Morgan_State
The nation's largest preservation organization has partnered with Morgan State University to protect its historic buildings.
"The National Trust believes historically black colleges and universities tell an important and often overlooked American story," said Stephanie Meeks, president, and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation."We are proud to partner with Morgan State University- a nationally-recognized innovator and education leader- to demonstrate how the preservation of their remarkable older buildings can be a springboard for growth, rejuvenation, and revitalization," Meeks said.
Founded in 1867, Morgan State University's urban campus has an impressive collection of historic buildings. The university has 20 structures eligible for listing in the National Register.
Buildings on the campus were designed by pioneering and celebrated black architects such as Albert Cassell, Hilyard Robinson, Louis Fry, and Leon Bridges.
"We have known of Morgan's significance on the higher education stage for many years and now, as we prepare to celebrate our 150th anniversary, the world will know that, in fact, this university is a national treasure," said David Wilson, president of Morgan State University. "We are very excited and honored by this designation from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. In many ways, it is recognition of the value we have placed on caring for and preserving the history of the great Morgan State University."
Under the leadership of President David Wilson and Dean Akers of the School of Architecture, the university has made positive strides to preserve portions of the campus, including the restoration of University Chapel, the only building individually listed on the National Register at present.
As a National Treasure, Morgan State joins a growing portfolio of historic sites and marks the second HBCU, along with Howard University in Washington, D.C., where the National Trust for Historic Preservation is actively working.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation's dedicated involvement with America's historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) dates back to 1998 when HBCUs across the country made the list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.
The National Trust has worked over the years with Congress to get funding, securing more than $61 million in the restoration of historic buildings on HBCU campuses.