National Trust for Historic Preservation Awards $3 Million Grant to Black Heritage Sites in the US
The National Trust for Historic Preservation in Washington, DC, has announced $3 million in grants to 30 Black historic sites across the US, including eight representing the history of Black Modernist architecture. The grants, ranging between $50,000 and $150,000, will support restoration projects, new staff positions, educational activities, fundraising, and other improvements. Among this year’s grantees are schools, sports clubs, and cemeteries.
Established in 2017, the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund aims to ignite a cultural renaissance by highlighting the importance of Black history within the broader history of the US. Since its inception, the fund has awarded grants totaling $27 million to 304 Black heritage sites. The fund has raised over $140 million, making it the largest resource dedicated to preserving Black heritage sites in the US.
This year’s grantees include the Alpha Gamma Omega House in Los Angeles, Shady Rest Golf & Country Club in New Jersey, and Chickasaw Park Tennis Courts in Kentucky. Additionally, eight Modernist buildings will each receive $150,000 through the Conserving Black Modernism initiative, a collaboration between the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund and the Getty Foundation.
One notable Black Modernist site is Azurest South in St. Petersburg, Virginia, designed by architect Amaza Lee Meredith as her own home and studio. The house, completed in 1934, is located on the campus of Virginia State University, where Meredith established the fine arts program. The grant will be used to create a conservation management plan for the building.
The Action Fund’s grants are awarded through an open-call process. For the 2024 grant cycle, the organization received 600 applications. After the grants are awarded, the Action Fund continues to provide specialized consultation and assistance to create a significant social impact. The commitment to expanding the American story through cultural heritage preservation embodies an act of radical love and joy, providing valuable lessons and wisdom for future generations.
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Elara Voss, graduated from the Royal College of Art in London with a Master’s in Fine Art. She specializes in contemporary sculpture and installation art, exploring themes of nature and human interaction. Elara’s works have been featured in several group exhibitions across Europe, and she is currently working on her first solo show.