Preserving African American Historic Places

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Preserving African American Historic Places By Brent Leggs, Kerri Rubman, and Byrd Wood The National Trust for Historic Preservation works to save America’s historic places for the next generation. We take direct, on-the-ground action when historic buildings and sites are threatened. Our work helps build vibrant, sustainable communities. We advocate with governments to save America’s heritage. We strive to create a cultural legacy that is as diverse as the nation itself so that all of us can take pride in our part of the American story.

on the Cover: The African Meeting House in Boston tells the story of the abolitionist movement in America. Photo: Museum of African American History/Shawmut Design & Construction about the authors: Brent Leggs is a field officer in the National Trust’s Boston Field Office, where he developed the Northeast African American Historic Places Outreach Program. A Harvard Loeb Fellow, he works to build the capacity of volunteer leaders from diverse communities saving places important in American history. Kerri Rubman is a free-lance editor and writer in Calgary, Canada, specializing in historic preservation writing and research. Byrd Wood is content manager at the National Trust in Washington, D.C. The following individuals generously took the time to review drafts and provide invaluable advice, suggestions, and illustrations: Tanya Bowers, Robert Bull, A’Lelia Bundles, Valerie Cunningham, Michael Cogswell, Jeanne Cyriaque, Connie Dyson, Rasheedah El-Amin, Pamela E. Green, Gregory Farmer, Cyrus Forman, Tracy Hayes, GaryJackson, Malina Jeffers, Melissa Jest, Trevor Johnson, Rick Lowe, George McDaniel, Joseph McGill, Shirley McKinney, Beverly Morgan-Welch, Karen Nickless, Wendy Nicholas, Stephen Petranek, Diana Parcon, Dr. Gretchen Sorin, Frampton Tolbert, Jason Wallis, Jane White, and Alethea Williams-King.

This publication was funded by the generous gift of our preservation partner The 1772 Foundation. Preserving African American Historic Places

INTRODUCTION I was always excited when I found At the National Civil Rights Museum by Brent Leggs a Rosenwald School standing. Many in Memphis, Tenn., visitors can tour In 2004 my job as research assistant times, however, nothing was left. It was the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin for the Kentucky Heritage Council was as if these places had never existed; only Luther King, Jr., was killed. The museum features interactive multi- to inventory Rosenwald Schools in landscapes remained, rich with memories media and state-of-the-art exhibits Kentucky. I traveled across the state to of students walking to school. In many on the Montgomery bus boycotts, the document what were the most advanced, cases entire communities had disappeared. strikes by Memphis sanitation workers architecturally designed school build- People had left rural areas for the big city, in the 1960s, and Dr. King’s dream for ings constructed for African American leaving significant parts of the history America. students between 1917 and 1932. This of African Americans behind. I realized Photo: National Civil Rights Museum innovative school construction program these stories would be all but erased from was developed by the founder of Tuske- memory if we didn’t act to protect them. they are conserving an important cultural gee University, Booker T. Washington, My experience has shown me that the landscape. When relatives gather at the and was partially funded by philan- preservation of historic African American family farm for a reunion or to celebrate thropist Julius Rosenwald, president of sites often happens on an informal basis. Juneteenth (June 19, 1865, when eman- Sears Roebuck & Company. During this Each time someone gives to a church’s cipation was widely announced), they are survey process, I learned that my mother building fund, that person is helping honoring their past. and father both attended Rosenwald rebuild historic fabric. Whenever volun- To be sure, some significant sites asso- Schools in rural Kentucky. teers mow the grass at a historic cemetery, ciated with African American history are formally recognized and serve as perma- make preservation happen. It presents Cultural Resources Management 23, No. nent reminders about our ancestors and an overview of traditional preservation 8-2000, page 5.) For instance, visitors their journey in America. For instance, networks and their roles, offers tips on can walk up the narrow and crooked the African Meeting House in Boston how to get preservation underway in steps to the slave galleries inside St. relates the story of the abolitionist move- your community, and looks at the various Augustine’s Church in New York City ment in America. The Lorraine Motel legal and financial tools that help protect and see where African Americans were forced to sit during religious services for much of the 19th century. At this place, “The general rule is that while property may be visitors can experience tangible, authen- regulated to a certain extent, if regulation goes too tic history. Preservation contributes much to far it will be recognized as a taking.” a forgetful society. It empowers black youth by revealing historical themes in Memphis, where Dr. Martin Luther historic properties. There are a variety of besides slavery, including entrepre- King, Jr., was assassinated, is a monu- approaches to preserving historic places neurship, civil rights, entertainment, ment to the civil rights movement. and each one requires different levels sports, education, and political activ- But relatively few places that are of expertise, resources, and commit- ism. The extensive archives of Madame important to or representative of the ment. Because there is no one-size-fits-all C. J. Walker (1867–1919), a success- African American experience enjoy this method, this booklet includes six case ful African American businesswoman level of recognition. studies to illustrate various strategies for and philanthropist, teach us about the Preserving a historic building, neigh- preserving and honoring historic places entrepreneurial spirit of African Ameri- borhood, or landscape takes more than associated with African American history. can women. The site where hip-hop just a connection to place or a love of was founded in the Bronx brings life to history. It requires a basic understanding Why Preserve? the story of a revolution in music. See- of preservation tools, nonprofit man- Why should we care about historic Afri- ing firsthand the homes of civil rights agement, strategic planning, real estate, can American theaters, churches, schools, activists and the Alabama churches that business practices, project management, residences, gardens, neighborhoods, main served as their gathering places reminds and finance. streets, burial grounds, parks, hotels, juke a younger generation how a nonviolent To help you and your community get joints, and recording studios? movement changed this nation. started in preservation activities, this African American scholar James Hor- By preserving historic sites that tell booklet introduces you to the world of ton says that a single visit to a history site the story of African Americans in this historic preservation, explaining some makes a life once lived real. (“On-Site country we draw attention to the contri- of the key players and procedures that Learning: The Power of Historic Places,” butions of both ordinary and extraordi- nary people. Such stories might otherwise be lost because urban renewal and the out-migration of blacks destroyed or led to the abandonment of many African American communities. By saving Afri- can American landmarks we can stimulate revitalization and foster interest in places that today seem to exist without history or meaning. Indeed these places can serve as anchors reviving our sense of community.

The slave galleries at St. Augustine’s Church in New York City have been preserved, allowing visitors to experience first-hand where slaves were required to sit during church services.

Photo: Richard Rivera

2 Preservation Books Early and Ongoing Efforts residents in the area, especially young The extensive collection of photos and We can take inspiration from ear- people. Marshaling help from students, documents in the Madame C.J. Walker lier preservation champions and their community groups, and preservation- Family archives tells the story of her remarkable life. These historical photos accomplishments. ists, she accomplished her goal when show her home, Villa Lewaro, which The first site associated with the black three houses of Weeksville opened to the is located in Irvington-on-Hudson, experience in America to receive recogni- public in 2005. The Weeksville Heritage N.Y. It was designed by Vertner Tandy, tion at the national level was the birthplace Center she once led continues to expand the first registered African-American of agricultural scientist George Washing- and thrive. (Read more about this on architect. ton Carver in Diamond, Mo., dedicated page 18.) Photos courtesy A’Lelia Bundles/Madam Walker as a National Monument in 1943. Other Believing in the importance of home Family Archives/madamcjwalker.com sites soon followed, such as the site where ownership and citizen engagement as Booker T. Washington was born into slav- keys to improving communities, urban and stronger professional relationships. ery, a National Monument near Hardy, leader Carl B. Westmoreland founded Several organizations are working to Va., protected in 1956; Tuskegee Univer- the Mount Auburn Good Housing identify African American sites in differ- sity, a National Historic Landmark desig- Foundation in Cincinnati in 1967 with ent regions of the country. The African nated in 1965; and Hampton University just $7,000 in seed money from a single American Heritage Preservation Foun- listed in the National Register of Historic donor. The historic neighborhood of dation (www.aahpfdn.org) was estab- Places in 1969. Mount Auburn, often considered Cin- lished in 1994 as a resource group for In the 1960s, grassroots activists new cinnati’s first suburb, was primarily an organizations mostly in the Mid-Atlantic to preservation established the first wave African American neighborhood facing and Southeast. In at least seven states, of historic preservation activity in the disinvestment. Starting with the repair of all-volunteer commissions or committees black community. Without any formal buildings that were most damaging to the work in partnership with state govern- training in historic preservation, these neighborhood, the foundation eventually ment agencies to identify black heritage champions saved many African Ameri- renovated more than 2,000 homes and sites within their state. Other nonprofit can historic places through an organic businesses there. Today Mount Auburn is efforts devoted to the protection of learning process, resilience, and unwav- listed in the National Register of Historic African American historic places include ering commitment for their mission. Places and has been transformed into a the Florida African American Heritage For instance, when community activ- safe and vibrant community. Network (www.faahpn.com/faaph) as ist Joan Maynard learned in the late Since then a new wave of African well as dedicated programs of several 1960s about Weeksville, a once-vibrant American preservationists has got- statewide and local nonprofit preserva- but later forgotten African American vil- ten involved in saving places all across tion organizations. lage in Brooklyn founded in the 1830s, America. These new advocates include In fact, from Maine to California, she felt compelled to revive some of its retirees, architects, nonprofit consul- individuals and nonprofit organiza- buildings as tangible reminders of its tants, historians, and recent graduates tions are working to protect and restore people and their accomplishments. She of historic preservation programs. They African American landmarks and his- was motivated by the desire to instill are advancing preservation by establish- torical artifacts. They are revitalizing pride in current African American ing networks that foster cross-mentoring our historic neighborhoods, conserving

Preserving African American Historic Places 3 The slave dwelling at Sotterley Plantation, an 18th-century tobacco plantation located on the banks of the Patuxent River in Maryland, has been carefully restored.

Photo: the Slave Dwelling Project, Joe McGill

ing finances almost always causes concern as well. Unfortunately, grant options are limited and the process for obtain- ing them is very competitive. Most of us don’t have rich friends to fly in and save the day with a big check. This means that anyone tackling a preservation project must think like a businessperson and develop a workable, flexible plan.

Join In and Help Save History landscapes rich in beauty or cultural political leaders or wealthy industrialists. After reading this publication, I hope meaning, showcasing valuable collec- Many are in poor condition or have been that you will be ready to begin your tions, researching and documenting extensively altered. In spite of this, they preservation projects. You will be armed places, interpreting our history in new can offer a tangible and rich reminder of with some basic information that will and creative ways, and striving toward African American heritage. help you rise above the challenges that financial sustainability and their own Often the individuals most interested you might face in your local communi- organizational longevity. in saving African American sites are ties. Although there will still be much to Yet there is still much to be done. new to preservation. They work to raise learn, you will feel grounded in the fun- concern within a black community that damentals of historic preservation and Challenges is just learning the value of preserva- ready to identify, designate, and bring Preservation is rewarding, but challeng- tion and also cultivate broader support back to life significant historic resources ing, work. Some challenges will espe- through conventional means. that wait for our care and respect. cially come into play when dealing with And, as is true with many preser- It is important to remember that African American sites; others are typical vation projects, there are the barriers there are many ways to get involved in for all types of preservation projects. of time and money. This type of work a preservation project. You might be a There is a common perception among takes patience and persistence. It can strong fundraiser or have valuable con- the general public that historic preserva- take years, sometimes 10 or more, to tacts in the business community. Maybe tion is only about saving sites associated bring a building back to life and see it you’re an architect, engineer, or business with rich white men’s history. Histori- maintained in productive use. It requires professional who can offer your services cally, there’s truth in that perception; a financially sustainable organization for free. Perhaps you’re willing to sit preservation began as an attempt to with an effective board. Leaders, staff, on a board, head a committee, or lead memorialize the founding fathers. In and volunteers must remain commit- a walking tour. Supporting this move- the past few decades, however, more ted to their preservation project and ment can be as simple as volunteering or focus has been on sites that tell the story stay focused on the long-term goals. It as complex as leading a nonprofit group of all Americans—African Americans, took more than a decade and a commit- through a restoration project or strategic Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Pacific ted board to save the Scrabble School, a planning process. Islander Americans, women, and gays historic Rosenwald School in Rappah- On your preservation journey, and lesbians. annock County, Va. Today the building remember that together we are a strong African American heritage is often houses the Rappahannock Senior Center and influential preservation community. found in small, unadorned structures. and the Scrabble School Heritage Center By saving and honoring a collection of For the most part these are not as grand thanks to the hard work of volunteers distinct and unique sites, we are helping or visually impressive as traditionally and former students. to reshape America’s collective memory. recognized places such as the homes of Of course, raising funds and manag- Each place saved that is part of the black

4 Preservation Books experience in America—whether it tells familiarize yourself with the fundamen- a story of amazing accomplishments or tals of historic preservation in America. human tragedy—provides an authentic representation of our existence. The Federal Historic Preservation Program Spurred by the alarming loss of historic HISTORIC PRESERVATION properties and neighborhoods in the OVERVIEW wake of “urban reform” and the push to In many ways, managing a preservation construct interstate highways, Congress project will be similar to other kinds of passed the National Historic Preserva- community projects you may have taken tion Act (NHPA) in 1966. While the act part in—such as raising funds for school has been amended a few times, this is the programs or the public library, serving as federal preservation law under which the the leader of a youth group, organizing United States still operates today. NHPA activities and social services for seniors, accomplished four things of tremendous or conducing community clean-ups. importance to promote and guide preser- But there is a difference. When you vation nationwide: take part in a preservation project, you ❚❚ It created the National Register of can connect with, and gain encourage- Historic Places (discussed on page 13). ment and help from, a well-established ❚❚ It led to the appointment, in every The 16th Street Baptist Church in network of local, state, and national state and territory, of a state historic Birmingham, Ala., the site of racially preservation professionals and advocates. preservation officer (SHPO) with motivated bombing in 1963, remains And you can draw on and apply existing responsibility for encouraging and an active congregation located in the Birmingham Civil Rights District. methods and tools of the preservation assisting preservation efforts at the field. For that reason, it is a good idea to state level (see page 6). Photo: Jason Wallis for Jason Wallis Photography

Preserving African American Historic Places 5 ❚❚ It established a program of grants to turning a massive industrial site into a PRESERVATION NETWORKS: aid preservation to help states carry mixed-use development, or establishing YOUR POTENTIAL out the preservation responsibilities guidelines on how residents can main- COLLEAGUES AND PARTNERS mandated to them by NHPA. tain the historic character of an entire You don’t have to go at it alone! When ❚❚ It created an independent federal neighborhood. participating in a historic preservation agency called the Advisory Council on Typically, preservation projects project, you are part of a nationwide Historic Preservation, which advises address: network of organizations and individuals the president and Congress on federal ❚❚ Individual buildings/properties. This who share your concerns. Some groups, preservation policy, and comments is the most common type of preser- especially local and statewide ones, may on projects undertaken with fed- vation project for a citizens group be eager to serve as project partners or eral involvement that could have an to undertake, and often the reason to coordinate their efforts with yours. adverse effect on nationally designated the group came into being in the first Others can offer advice, printed and historic places or places eligible for place. online resources, training opportunities, such designation. This role is discussed ❚❚ Landscapes, such as a public park or and even access to funding. Get to know further on pages 8 and 15. a cemetery. these related organizations to find com- ❚❚ Clusters of properties in close prox- mon ground. Federal preservation policy is carried out imity, for example a row of houses at the national level by the National Park or Main Street businesses; an entire State Government Service, in the Department of the Interior, residential or commercial neighbor- State Historic Preservation Office and at the state level by the SHPOs. hood; or a property that includes State historic preservation offices But what has made the American both structures and landscapes, such (SHPOs) are the state-level, public- preservation movement a true success as a farmstead, educational campus, sector preservation partners. By federal story is that the federal government or industrial site. law, there is a state historic preserva- is not the sole player. Public-private ❚❚ Groups of properties related by tion office in all 50 states and in all partnerships have been crucial to many theme or type. A community might territories. Depending on the govern- preservation projects. Many preserva- wish to study and protect, as a ment structure, this office may be tion activities are, and have always group, all of its historic schools, found in different departments, such as been, undertaken solely by private churches, or theaters, for example. Archives and History, Economic and individuals or groups (who may or may Or it may want to honor the sites Community Development, or Natural not think of their work as “preserva- (homes, businesses, churches) asso- Resources. Each SHPO plays a central tion”), with no government involvement ciated with its founders, or places role in administering the national his- of any kind. Other efforts are led by associated with historic events such toric preservation program and provides statewide and or local nonprofit orga- as civil rights activities. technical assistance to citizens, commu- nizations. Often there is collaboration nities, and organizations. These offices between public-sector and private, non- Of course, there are numerous other have a variety of responsibilities, which profit partners—and perhaps for-profit aspects of cultural heritage besides include identifying historic properties, partners as well, such as real estate buildings and physical places that considering National Register nomina- developers. are important to study and honor: tions, reviewing federal projects for The main public- and private-sector holiday and daily traditions, regional their impact on historic properties, and groups that drive the nation’s historic crafts and skills, food specialties, local administering tax credit projects and preservation movement are discussed dialects and stories, artifacts such as grant programs. below. photographs and furniture, and more. Some SHPOs sponsor and/or support While not directly considered “his- volunteer commissions or committees What Do We Preserve? toric preservation,” efforts to save specifically concerned with identifying Historic preservation is primarily and appreciate non-tangible heritage and protecting African American heri- concerned with protecting, maintain- fill in the details of the community’s tage within the state. Such groups are ing, and supporting the continued use story, and bring greater understand- found in Alabama, Kentucky, Maryland, of physical places, and understanding ing of the historic physical places that North Carolina, and South Carolina. and sharing the reasons why these sites preservationists work to protect. And In Georgia, for example, the African are significant. A project might be as so a preservation project may involve American Programs Coordinator in focused as working to restore a single looking at other types of cultural the SHPO provides staff services to the historic theater marquee or modest expressions, or working closely with all-volunteer Georgia African American cottage, for example, or as broad as others who do this. Historic Preservation Network.

6 Preservation Books The SHPO will often be your first and best source of information for making use Find Statewide and Local of the preservation tools described later. Preservation Partners Local Government Go to these websites for links to: Preservation Commission A local preservation commission (also Your state historic preservation office: www.ncshpo.org sometimes called the architectural review board or historic district commission) Your state historic preservation office, and nonprofit statewide is the principal public-sector preserva- and local preservation organizations in your state: www.preservation organization at the local level. If tionnation.org/contacts a neighborhood has adopted a local preservation ordinance (discussed on Local and statewide Main Street organizations: http://www.pres- page 16), that ordinance will be over- ervationnation.org/main-street/about-main-street/the-programs/ seen by a local preservation commission. coordinating-program-list.html These commissions have a wide range of responsibilities and powers, depending on the state and local laws. However, typically, the local preservation com- when appropriate, makes recommenda- training and educational programs, spon- mission is the governmental agency that tions for local landmark designation. sor award programs or “most endangered approves or denies proposed changes to places” lists, and publish newsletters. designated historic properties that are Statewide and Local Nonprofit Several have programs that focus spe- subject to review in the community. It Organizations cifically on African American sites. For can also designate local historic districts. Statewide Preservation instance, the African American Land- Commissions may also sponsor sub- Organizations marks Committee of Indiana Landmarks groups that work proactively to identify Statewide preservation organizations are (www.indianalandmarks.org/AboutUs/ local historic places and seek formal private nonprofit groups that undertake Initiatives/Pages/AALC.aspx) advocates designation for them. In Huntington, preservation activities within their state for the preservation of historic African N.Y., for example, the African American and network nationally with each other. American sites through surveys, techni- Historic Designation Council, which Most statewide organizations carry out cal assistance, educational programs, is part of the local historic preserva- a variety of activities to promote preser- and financial support. tion commission, works to identify and vation: they advocate for preservation- research historic sites having ties to Afri- friendly legislation in the state govern- Local Preservation Organizations can American heritage in the town and, ment, provide technical assistance, offer Local nonprofit preservation organizations can be found in large cities and small towns across the country. Much Preservation Resources like their statewide counterparts, they advocate for local preservation issues, Private Sector Public Sector publish newsletters, and sponsor tours, lectures, and award programs. Some Federal/ National Trust for His- Advisory Council on Historic local nonprofits—such as the Preserva- National toric Preservation Preservation tion Alliance for Greater Philadelphia, National Park Service Baltimore Heritage, and the Preservation Society of Charleston—have programs State Historic Preservation specifically devoted to the protection of State Statewide Preservation Office (SHPO) African American historic places. Organization Tribal Historic Preservation Offices (THPO) Main Street Programs Statewide and local Main Street pro- Local Preservation Local Preservation grams are another preservation partner. Organizations Commissions Local These programs, found in more than Main Street Organizations Certified Local Governments 1,200 communities across the country, combine historic preservation and eco-

Preserving African American Historic Places 7 nomic development to restore prosperity House in Daytona Beach, Fla.; and the Fort Monroe in Hampton Roads, Va., and vitality to downtowns and neighbor- Maggie L. Walker Home in Richmond, Va. a former army base that was a safe hood business districts. The National Park Service program haven for slaves during the Civil War, called Technical Preservation Services for was designated a National Historic Monument in November 2011. Federal Agencies Historic Buildings provides numerous National Park Service online resources that describe appropriate Photo: National Trust for Historic Preservation The National Park Service, within the treatments for historic buildings (“The Sec- U.S. Department of the Interior, is the retary of the Interior’s Standards”), explain principal federal agency responsible the Federal Historic Preservation Tax council is an independent federal agency for preservation law and activities. The Incentive, and offer practical instructions on that advises the president and Congress National Park Service administers vital how to make physical repairs to structures on preservation policy. The agency’s national preservation programs, including (Preservation Briefs and Preservation Tech main function is to review and comment the National Register of Historic Places, Notes). on proposed projects that would affect the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Other National Park Service programs properties included in or eligible for Incentives, and grant programs. (The first of interest include the National Under- inclusion in the National Register of His- two are explained in more detail on pages ground Railroad Network to Freedom, toric Places if the federal government is 13 and 17.) which offers classroom lesson plans, carrying out, approving, or funding the The National Park Service is also the guidance for museums and sites, intern- project. While your group is unlikely to key agency that manages National Historic ships, and networking opportunities. have direct contact with the ACHP, that Landmarks, nationally significant historic Learn more about these and other Cul- agency could play a role in your project, places designated by the Secretary of the tural Resources Programs of the National as described on page 15. Interior because they possess exceptional Park Service at www2.cr.nps.gov. value or quality in illustrating or inter- National Nonprofit Organization: preting the heritage of the United States. Advisory Council on Historic The National Trust for Historic African American National Historic Land- Preservation Preservation marks include such sites as the African The Advisory Council on Historic The National Trust for Historic Preser- Burial Ground in New York City (see page Preservation (ACHP) is the other key vation works to preserve resources at 22); the Mary McLeod Bethune Council national partner in the public sector. The the national level. The National Trust,

8 Preservation Books In the 1950s Addisleigh Park was one of New York City’s premier African- American enclaves. In 2007 the Historic Districts Council, in partnership with the Addisleigh Park Civic Organization, launched a project to document the architectural and social significance of Addisleigh Park.

Photo: Historic Districts Council

founded in 1949 is a privately funded nonprofit organization that works to save America’s historic places. The organization offers a wealth of information and help to preservationists, property owners, heritage tourists, and other interested citizens, provided online, in print, and at its annual quickly to protest and take action. conference as well as other training HOW TO ORGANIZE A In other cases, citizens may be more sessions. For more information go to PRESERVATION EFFORT generally concerned about protecting www.preservationnation.org. Strong, well organized local action is the the historic character and appearance of The website offers a range of key to successful preservation efforts. their community or preventing further resources for those working to save Often a preservation project comes loss of beloved local places and the his- or interpret African American historic into being because there is an immediate tory these places represent. places, at http://www.preservation- threat to a place: a beloved house, school, It’s not uncommon for a group nation.org/african-american-heritage. or public building is in the way of a devel- organized to respond to a specific These include case studies, profiles of opment project, for example, or is dete- threat to later evolve into an ongoing people preserving historic sites, news, riorating dangerously due to “demolition group with wider concerns, or for the and links to organizations pertaining to by neglect.” In cases like this, an infor- broader-based group to suddenly be African American historic places. mal group of citizens may come together confronted by a crisis that calls for immediate action.

Other Relevant National Organizations Structure a Working Group Before forming a preservation-related The Association for the Study of African American Life and group in your community, find out first History: www.asalh.org if any preservation organizations exist in your locality. If such groups exist, The National Organization of Minority Architects: www.noma.net explore the possibility that one of them will assume a leadership role in your The Planning and the Black Community Division of the American preservation efforts and coordinate Planners Association: www.planningandtheblackcommunity.org the activities of other groups pursu- The Association for African American Historical Research and ing similar goals for the same historic Preservation: www.aaahrp.org resource. This arrangement avoids duplicating efforts and provides a The Association of African American Museums: forum for achieving consensus on the www.blackmuseums.org proper course of action. If no preservation organization exists The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History in your area, explore the possibility of and Culture www.nmaahc.si.edu/ forming one to deal with both immediate and long-term problems. The group

Preserving African American Historic Places 9 could function on either an ad hoc basis of writer, folklorist, and anthropologist qualify for tax-exempt status. or through a more formal structure. Zora Neal Hurston. This initial advo- The status and activities of non- Ad hoc groups often form to solve cacy effort led to the establishment of profits are regulated by Section 501(c) imminent problems, such as opposing the Association to Preserve the Eaton- of the Internal Revenue Code. To find the demolition of a historic building ville Community, a nonprofit preserva- out more about becoming a nonprofit or supporting the establishment of a tion organization that continues to pro- and strategies for nonprofit man- historic district. These informal associa- tect the historic town. The organization agement go to http://www.irs.gov/ tions operate with no legal documents has since completed a historic resource Charities-&-Non-Profits. and members of these organizations may survey of the town and established a be individually liable for the actions of cultural festival, fine arts museum, and Recruit Effective Leaders the group. youth program all named for and hon- Preservation projects require strong, Many preservation groups start out oring Hurston. capable leaders who can assume many as an informal committee or an ad hoc Groups with more long-range different roles and responsibilities. group before establishing a nonprofit objectives usually seek a more formal Depending on the scope of the project 501(c)(3) organization. For example, in structure and organize as a corporation. these people may need to manage vol- 1987, concerned citizens from historic Corporations have the advantage of lim- unteers and boards, cultivate donors, be Eatonville, Fla., near Orlando, came ited liability of members for any of the spokespersons for the organization, and, together to prevent Kennedy Boulevard organization’s actions. While incorpora- quite often, handle administrative tasks from being widened from two to five tion for profit is possible, most historic such as answering the phone and draft- lanes. The road expansion project would preservation organizations are estab- ing letters. have destroyed the historic character lished as private, tax-exempt nonprofit By human nature, we gravitate and significance of this community, the corporations. The greatest advantage to toward the people we know and ask oldest incorporated African American being a nonprofit is eligibility to receive them to be active in our work. This usu- municipality in America, and hometown grants, ability to raise private funds, and ally means we ask our family and friends

Rehabilitate or Restore?

Four Standard Approaches to the Treatment of Historic Properties The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties (known as the Secre- tary’s Standards) are used to determine the best approach to preserving and reusing historic buildings. The guidelines recommend responsible methods and approaches and also list treatments that should be avoided. Being familiar with the Secretary’s Standards and understanding the four different categories of intervention—preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, or reconstruction—is essential for anyone working at a historic site. For example, to qualify for preservation-related tax credits or grant funding, it is almost always a requirement that these guidelines be followed.

❚❚ Preservation focuses on the maintenance and repair of existing historic materials and retention of a property’s form as it has evolved over time.

❚❚ Rehabilitation acknowledges the need to alter or add to a historic property to meet continuing or changing uses while retaining the property’s historic character.

❚❚ Restoration depicts a property at a particular period of time in its history, while removing evidence of other periods.

❚❚ Reconstruction re-creates vanished or non-surviving portions of a property for interpretive purposes.

Source: The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring, and Reconstructing Historic Buildings. For more information go to www.nps.gov/tps/standards/rehabilitation/rehab/index.htm

10 Preservation Books to help, but often they are new to historic preservation and nonprofit manage- Planning: A Road Map to Success ment. So also approach people in your community who have the experience, Having a clear vision and well-established goals are skills, and contacts through their jobs or essential to success in preservation projects. Let’s look at community involvement. one common scenario:

Develop a Vision A small nonprofit has been working for seven years to restore “Vision” is the strategic direction for a historic building that will become a museum dedicated to a project. Before taking on a preserva- the history of African Americans in the community. The first tion project or even forming a non- phase of its restoration is expected to cost $450,000. Unfor- profit organization, interested indi- tunately the organization never prepared a business or fund- viduals should ask themselves several raising plan. It has an operating budget of less than $10,000 difficult and important questions that per year, and a board composed mostly of family members will help define their long-term mission who are new to preservation and nonprofit management. and preservation intentions. One of the first and most important Not only is the work to finish the restoration an ongoing responsibilities is to form a vision- challenge, but also the entire project is in jeopardy. Board ing team. The team should include members realize they have now assumed many roles: real experts from historic preservation and estate developers, preservation planners, project managers, the business community with training business investors, board directors, volunteer managers, bud- in real estate, nonprofit management, architecture, planning, law, business, ding historians, and community leaders. If the organization and fundraising. had taken the time early in the process to develop a stra- If your organization has been tegic plan, it might have avoided its financial and capacity formed to preserve a specific historic problems. site, for example, your visioning team might address the following questions: Let’s look at a more successful scenario: ❚❚ Why are you preserving this his- A group of local residents is working to restore the home of toric place? a prominent civil rights leader. They first engage a preserva- ❚❚ Why should anyone care? Why tion professional to outline the steps for saving the building. does your place matter to the Next they prepare a strategic plan detailing planning activi- community? ties required over the next six months. Thanks to their con- ❚❚ If we preserve this place, how can it be put to use? nections in the community, they obtain free services from an ❚❚ Is the proposed reuse financially architectural firm to assess the building’s condition and to sustainable? prioritize work needed to stabilize the structure. ❚❚ How might the spatial limitations At this stage of development, the group sets achievable, of the building influence reuse? short-term goals to advance their project. Now that they ❚❚ Are there zoning or other restrictions on the use of the building? understand the cost of securing the building, they explore ❚❚ Is the property significant enough to options for the building’s use and evaluate their feasibility. attract heritage tourists? Once a financially feasible option is selected, they form a ❚❚ How will the organization com- nonprofit. Not having strong board management experience, memorate the history of the site? they hire a fundraising consultant to build the board’s capac- What’s your interpretation strategy? ity and guide their fundraising efforts. They phase their con- ❚❚ What are the organization’s limita- struction project over two years, allowing time to raise funds. tions—financial, staffing, etc. Success comes from properly planning, building their capac- ❚❚ Is there an endowment already secured or will the organization ity as nonprofit leaders, and staying focused on the most have to obtain capital? important tasks needed for saving the building. ❚❚ What are the approximate funds needed and how might they be secured?

Preserving African American Historic Places 11 ❚❚ Who are your champions in the local media might consider your project a It is sometimes helpful to obtain the help community supporting the project? good story to report, which will help you of an outside consultant when develop- ❚❚ Is the organization committed for drum up further support. ing a strategic plan. the long term? Is there a project A strategic plan sets out the direction manager or established board with Conduct Thorough Planning for the organization with a focus on the capacity to drive this project? In the early stages of a preservation organization and its people, rather than project, it’s imperative to understand the historic property being addressed. Recruit Partners and Supporters what you want to do with the historic It establishes a one- to five-year time- Preservation efforts are most successful resource you’re preserving and how best line for getting work completed. It’s one when they have strong community inter- to accomplish that goal. This allows you of the ways an organization remains est. Preservation organizations should to go forward with a project that people accountable, and it can be used as a seek a broad spectrum of community can rally behind and support. benchmark to measure how well staff supporters, including elected officials, rep- New organizations should know up and volunteers are accomplishing their resentatives of business and professional front that attracting new partners and goals and tasks. groups, museum and design leaders, his- keeping funders invested requires a well- torians, and residents. run organization. This requires lots of Preservation Planning Think creatively about who else might work. Funders, in particular, need to see Like planning for the organization, plan- help you succeed. For example, local that your project is managed with a high ning for the building is equally impor- businesses might provide “in kind” dona- degree of professionalism. tant. Preservation planning involves eval- tions, such as building or office supplies. Planning documents are an essential uating how to make changes to historic High school or college students might do roadmap to your preservation future. buildings in ways that respect and retain research about your site or neighborhood You will use them to organize the pro- their historic character. The plan guides to earn class credit. Church and youth cess of evaluating your ideas as well as decisions regarding, for example, addi- groups might provide hands-on help. The the cost of them, and determining what tions or exterior modifications, new uses, kind of human and financial resources systems and mechanical upgrades, and/ are needed to make the project a reality. or changes to comply with building and There are several types of planning exer- safety codes. cises that will help guide your work: The preservation plan is typically pre- ❚❚ Strategic planning pared prior to construction and should ❚❚ Preservation planning be conducted by qualified individuals ❚❚ Business planning within the organization or hired from the outside. Based on the history of the Strategic Planning building, the plan reviews any previous Strategic planning involves establishing alterations and construction work, exist- a vision for your organization’s future, ing condition assessments, changes to the clarifying its mission, defining its values building over time, and historic and/or and operating structure, and describ- architectural significance of the building programs to achieve the mission. It’s ing. The plan assesses the appropriate basically an internal work plan outlin- treatment, whether it is a preservation, ing the tasks an organization needs to restoration, or rehabilitation project. accomplish within a certain timeframe. (See sidebar on page 10.) Specific program plans are then devel- A preservation plan is less expensive oped to support the overall strategic than a “historic structure report” and plan. They might include fundraising, considered a shorter, less comprehensive board development, and public outreach. version of it. However, the preservation plan may identify the need to conduct a full-blown historic structure report. Anne Spencer (1882-1976) was a poet, civil rights activist, teacher, librarian, wife, mother, and a gardener. Her Business Planning home and garden in Lynchburg, Va., is Business planning involves describing a Virginia Landmark and is listed in the how you deliver your products and ser- National Register of Historic Places. vice, identifying your potential market, Photo: Jane Baber White and analyzing the risks and rewards of

12 Preservation Books your business model. Preserving historic The Lyric Theatre in Lexington, places is mostly mission-based work, yet Ky., was once a venue for big it is important to remember that non- name acts like Count Basie, profits are businesses too. Understanding Ray Charles, and many more. Renovated in 2010, the theater the financial implications of preserving is now a thriving arts and a historic building is essential in making cultural center. the right decision for your organization. Photo: Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center

PRESERVATION TOOLS You don’t have to “reinvent the wheel.” Over the decades, preservationists have property types, such as African developed numerous strategies for American churches or Rosenwald accomplishing their work. Here are some Schools; or a listing of archeolog- that are well known to those in the pres- ical resources. In Queens, N.Y., ervation field. Consider how you might for instance, Addisleigh Park was apply these to your own project. Your surveyed in 2007 to document a and professionals in various preservation- SHPO can provide guidance on how to 1950s African American suburban-style related fields who might be consulted. do that. neighborhood. It was an enclave for wealthy African Americans such as Lena Historic Designation Historic Resource Surveys Horne, Ella Fitzgerald, Jackie Robin- Properties that meet a set of criteria for Much useful information may already son, James Brown, and Joe Louis just to integrity and significance may be listed exist about the historic place(s) of name a few. in any of three types of registers: the concern to your group. For example, Your SHPO or local government will National Register of Historic Places, a the site(s) may have been included in a know if your building or neighborhood state register of historic places, or local historic resource survey. Such surveys are was the subject of an earlier survey. If designation of historic landmarks and conducted on behalf of the local or state not, or if the survey is out of date, your districts. government by either professionals with group might like to undertake its own training in history, archeology, or archi- survey. National Register of Historic Places tectural history and/or by volunteers or All states have standard recording The National Register of Historic Places students. forms, and many have guidelines for com- is the official U.S. government list of A historic resources survey can take pleting survey work. Survey forms can historic and cultural resources wor- many forms. It might be an overview of be obtained from your SHPO, which can thy of preservation. Administered by an entire community or neighborhood; also provide valuable advice about meth- the National Park Service of the U.S. a thematic study focusing on specific ods to use, sources of background data, Department of the Interior, the National

Preserving African American Historic Places 13 The Abyssinian Meeting House in Portland, Maine, once served as an early African American meetinghouse. Following extensive research by local advocates, the site was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2006.

Photo: Gregory Farmer, Agricola Corporation

obligation to open their property to the public, to restore it, or even to maintain it, if they choose not to do so. While the SHPO formally nominates properties for listing in the National Register, anyone may prepare a nomination, including individuals, local organizations, and local governments Completed nomination forms are sent to a state review board for consider- Register is managed in each state by home where he wrote his well-known ation. If the state board and the SHPO the SHPO. The National Register lists composition “A Love Supreme.” concur on the listing, the nomination is properties important to the history, ❚❚ Berkley Square in Las Vegas, a 1950s forwarded to the National Park Service. architecture, archeology, engineer- subdivision consisting of 148 ranch- Once approved, the property is officially ing, and culture of the United States. style homes designed by African entered into the National Register and Sites do not need to have just national American architect Paul R. Williams. the SHPO notifies the owner. significance—they can be of local or ❚❚ The Daisy Bates House in Little state importance. The National Register Rock, Ark., which provided a safe State or Local Registers of includes buildings and structures such haven for the Little Rock Nine, the Historic Resources as houses and bridges, sites such as students who desegregated Central Many states and municipalities have battlefields and burial grounds, districts High School in 1957–1958. state or local registers of historic or groups of buildings such as neighbor- ❚❚ The home and gardens of poet and resources. A cluster of significant hoods or school campuses, and objects civil rights activist Anne Spencer in structures may be designated as a local such as fountains and monuments. Lynchburg, Va. historic district or individual structures Most sites listed in the National may be designated as landmarks. For Register are more than 50 years old. Benefits of National Register list- example, the 1948 historic Lyric The- Properties less than 50 years old must be ing include national recognition of the atre, in an African American neighbor- exceptionally significant to be considered property’s significance, eligibility for hood in Lexington, Ky., is listed as a eligible for listing. In New York City, for certain federal and state tax benefits, local historic landmark. example, the apartment building at 1520 and qualification for federal preservation Being listed in a state or local register Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx, known grants when funding is available. It may is not necessarily the same as being listed as the birthplace of hip-hop, is now con- also trigger regulatory review of threats in the National Register. Federal, state, sidered eligible for the National Register or proposed changes to the property if and local recognition programs differ in even though it is not yet 50 years old. federal money is involved; this, called Sec- the degree of protection they provide, if In the United States, more than tion 106 review, is discussed on page 15. any. In some states, listing in a state reg- 87,000 individual buildings and his- There are many misconceptions ister may trigger regulatory protection toric districts are listed in the National about listing a property in the National from state government actions or deter- Register, with more than 1,700 historic Register. Listing does not affect what mine whether a property owner qualifies buildings and districts formally recog- owners may or may not do to their prop- for special tax treatment. nized for their contributions in African erty. Owners of property listed in the The primary strength of a local des- American history and design. National Register are free to maintain, ignation program is that it is tailored to These sites include: manage, or dispose of their property the specific community and is based on ❚❚ The John Coltrane Home on Long as they choose, provided that there is locally developed criteria. Local des- Island, N.Y., a 1952 suburban-style no federal involvement. They have no ignation can offer the most protection

14 Preservation Books because it may trigger review of proposed changes to historic resources by a Easement Protects Historic local preservation commission (as will be Winks Lodge in Denver, Colo. described next) and may impose significant restrictions on demolition requests. In the early part of the 20th century, African Americans were unable to find nearby lodging for enjoying the beauty of public Designation Challenges parks. One lodge in the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest west Designating African American sites can be difficult. Many of these sites lack of Denver, however, was planned and organized by prominent extensive documentation and may have Denver African Americans to specifically cater to African Ameri- been altered over time. Solid historical can tourists. Constructed in 1928 by Wendall (Winks) Hamlet, research, possibly supported by a local Winks Lodge consisted of rustic stick-and-shingle style structures. college or university, can help to make The lodge hosted thousands of vacationers and was a destina- the case for significance. tion for many famous African American literary artists and musical Designating sites that are in poor entertainers, including Count Basie, Lena Horn, Zora Neale Hur- condition or that have lost much of their ston, and Duke Ellington. original building material can also be a challenge. A thorough assessment of the Through an acquisition grant from the State Historical Fund, building by an architect or contractor can Beckwourth Outdoors purchased the lodge in April 2006. To help establish the site’s level of integrity protect the funder’s investment and the physical character of the and validate the site’s significance. landmark in perpetuity, an easement is currently being placed on For example, the Abyssinian Meet- the property. This legally binding contract restricts current and ing House in Portland, Maine, was in a severely deteriorated condition by future owners from making changes to the building, so the historic the time local activists realized its sig- appearance will be retained for years to come. The terms of the nificance as an early African American easement contract are between the easement–holding organiza- meetinghouse. Original materials had tion, the property owner, and the funder. been replaced and historical documentation was difficult to find. Public Today the lodge provides year-round outdoor activities for chil- records, historic maps, and other forms dren and adults and educates the public about the contribu- of research were largely unavailable. tions made by people-of-color in the West. Colorado’s Winks Extensive research was required to get Recognized for its significance as a private Lodge, built in 1925, the site listed in the National Register in commercial and entrepreneurial endeavor, catered to African- 2006 and also included in Maine’s State as well as its significance in the larger social American vacationers Register of Historic Places. arena of discrimination and segregation, visiting the Rocky Mountains. Winks Lodge was listed in the National Reg- Regulations Photo: National Trust for ister of Historic Places in 1980. Section 106 Review Historic Preservation As was mentioned before, if the proposed project is being undertaken by a federal agency or involves federal approval or the use of federal funds, a federal agency, called the Advi- sory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP), must be given the opportunity to review and comment on any undertaking that will affect a resource included in or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. This process, spelled out in Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), is called Section 106 review. In 1987, for instance, the General

Preserving African American Historic Places 15 consulting parties the opportunity to review and issue comments about any Not Every Historic Site Needs adverse effects to the historic district. to Be a Museum The SHPO’s recommendations are not binding. However, if the SHPO’s review Museums can be financially difficult to sustain without invested indicates that the project will have an partners and a variety of funding sources. In a world where peo- adverse effect on the historic district, ple have numerous options for entertainment, competing for the the SHPO will work with the highway public’s attention and their money can be challenging. Yet restor- department and other interested parties ing a site as a museum can be a financially sustainable strategy for to gain agreement on how to change the nationally significant landmarks that possess authentic collections. project to eliminate or lessen the impact.

When considering whether or not to restore a building for the pur- Local Preservation Ordinances poses of opening a museum, preservation advocates should ask More than 2,300 municipalities have themselves the following questions: enacted ordinances creating local preservation commissions (sometimes called ❚❚ Are people familiar with the site you are preserving? Is there architectural review boards or historic interest from the public? district commissions). These are local government agencies that can approve, ❚❚ How authentic is your site? Are there artifacts and authentic collections available to interpret? deny, or otherwise regulate exterior changes to all buildings designated within ❚❚ Is there adequate parking for visitors? that municipality for their historic or ❚❚ Are there spatial constraints that limit reuse? architectural significance as individual landmarks or contributing structures in a ❚❚ Are there other sites nearby competing for the same visitors? local historic district. Depending on the ❚❚ Do you have a strong board/leadership in place? local laws upon which the local ordinance is based, a commission’s ruling may be ❚❚ Is there an endowment that will provide adequate income to merely advisory rather than legally bind- maintain and staff the site? ing. It should be emphasized: the com- ❚❚ Are there both human and financial resources to open and man- mission does not regulate buildings or age a museum? neighborhoods in the National Register of Historic Places unless they are also designated as local historic resources. If your site is not a good candidate to become a museum, think Local preservationists seeking to creatively about other uses. The restored property might be sold or protect a historic building or neighbor- rented to a residential, commercial, or nonprofit user, for example, hood should determine whether their with an engaging exterior sign that tells passers-by about its his- community has enacted a preserva- tory. It could become a center for arts or youth programs, a B&B, tion ordinance, appointed a preserva- or a fieldwork training site for hands-on restoration projects. The tion commission, and designated the site’s history could also be highlighted through occasional tours structure or area in question as a local historic resource. If the structure or and open-house events. neighborhood has been designated, preservationists should work to advocate that procedures in the local ordi- Services Administration (GSA) planned Historic Landmark in 1993. nance governing the process to alter, to construct a 34-story office building Here’s an illustration of how Section move, or demolish the structure(s) are in Manhattan. Owned by the federal 106 works: If a state highway depart- followed carefully. If the structure or government, GSA had to comply with ment, using federal funds, is planning neighborhood has not yet been desig- the National Historic Preservation Act to widen a highway that runs through nated, preservationists should encour- requiring a Section 106 review process a historic district that is listed in the age its designation by working with the of historic and archeological resources. National Register, the highway depart- local preservation commission as well Today, a portion of this site is the Afri- ment may not carry out the project as the local and/or statewide preserva- can Burial Ground designated a National until it gives the SHPO and other tion organization.

16 Preservation Books Financial Incentives Easements of the various state laws include income Along with laws and regulations that Easement programs have been estab- tax deductions, a tax credit or abatement mandate preservation, a variety of pro- lished to protect important open spaces, for rehabilitation, a special reduction for grams offer financial incentives to private building facades, and interiors from property tax, sales tax relief, tax levies, and nonprofit owners to encourage them inappropriate changes over time. An and property tax exemption. To find out to voluntarily maintain and appropriately easement is a partial interest in a prop- more, contact your SHPO. restore or rehabilitate their historic property that the property owner donates or erties. Nonprofit property owners that do sells to a qualified “easement holder.” CASE STUDIES not pay taxes or have limited tax liability This legal agreement is carried to all Louis Armstrong House Museum, can sometimes sell these benefits to for- future owners as a deed restriction or Queens, N.Y. profit entities or create for-profit divisions covenant. www.louisarmstronghouse.org of their own organizations to take advan- Owners of historic properties who tage of these programs. donate a preservation easement to a Keeping a house museum in opera- qualified public or private preservation requires reliable funding and a Tax Incentives tion organization may be eligible for a sound business model. In many cases a Tax incentive programs have been estab- charitable tax deduction. In exchange, partnership with another entity, such as lished at the federal, state, and local lev- the easement holder is normally given an educational institution, ensures the els to encourage the rehabilitation of his- the right to review and approve pro- long-term viability of a site. The Louis toric structures. Perhaps the best-known posed exterior changes. In some Armstrong House Museum is owned incentive to preserve a historic property instances, easement holders may also by the New York City Department of is the Federal Historic Preservation Tax control changes to interior features of a Cultural Affairs and administered by Incentive (also known as the federal building. Queens College through a long-term rehabilitation tax credit). This incentive license agreement. gives commercial property owners either Other State and Local Incentives Opened in 2003, the Louis Arm- a 10 percent or 20 percent tax credit on for Rehabilitation strong House Museum, a National rehabilitation expenses. Many state and local governments have Historic Landmark, was the home of “Certified historic structures” are enacted laws that offer tax relief to own- Louis Armstrong (1901–1971), one of eligible for a 20 percent credit. Certi- ers of historic buildings. These incentives the world’s most famous trumpet play- fied historic structures are buildings that may be available for both income- and ers and beloved entertainers. Each year are listed individually in the National non-income producing properties. Some approximately 12,500 visitors flock to Register of Historic Places or are in a registered historic district (a National Historic District or a state or local district that is appropriately recognized by Secretary of the Interior) and that contribute to the historic significance of that district. Non-certified properties from 1936 or earlier are eligible for the 10 percent credit. Only properties that are income-producing, i.e., used for industrial, commercial, or rental residential purposes, qualify for the tax credit. The federal tax credit is not available for rehabilitation of property that will be used as a residence by the owner. To learn more visit www.nps.gov/ history/tps/tax-incentives.htm.

Now restored and open as a house museum, Louis Armstrong’s home attracts thousands of visitors each year.

Photo: Lisa Kahane, copyright Louis Armstrong House Museum

Preserving African American Historic Places 17 the house to see his Japanese-inspired College then worked with an architect Revenue from ticket sales isn’t enough garden, restored blue kitchen, and to complete a master plan for adapting to cover costs, however, so additional golden bathroom fixtures and to hear Armstrong’s house as a museum. support comes from the Louis Armstrong his personal recordings playing from a As part of the restoration the garage Educational Foundation and profits from hidden audio system installed during was converted into a welcome center, retail sales in the museum store. restoration. and a portion of the basement con- The museum has now completed But to get to this stage, strong part- verted into office and exhibition space. designs for a new $17.5 million visitors’ nerships and a collaborative vision were An additional third floor was removed, center at a vacant lot across the street. needed. because it was a new addition since The new center, which is scheduled to In 1983, after Armstrong’s wife Armstrong’s death, and it did not com- open in 2014, will include a state-of-the- Lucille died, the Louis Armstrong Educa- ply with New York City building codes; art exhibit area, the museum store, and tional Foundation gave the house to the and the laundry room was turned into a office space. Both the garage and base- New York City Department of Cultural handicapped accessible bathroom. ment at the house will be restored back Affairs and arranged for Queens College Through New York City Council to their original appearance. to administer the house. The foundation capital improvements grants, supported Director Michael Cogswell empha- also donated the musician’s extensive by the Queens Borough president, $1.8 sizes the need for partnerships and personal collection of home-recorded million was raised for restoration. collaboration, saying: “Just as in a jazz tapes, scrapbooks, photos, trumpets, and The partnership between the City of band, in which each musician has a other materials to Queens College with New York and Queens College, which is specific musical role, the success of the the provision that the college preserve well known for its program in materi- Louis Armstrong House Museum is due and catalog the materials and make them als conservation and music history, has in great part to a wonderful collabora- available to the public. After several translated into success for the museum tion between the City of New York, years of processing and cataloging, the The Louis Armstrong House Museum Queens College, and the Louis Arm- Louis Armstrong Archives opened to the maintains the site, hiring a gardener, strong Educational Foundation.” public in 1994. contractors, tradespeople, and conserva- Weeksville Heritage Center, The ability to effectively preserve and protect Brooklyn, N.Y. http://www.weeksvillesociety.org a community’s historic resources also requires the commitment to monitor designated resources and To be successful, a preservation organization requires strong, visionary leaders enforce violations when they occur. who can help the organization adapt to change. These leaders should also be In 1994 the Louis Armstrong House tors. Besides managing the Armstrong able to maximize the power of history Museum convened an 18-member Archives, Queens College pays the site and the arts to attract new and younger advisory board of museum officials, director’s salary, offers design services, audiences. In its more than 40 years of archives experts, and community leaders prints the museum’s newsletter and bro- operation, the Weeksville Heritage Cen- to consider the future use of the house. chures, monitors the house with college ter has been able to do just that. Recognizing that public participation security, and more. Students from the The Weeksville Heritage Center during the planning process adds value School of Library Studies and School (formerly Society for the Preservation of to preservation efforts, the advisory of Music at the college help manage the Weeksville and Bedford Stuyvesant His- board also hosted monthly open houses collections. tory) was founded in 1968 to celebrate for neighborhood residents to offer their When the museum opened in July the history of the free 19th-century input. During the preceding decade, the 2003 the line extended out the door. African American community of Weeks- demographics in the neighborhood had Thanks to a renewed focus on market- ville by preserving three of its remain- changed from predominately African ing, the museum administrators hope ing buildings. Today it has expanded its American to Latino. The director of the to increase the number of visitors to the reach and serves as a modern arts and museum noted neighbors were very sup- site. These marketing efforts include an cultural organization. portive even though many were unfamil- increase in print ads, new collabora- To get to this point, however, the iar with Armstrong and his music. tions with other cultural organizations center has had to adapt to changes in the The New York City Department of to increase visibility, and wider use of surrounding neighborhood and face a Design and Construction, the Depart- social media to engage a larger network major leadership transition. ment of Cultural Affairs, and Queens of potential visitors. The history of Weeksville dates to the

18 Preservation Books The Weeksville Heritage Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., has expanded its focus beyond the traditional house museum model and serves as an arts and cultural organization for the surrounding community.

Photo: Weeksville Heritage Center

end of the Civil War when James Weeks, a free African American, purchased land at the edge of Brooklyn. This settlement soon developed into a thriving community of African Americans—laborers, laundresses, craftsmen, doctors, entrepre- neurs, and professionals—who worked in New York City. A self-reliant community, residents established an orphanage, schools, an elderly home, two newspa- pers, and an anti-slavery society. Over time, as the surrounding city of Brooklyn expanded, Weeksville was largely forgotten. In 1968, however, three, wood-frame residential could drive the organization into the becoming a major arts and cultural insti- buildings were identified as originally 21st century. tution, built on the history of Weeksville. belonging to Weeksville. When urban To address these issues, board mem- A primary focus was to engage residents renewal plans threatened these early bers embarked on a strategic planning who live near the property and in the homes shortly after their rediscov- process and started by asking themselves New York City area. The society began ery, local preservationists successfully some hard questions: offering free concerts and movies on the fought to save them. They were led by ❚❚ Was a museum the best strategy to grounds in the summer. A new multimil- neighborhood activist Joan Maynard, achieve relevance, stronger civic lion dollar educational and cultural arts who became the first executive direc- engagement, or impact? center, with office, performance, event, tor of the Weeksville Heritage Center. ❚❚ How could they market and promote and gallery space, is expected to be com- The New York Landmarks Commis- their site? pleted in 2012. sion declared the houses Local Historic ❚❚ How could the organization move Pam Green notes that it is important Landmarks in 1971. Today they are forward with two major construc- to find a way for sites to connect to the open to the public as house museums. tion projects and still keep the doors surrounding neighborhood. “Be obser- The center has 14 staff members open? vant, look around, and think creatively (six full time), directing programming, ❚❚ How could this be achieved with the about what your site can offer,” she research, curating, fund development, current staffing and resources? explains. At Weeksville, for example, and administrative needs. Along with a gardening initiative for schoolchil- the 14-member volunteer board, 8 to Since Weeksville is surrounded by a dren evolved into an organic gardening 10 volunteers work on site during the neighborhood with limited resources, program for the entire community. Now week, up to 20 or so for special events board members wanted the site to meet during the summer, local residents have such as Family Day. the needs of people in the immediate access to fresh local vegetables—some- Like any organization, the Weeks- area. By talking to neighbors and stake- thing they can’t find at nearby conve- ville Heritage Center has faced financial holders early in the planning process, the nience stores. and staffing challenges over the past board and staff determined that all pro- As the organization looks ahead, the decades. In 2001, besides budget prob- gramming had to be relevant and viable. board and staff take cues from the past. lems, the organization faced a major A new director, Pam Green, was hired They have learned that good planning pro- transition following the retirement of to lead the organization in this new vides a road map to success. They no longer the founding executive director. The direction. Working together, the board run on impulse, but are strategic in their board needed to find a new leader who and staff decided to focus their efforts on actions. Most importantly, the organization

Preserving African American Historic Places 19 The Black Heritage Trail in Portsmouth, N.H., tells the story of African Americans in this coastal city.

Photo: National Trust for Historic Preservation

has successfully evolved over its 40-year history from a historical society, to a trio of house museums, to one of the largest African American arts institutions in New York. It continues to work on meeting the needs of the local residents and serves as a community center that also celebrates the known and unknown contributions of Afri- can Americans to the history of America. mittee given the task of writing a black Cunningham emphasizes the importance Black Heritage Trail, history booklet for elementary school of accurate historical research. She notes Portsmouth, N.H. teachers. Based on research begun by that if an organization is responsible for www.seacoastnh.com/blackhistory/ one of its members, the committee iden- keeping history and sharing it with the trail.html tified numerous historic sites around public, making false or romanticized Portsmouth that told the history of claims is damaging. Heritage trails that link a number of sites Africans and black Americans from the The organization has placed 24 mark- through a walking or driving tour can Colonial era to the modern civil rights ers throughout Portsmouth so far, and it highlight a broad range of themes in a movement. From here the commit- continues to identify and research new single trail—such as sites associated with tee expanded the research and began sites, particularly in the West End of regional food and crafts, with the local developing a historic marker program the city. Owners must give approval for blues music scene, and with civil rights to make Portsmouth’s forgotten history a marker to be placed on their prop- activities. Alternatively trails can focus more visible. erty. The city must approve makers on on just one particular subject such as The committee enlisted the support of public sites such as government land or pre–Civil War sites. The Black Heritage a foundation board member who helped buildings. Trail in Portsmouth, N.H., links a num- the diversity committee apply for non- The Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail ber of sites that tell the story of African profit status, making the organization is fairly inexpensive to operate with Americans in this coastal city. eligible for grants. A board member who an annual budget of approximately Portsmouth is a small New England was an attorney helped identify potential $15,000, which covers expenses for city of nearly 21,000 people. African donors. His law firm hosted the commit- volunteers, office space, printing, and Americans have made up just 2 to 4 per- tee’s first fundraiser. The committee also insurance. cent of the population since the 1700s; mailed fundraising appeal letters locally. A local paper, the Portsmouth Herald, the number is about 3 percent today. Two years later, the Portsmouth Black helped promote the trail by running Yet there is a rich history associated Heritage Trail, Inc., was launched as a articles and photographs about each site. with African American life in the region. nonprofit organization offering self- This free publicity was very helpful in Visitors today can learn more about this guided, citywide walking tours, work- allowing the new nonprofit organization history by following the Portsmouth shops, and public programs. Its found- to share black history and its program Black Heritage Trail, a walking and driving president, Valerie Cunningham, a with the public. ing tour of 24 historic sites associated university administrator with an interest Today the Portsmouth Black Heritage with Portsmouth’s African Americans. in history but no preservation experi- Trail is branching out and exploring dif- Sites include the building where Rev. ence, was put in charge of making this ferent multimedia options to enhance the Martin Luther King preached when he program a success. viewer’s experience via its website, such was a student while at Boston University Each site on the trail has a bronze his- as an interactive, downloadable map of and the wharf where enslaved Africans torical marker with a short description the heritage trail. Valerie Cunningham has arrived by ship as early as 1645. of the historic event or person associated retired from her volunteer position, and The genesis of the trail was in 1993 with the site. The description is based on the organization has recently hired a paid when the New Hampshire Charitable careful research conducted by the com- director with the intent of extending the Foundation created a diversity committee for the school booklet. Valerie trail across the entire state.

20 Preservation Books In its almost 20-year history, the The rehabilitation and site clean- Seven of the original shotgun houses organization has moved from a vision of up work was done by community and now serve as art spaces, hosting nation- a few dedicated researchers to a replica- corporate volunteers working mostly ally and internationally acclaimed artists ble model for other heritage trails in the on weekends over a three-year period. from around the world. Others are resi- region. The nonprofit group has merged To maximize resources, the actual dences, a library, media lab, art gallery, with the Portsmouth Historical Society rehabilitation work had to be carefully and office space. Project Row Houses to attain greater institutional support scheduled. For example, all of the new now has a staff of 10 people, augmented and to expand its audience. front porches were constructed over one by numerous volunteer performers, art- weekend, and all of the houses were ists, educators. Some 150 artists have Project Row Houses, Houston, Tex. scaffolded for painting another weekend, participated in exhibition projects there. http://projectrowhouses.org followed by the painting a week later. In 2003 PRH established a subsidiary In 1994, thanks to funding from the organization, the Row House Com- In many cases, the restoration of build- National Endowment for the Arts, the munity Development Corporation, to ings associated with African American organization was able to hire a director address housing and related community history has a welcome spinoff effect. A who helped raise funds, build corporate and economic development needs by restored storefront or church, for exam- partnerships, engage the local commu- providing low-income rental housing. ple, can turn around a blighted neigh- nity, and establish internal operations for Through a partnership with the School borhood and stimulate reinvestment. Sometimes projects can grow and evolve in ways that change whole communities. Houston’s Project Row Houses (PRH) is one such project. It has not only turned 22 derelict row houses into a thriving live-work artists’ community and learning center, but has continued to enhance the community by providing complementary new and restored spaces to address other community needs. Project Row Houses was started in 1993 by a group of African Ameri- can artists who wanted to establish a positive, creative presence in their community. The artists’ dream turned into reality in 1995, when fellow artist and community activist Rick Lowe came across 22 abandoned 1930s shotgun-style houses in Houston’s Northern Third Ward, one Houston’s Project Row Houses has turned of the city’s oldest African American 22 derelict row houses into a thriving live- communities. Spearheaded by Lowe, this work artists’ community thanks to the help group of artists envisioned a new com- of community and corporate volunteers. munity where rehabbed houses would Photo: Eric Hester, courtesy of Project Row Houses serve as anchors for a socially active community. With a $130,000 loan from two art management. Additional funding from of Architecture at Rice University, new patrons, Isaac and Sheila Heimbinder (he the Elizabeth Firestone Graham Foun- affordable housing was designed to was the former president of the major, dation and corporate sponsors such as complement the existing historic shotgun multistate homebuilder U.S. Home Chevron supported renovation of the houses. Another program offered by the Corporation), the project got underway. exterior of another 12 buildings. In addi- center is the Young Mother’s Program, Project planners also came up with the tion, Trinity United Methodist Church, which provides housing and counseling idea of partnering with seven different the first African American Church in for young women between the ages of arts institutions, each adopting one of Houston paid for the restoration of one 18 and 26 who attend college and need the Public Art houses for renovation. of the houses. affordable housing.

Preserving African American Historic Places 21 In busy downtown Manhattan, the African Burial Ground commemorates an unmarked cemetery, which was uncovered during the construction of a new federal office building.

Photo: National Park Service

for interpreting a site that lacks tangible and visible history? That was the challenge in 1991, when construction workers for a new federal office building in downtown Manhattan discovered an unmarked and forgotten burial site of free and enslaved Afri- can Americans dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. Over the years, this unmarked cemetery had been covered over by development and landfill. Today the site is commemorated both After 18 years in operation, manag- the arts and community-based work, and physically, with parts of it restored and ing more than 60 buildings across 10 select talented board members who share open for public visits, and symbolically city blocks, long-term preservation and the organization’s vision. He advises oth- in an adjacent visitor center with evoca- maintenance is a priority. PRH is devel- ers undertaking renovation projects to tive interpretation. oping a grocery/café, and has purchased not grow “too fast too big,” to encour- Following an extensive archeological other properties surrounding the row age community involvement, and to study conducted by Howard Univer- house complex to prevent the threat of manage operations with strict financial sity researchers, the construction of the inappropriate development, now that the controls. federal building went forward, and a neighborhood is thriving again. small section of the site was allocated to Project Row Houses has become a African Burial Ground National commemorate the burial ground. The national model where art and historic Monument, Lower Manhattan, N.Y. discovered remains were given a perma- preservation have brought new life to the www.africanburialground.gov/ABG_ nent resting place at the African Burial community and a renewed sense of pride Main.htm Ground Memorial Site. To help visitors by meeting community needs. understand the significance of the site, an Rick Lowe explains that PRH has Sometimes the physical evidence of a interactive visitor center, which has four been a success because the organization place’s history has deteriorated or has exhibit areas, a theater, and bookstore, leaders have learned to plan before they simply disappeared. This raises a com- was installed in the first floor of the adja- work, hire the best staff motivated by plex question: What is the best approach cent Ted Weiss Federal Building. The site, which was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1993 and a National Historic Monument in A heritage trail doesn’t need to be a walking or driving tour. A 2006, opened to the public in October new organization in Massachusetts, Cycling Through History, is 2007. It is managed by the National developing a network of bike routes that will guide individuals, Park Service, and supported by Howard families, and groups on a multimedia journey through places University, the Schomburg Center for showing the rich African American history of the Commonwealth Research and Black Culture, and other of Massachusetts. A network of 10- to 400-mile bike routes is public agencies. At least five full-time being mapped. Riders will be able to upload a video of their bike park rangers staff the site, with more added for busy visitation periods and tour and download tour directions and site information to their special events. Some 20 volunteers help mobile phones and other devices from the organization’s website: with interpretation and with running the www.cyclingthroughhistory.org/. reception desk, bookstore, and events. The visitor center features art work

22 Preservation Books that was commissioned to bring life to This combination of art and historic the stories and people who once inhab- preservation can revive communities by In the early part of the 20th ited the site. Frank Bender, for example, adding aesthetic beauty to a place, and also century, thousands of Ros- drew on his forensic and fine arts skills evoking a feeling of remembrance often dif- to create a poignant bronze sculpture ficult to attain at an archeological site. enwald Schools were built depicting three of the individuals buried across the South to pro- at the site. Muralist Tomie Arai created Ware Creek Rosenwald School, vide education for African a mural to commemorate the African Blounts Creek, N.C. American children. Today Burial Ground site and honor the ances- http://warecreekschool.org many of these beloved tors of New York’s African American historic schoolhouses, descendant community. The artwork Preserving an important local building, although in various states truly integrates both African and black telling its story to present and future of disrepair, still stand as heritage together in a beautiful, spiritual, generations, and keeping it in active evidence that equality for and thoughtful way. community use are the driving goals at A granite memorial was installed to the heart of many preservation projects. blacks started with educa- mark the site where the remains of the The restoration and creative reuse of tion. To find out more about slaves were reburied. The memorial fea- the Ware Creek Rosenwald School is an the National Trust’s efforts tures design elements that symbolically inspiring example. After it was no longer to preserve these important relate the struggles and daily life of 18th- needed as a school in 1954, community landmarks go to: http:// members continued to care for the build- century slaves in New York. savingplaces.org/treasures/ ing. It has since found a new purpose as rosenwald-schools Ware Creek Rosenwald School located a community center, historic site, and in Blounts Creek, N.C., was restored to adult education center. serve the Blount’s Creek community. The Ware Creek Rosenwald School, It is used largely for educational a three-teacher schoolhouse in Blounts dation. In 1954 community members purposes, as satellite classroom space for the community college, literacy Creek, N.C., was built in 1921. It func- purchased the building so that it might foundation, and other community tioned as a segregated public school remain a community resource. For the activities. until the early 1950s when the board of next 40 years, the community, former

Photo: Alethea Williams-King education closed it due to school consoli- residents, and others supported and

Preserving African American Historic Places 23 maintained the school. The Ware Creek Community Devel- MOVING FORWARD With help from the North Carolina opment Program has plans to offer Today the future of historic African state historic preservation office, volun- additional adult education programs American sites and the stories they tell is teers researched the significance of Ros- and set up a gift shop. It is also con- in our hands. enwald Schools. A student intern helped ducting an oral history project of school We’ve learned from our predeces- prepare a condition assessment report alumni. sors that strategic planning, careful to guide restoration work. The building Alethea Williams-King, president research and documentation, and an was listed in the National Register of of the Ware Creek Community Devel- understanding of the business of pres- Historic Places in 1996. opment Program, Inc., has a special ervation are the building blocks to a In 1990 the volunteers incorpo- connection to the school. In 1919 her thriving heritage site that the public rated as a nonprofit group, the Ware grandfather and other residents peti- supports and appreciates. Creek Community Development tioned the local board of education for As more African American preser- Program, Inc., which allowed them to funding to build this schoolhouse. King vation professionals, business leaders, seek external funding to help renovate notes that her father also helped to and community activists contribute the building. build the school and was instrumental to projects to protect and honor such The organization received funding in raising funds to purchase the school places, our work will become more from the state of North Carolina and in 1954. sophisticated. We must learn to employ the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation and Williams-King offers this advice to innovative models that support the embarked on an extensive renovation of other preservation advocates; her six Ps: long-term stewardship of historic sites. the building. This included installing a 1. Power of prayer built these schools These models might include merging new roof, reconstructing brick foun- and will continue their preservation. organizations to maximize economies dation pillars and exterior chimneys, 2. Preservation work isn’t for impatient of scale or establishing co-stewardship reglazing original windows, and replac- people; impatience makes judgment agreements with stronger, more finan- ing exterior boards, damaged ceiling errors at every turn. cially capable organizations. boards, and entry steps. The building 3. Prevent backtracking and correct- As new audiences become engaged was also rewired. ing mistakes by setting priorities to and new partnerships are formed In 2008 a grant from the Lowe’s address the most crucial building we will see increased financial and Charitable and Educational Foundation needs. political support. We will also find allowed the organization to complete 4. Partner with people, even a small new ways of telling our story as art- the second phase of renovation. This team of committed players, and orga- ists help re-imagine how history is included installing central climate con- nizations that support your goals. communicated to the public, and new trol and storm windows, and carrying 5. Preservation matters more when you media draw in audiences of all ages. out major plumbing repairs. learn the site’s full story. But most importantly, African Ameri- The project was successful thanks 6. Protect your organization’s mission can historic sites will become true to a network of dedicated volunteers from misguided and misinformed community assets that showcase the who donated their time and resources to individuals. best practices in preservation, stew- interview contractors, prepare contracts, ardship, and financial sustainability, conduct on-site meetings, oversee repair Such wisdom can guide and inspire any while also preserving the memory of work, and research and write grants. community preservation project. our ancestors.

RESOURCES

The National Trust for Historic Self-Assessment Guide for Community Fundraising Basics for Preservation Preservation has produced numerous Preservation Organizations Organizations books designed to assist community Basic Preservation Investing in Volunteers: A Guide to Volun- teer Management preservation efforts, on such topics as Doing Away with Demolition-by-Neglect organizational development, fundrais- Feasibility Assessment Manual for Reusing Guide to Tax-Advantaged Rehabilitation ing, and preservation laws and proce- Historic Buildings Laypersons Guide to Preservation Law dures. These publications are available through Amazon.com. Copyright © 2012

Stephanie Meeks National Trust Forum is a membership program for President, National Trust for preservationists—from board members to students, Historic Preservation from architects to educators, from preservation com- missioners to planners, from volunteers to restoration David J. Brown contractors. Forum membership provides you with Executive Vice President and the knowledge, tools, and resources to protect your Chief Preservation Officer community. As a Forum member you receive a sub- scription to Preservation magazine, Forum Journal, Valecia Crisafulli and Forum Bulletin. Benefits also include discounts Vice President, Partnerships on conferences and all technical advice and access to Forum Online, the online system designed for the Susan West Montgomery preservation community. Director, Information and Training To join send $195 to: National Trust Forum National Trust for Historic Preservation Elizabeth Byrd Wood 1785 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Content Manager Washington, DC 20036 202.588.6296

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