More good news for Historic Athens.
The nonprofit will receive grant funding from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Executive Director Tommy Valentine says funding from the 2021 African Cultural Heritage Action Fund Grants means a major addition at the organization. “And thanks to the investment that the National Trust will be making, we will be adding a new staff position, a new permanent, full time staff position, here at Historic Athens,” according to Valentine. “Director of Engagement and African American Heritage.”
Valentine says they are now looking for candidates for the position. “Our next step is to publish a full job description in September, so we will be publicly posting that in September. In the meantime, any interested candidate can contact us through outreach@HistoricAthens.com."
The Action Fund is the largest preservation effort ever undertaken to support the longevity of African American historic sites. This year’s grants will help protect and restore 40 important Black landmarks around the country. Given that track record over the last 50 years, although there have been some notable exceptions including the designation of Reese Hancock as a historic district and some of our commitments to places like Brooklyn Cemetery, there’s 50 years of catching up to do.”
Nearly 600 applicants competed for fewer than 50 awards. The $60,000 grant pays for the first year's salary.
