Preserving Black Churches

The Black Heritage and Historic Places: 1945-1975 project recommended further study of Raleigh’s black churches.  This was supported by attendees of the final community meeting where the report was presented.

As part of its annual work program the Raleigh Historic Development Commission (RHDC) plans to host a two-part series of events to build relationships with pastors of black churches, share information about the National Trust’s Preserving Black Churches grant program, and share information about historic designations.  Information will also be shared about other relevant grants including Conserving Black Modernism, Action Fund National Grant Program, and National Fund for Sacred Places.  These events will bring together the people of Raleigh’s black churches with previous grant recipients, historic groups, and more.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation created the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund in 2017.  In 2023 the fund established the Preserving Black Churches grant program.  Past grants have included activities such as:

• Endowment growth to ensure restoration efforts are sustained in the future.
• Organizational capacity building.
• Planning for and prioritizing of preservation, restoration, and maintenance projects.
• Programming projects for murals, oral histories, and educational programming related to faith and culture.
• Capital projects to repair and restore historic churches.

For more information about the Preserving Black Churches grant program, and other programs offered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, visit: Preserving Black Churches | National Trust for Historic Preservation

Planning for these events is conducted by the RHDC’s Research Committee.  Members of the public are welcome to attend Committee meetings. (add link to the Research committee meetings series)

Scope

• Informational community meeting (May 5, 2025)  
• Second community meeting (May or June 2025)