Lowe's $1 million grant doubles initial pledge Media Contact: Nord Wennerstrom, National Trust for Historic Preservation, 202.588.6380, nord_wennerstrom@nthp.org Washington, DC (February 26, 2009)- In honor of Black History Month, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Lowe's today announced the second round of grants from a joint initiative to restore iconic schools that represent an important chapter in United States history. Lowe's provided a second $1 million grant to the National Trust for Historic Preservation to save 15 "Rosenwald schools" from permanent disrepair and, through adaptive reuse, to transform them into once-again vibrant facilities in their communities. In 2008, Lowe's awarded $1 million in its first round of grants to fund work at 17 Rosenwald schools. "The Lowe's contribution will help to preserve these iconic landmarks of monuments to African American history," said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "In a time of great racial inequality, Julius Rosenwald worked with communities across the South and Southwest to improve educational opportunities for African Americans. These schools represent a critical link to our national heritage, and we are pleased to work with Lowe's in preserving these important places that tell America's story." In 1912, Julius Rosenwald and Booker T. Washington partnered to pilot a rural school building program for African Americans in Alabama. The Rosenwald Fund ultimately provided $4.7 million in grants, and African Americans donated an additional $4.7 million to build state-of-the-art school facilities between 1918 and 1932. Today, these buildings are called "Rosenwald schools." At the heart of many African American communities, these schools served as community centers and provided meeting spaces and school facilities. When the program concluded in 1932, more than 5,300 schools, vocational shops and teachers' homes had been constructed in 15 states across the South and Southwest. "The role Rosenwald schools played in the educational and civic lives of communities throughout the South cannot be underestimated," said Larry D. Stone, chairman of the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation. "Preserving these historic structures and returning them to be valuable gathering places is important to our nation's history and the communities where they are located - both worthy goals Lowe's is proud to continue to support." In 1954, the Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas Supreme Court decision caused most remaining Rosenwald schools to close. Once closed, these hallmarks of early 20th century African American educational progress and community life fell victim to changing times. Today, no more than 10 to 12 percent of Rosenwald schools are estimated to remain standing. The National Trust for Historic Preservation named Rosenwald schools to its list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places in 2002. For more information on Rosenwald schools, please visit http://www.rosenwaldschools.com/. Rosenwald School locations and post-restoration uses: Alabama: Arkansas: Kentucky: North Carolina: South Carolina: Tennessee: Texas: Virginia: ABOUT THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION ABOUT LOWE'S National Trust for Historic Preservation and Lowe's Celebrate Black History Month with Grants to Help Restore 15 Historic Rosenwald Schools
Maureen Rich, Lowe's Companies, Inc., 704.758.2298, Maureen.A.Rich@lowes.com
The National Trust for Historic Preservation (www.PreservationNation.org/) is a non-profit membership organization bringing people together to protect, enhance and enjoy the places that matter to them. By saving the places where great moments from history - and the important moments of everyday life - took place, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps revitalize neighborhoods and communities, spark economic development and promote environmental sustainability. With headquarters in Washington, DC, nine regional and field offices, 29 historic sites, and partner organizations in all 50 states, the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education, advocacy and resources to a national network of people, organizations and local communities committed to saving places, connecting us to our history and collectively shaping the future of America's stories.
Lowe's is a proud supporter of Habitat for Humanity International, American Red Cross, United Way of America, and the Home Safety Council, in addition to numerous non-profit organizations and programs that help communities across the country. In 2007, Lowe's and the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation together contributed more than $27.5 million to support community and education projects in the United States and Canada. Lowe's also encourages volunteerism through the Lowe's Heroes program, a company-wide employee volunteer initiative. Lowe's is a FORTUNE® 50 company with fiscal year 2008 sales of $48.2 billion and has more than 1,650 stores in the United States and Canada. For more information, visit Lowes.com/community.