Four North Carolina Historic African American Sites Receive Restoration Grants
Lowe's and the National Trust for Historic Preservation to Fund Projects at Rosenwald Schools in Blounts Creek, Cleveland, Hamilton and Wise
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 over $191,000 in grants to fund restoration projects at four historic Rosenwald Schools in North Carolina. The Ware Creek Rosenwald School in Blounts Creek, R.A. Clement in Cleveland, Hamilton Rosenwald School in Hamilton, and Warren County Training School in Wise will receive the grants.
The North Carolina 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."
Ware Creek Rosenwald School (Blounts Creek, NC)
Built in 1921, the Ware Creek Rosenwald School currently operates 6 months of the year as an adult education facility. The grant funds will go towards much needed climate control updates which will allow the center to remain open year round.
R.A. Clement (Cleveland, NC)
The R.A. Clement Rosenwald School, constructed in 1928, will undergo a complete interior and exterior restoration as a result of this funding as part of a larger rehabilitation project. Once complete, it will serve as the community center, children's library, and assembly room for community events – a much needed facility since the 2007 closing of the local YMCA.
Hamilton Rosenwald School (Hamilton, NC)
One of the first Rosenwald Schools, the Hamilton Rosenwald School was built in 1914 and continued to operate as a school until 1960. The grant funding will go towards structural rehabilitation in order for the building to serve as an eco- and cultural heritage tourism center on the Roanoke River. It will feature the educational history, natural resources, and culture while stimulating economic growth in the region.
Warren County Training School (Wise, NC)
The Warren County Training School Rosenwald School was built in 1932 and still stands as one of the largest single facilities in the county. The funds will be applied to a larger building stabilization project on order to restore the school for its future use as the National Julius Rosenwald Cultural and Empowerment 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 Lil' Red Schoolhouse (Drew, MS)
Randolph School (Pass Christian, MS)
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.
