National Park Service Awards $9.7 Million to Preserve Historically Black Colleges and Universities

The National Park Service (NPS) announced $9.7 million in grants to assist 21 preservation projects in nine states for historic structures on campuses of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). 

Accredited HBCUs are eligible to apply for this grant program, and eligible projects include physical preservation of sites listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.  HBCU grants can also fund pre-preservation studies, architectural plans and specifications, historic structure reports, campus preservation plans, and National Register nominations.  All projects must follow the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation. 
 
Projects receiving grants this year will preserve stories, resources, and places, such as:   

• North Carolina A&T State University: The World War Memorial Stadium was designed in 1926 and is the oldest minor-league ballpark in North Carolina. This project will address repairs to the structural concrete seating deck and installation of new seating, and the addition of ADA-accessible seating as well as other safety devices.  

• Mississippi Industrial College: Washington Hall was founded in 1905 and is contributing to Mississippi Industrial College Historic District. Rust College, located directly across the street acquired the property and is working to reimagine the former HBCU. This project will address repairs to the roof and building envelope.   
• Selma University: Dinkins Memorial Hall is contributing to the proposed Selma University Historic District, as determined by the Alabama Historical Commission. This project will address replacement of the roof, and upgrades to the HVAC and electrical systems.