National Park Service awards $10.67 Million To HBCU Projects

(Black PR Wire) WASHINGTON – The National Park Service recently awarded $10,670,000 to 15 projects as part of the Historic Preservation Fund’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities grant program, which focuses on the repair of historic structures on the campuses of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). “It’s vital for America’s HBCUs to preserve their vibrant history, ensuring that the places and the events that happened there are not forgotten,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. “I’m proud that the National Park Service can support this locally led stewardship.” This year’s grants will support the preservation of eight sites including: Simmons College, the sole private HBCU in the state of Kentucky, will rehabilitate Steward Hall, one of two remaining buildings built during the college’s peak period in 1924. The architect and builder Samuel Plato is a celebrated Black architect who also graduated from Simmons College. The grant funds will be used to rehabilitate windows and doors as well as provide foundation repairs and tuckpointing. The Delaware State University (DSU) Downtown campus in Dover, Delaware, will rehabilitate a pre-1885, three-story frame building with Queen Anne architectural features including a mansard roof and an expansive porch. Originally owned by Wesley College, the building was acquired by DSU in 2021. The rehabilitation of the building will address the building envelope, interior water damage, and mold remediation. The rehabilitated building will be named the Hope House and provide social services for students and the community. Cheyney University of Pennsylvania will rehabilitate Melrose Cottage, a cottage that dates to around 1785. The building served as the university president's house from 1913 to 1951, and was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. The rehabilitated building will become the admission team's hub and a welcome center for campus tours. Funding will provide repairs to the electrical systems, a fire suppression system, and address accessibility issues.  Members of the Cheyney University drumline. (2013) For more information about NPS historic preservation programs and grants and to see the other awardees at NPS.gov National Park Service awards $10.67 Million To HBCU Projects More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 429 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.