The National Park Service has announced $9.7 million in grants to assist 20 preservation projects for historic structures on campuses of historically Black colleges and universities in 10 states. Projects funded by these grants will support the physical preservation of National Register-listed sites on HBCU campuses to include historic districts, buildings, sites, structures, and objects. Eligible costs include pre-preservation studies, architectural plans and specifications, historic structure reports, and the repair and rehabilitation of historic properties. Most of the grants are for $500,000.
“HBCUs have been an important part of the American education system for more than 180 years, providing high-level academics, opportunities, and community for generations of students,” said Shawn Benge, deputy director of the National Park Service. “The National Park Service’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities Grant Program provides assistance to preserve noteworthy structures that honor the past and tell the ongoing story of these historic institutions.”
This years’ grants will fund projects including a window restoration project for Centennial Hall at Edward Waters University in Jacksonville, Florida, the restoration of pews and stained-glass windows for the Antisdel Chapel at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina, and the stabilization of Hermitage Hall for future rehabilitation at St. Augustine’s University in Raleigh, North Carolina.
A list of the HBCUs receiving grants appears below. Benedict College received two grants of $500,000 each.
Alabama State University
Miles College
Edward Waters University
Clark Atlanta University
Morris Brown College
Kentucky State University
Morgan State University
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Tougaloo College
Alcorn State University
St. Augustine’s University
Shaw University
Johnson C. Smith University
Livingstone College
South Carolina State University
Benedict College
Virginia State University
Hampton University
West Virginia State University
