by jbs083010 c3 — September 1, 2010—The National Trust for Historic Preservation and Lowe’s announced on August 24 the expansion of their efforts to preserve historic schools across the country. Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation awarded nearly $500,000 in grants through the National Trust to aid the rehabilitation of 10 schools.
This latest round of grants brings the partners’ support for historic schools and their communities to 50 schools in 19 states, from Alaska to South Carolina, and brings the contributions of Lowe’s Foundation to $3 million in three years.
As school districts across the nation close and consolidate their schools because of budget cuts, the National Trust and Lowe’s say they are helping communities breathe new life into former schools. These historically significant properties range from the school in which Dr. Martin Luther King first delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech to a school that was part of a national effort to help Native Americans protect and preserve their unique cultures.
Although many of the rehabilitated buildings no longer serve as schools, they continue to serve central roles in their communities, including a cultural and educational center for senior citizens and a shelter and support center for victims of domestic violence.
