The National Trust for Historic Preservation has designated The Founders Library on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. as a “National Treasure.” The university and the Trust will now cooperate in efforts to improve the facility as a 21st-century learning environment while protecting its historical significance.
The designation as a “National Treasure” will allow the university to access federal and new market tax credits to fund rehabilitation expenses. In addition, experts at the Trust will be available to Howard University to offer best practices in preserving the traditional building while upgrading the facility for future generations.
The library was completed in 1939. The building houses the university’s museum and the Moorland-Springarn Research Center, one of the world’s largest repositories of items relating to the history and culture of people of African descent.
Stephanie Meeks, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation stated that “working to save Founders Library fits in very well with our efforts at the Trust to expand the scope of historic preservation so that it reflects the true diversity of our nation, and works to save more overlooked places.”
