, advocacy and resources to a national network of people, organizations and local communities committed to saving places, connecting us to our history and collectively shaping the future of America's stories. For more information visit www.preservationnation.org.
ABOUT LOWE'S
Lowe's is a proud supporter of Habitat for Humanity International, American Red Cross, United Way of America, and the Home Safety Council, in addition to numerous non-profit organizations and programs that help communities across the country. In 2007, Lowe's and the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation together contributed more than $25 million to support community and education projects in the United States and Canada. Lowe's also encourages volunteerism through the Lowe's Heroes program, a company-wide employee volunteer initiative. Lowe's is a FORTUNE® 50 company with fiscal year 2006 sales of $46.9 billion and has more than 1,525 stores in the United States and Canada. For more information, visit Lowes.com/community.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a non-profit membership organization bringing people together to protect, enhance and enjoy the places that matter to them. By saving the places where great moments from history – and the important moments of everyday life – took place, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps revitalize neighborhoods and communities, spark economic development and promote environmental sustainability. With headquarters in Washington, DC, nine regional and field offices, 29 historic sites, and partner organizations in all 50 states, the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education, advocacy and resources to a national network of people, organizations and local communities committed to saving places, connecting us to our history and collectively shaping the future of America’s stories. For more information visit www.PreservationNation.org.
