Exciting Grant Boosts Heritage Preservation in Charlotte, Tennessee

Charlotte, Tennessee: Exciting New Grant to Improve Local Heritage

In a vibrant community where history and future ambitions blend beautifully, the Promise Land Heritage Association has something to celebrate! This local cultural gem has just received a generous grant of $26,500 from the State of Tennessee through the Tennessee State Museum. Let’s dive into what this grant means for the area and the projects that it will help bring to life.

Creating Accessible Spaces

The funding will primarily go towards making the School Museum more accessible to everyone. Say goodbye to the old ramp and deck! The grant will facilitate the creation of a new ramp design that not only meets safety requirements but also preserves the historical character of the museum. This improvement will provide easier access to the Community Center’s classroom area and restrooms, making visits more convenient for all.

Preserving Local History

But that’s not all! A portion of the grant is dedicated to the preservation and rehabilitation of the historic Promise Land School Cistern. This vital historical project will recreate the look of the school grounds, allowing visitors to get a real sense of what life was like in the community during its early days. The Promise Land Heritage Association is committed to telling the story of a community that was established by United States Colored Troop Veterans and formerly enslaved individuals shortly after the end of the Civil War. How amazing is that?

A Highly Competitive Process

It’s worth noting how competitive this grant process was. The Tennessee General Assembly set aside $5 million from the 2024-2025 Appropriations Act specifically to help museums. The Tennessee State Museum was flooded with applications—157 to be exact—totaling a whopping $10.5 million in funding requests! Only 83 museums across the state received funding, and now the Promise Land Heritage Association is among those lucky recipients.

Inspiring Support for Local Institutions

Ashley Howell, Executive Director of the Tennessee State Museum, shared her excitement, stating, “In our second year facilitating this funding, we continue to be inspired by the incredible work being done throughout the state by our strong network of Tennessee museums and historic sites.” This funding is a significant extension of the Tennessee State Museum’s mission to support local, regional, and state institutions in preserving the diverse history, art, and culture of Tennessee.

Gratitude from Local Leaders

Serina Gilbert, the Board Chair of the Promise Land Heritage Association, expressed her sheer gratitude: “The Promise Land Heritage Association is grateful to the Tennessee State Museum for funding our request. We can now replace the deck and ramp with materials that are more attractive and durable while meeting all ADA and safety requirements.” She also took a moment to appreciate the dedicated work of her Preservation Committee members, who have been instrumental in bringing this initiative to life.

Looking Ahead

The grant has a minimum request amount of $5,000 and a maximum of $100,000, with all projects set to be completed by June 30, 2025. As the Promise Land Heritage Association gears up to implement these exciting changes, the local community is buzzing with anticipation for what this will mean for visitors interested in exploring their rich history.

A Legacy of Learning

For those who may not be familiar, the Promise Land Heritage Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of the Promise Land Historic Site. As 2024 marks its 87th Anniversary, it’s a fitting time to rejuvenate this site for education and enjoyment.

So, whether you’re a local or just passing through, keep an eye out for these changes transforming the Promise Land Historic Site. It’s a wonderful chance to engage with and learn about Tennessee’s vibrant past while also enjoying the comforts of modern accessibility. Isn’t that something worth celebrating?