Weeksville Heritage Center

The Society for the Preservation of Weeksville and Bedford-Stuyvesant History preserves several historic structures along with a new LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy & Environment Design) education and cultural arts building at the Weeksville Heritage Center. IMLS funding will allow the organization to hire a LEED-trained facilities manager with the skills necessary to operate the new Education and Cultural Arts Building and the ability to continue the preservation of the historic structures at Weeksville. The facilities manager will compile a best-practices document about effective and sustainable methods of managing historic properties and new facilities. The facilities manager will also oversee restoration projects for the historic houses and repurpose and outfit exhibition space and collection storage options. In addition, IMLS funds will provide opportunities for internal staff development and a case study for other African American historic sites interested in expanding their space and community relevance.