The Charlotte History Museum Raises $500k to Save Historic Black School
The Charlotte Museum of History announced last night that it has raised $500,000 in cash, pledges, and in-kind donations to save the historic Siloam School. The latest gifts bring the project halfway toward its $1 million fundraising goal, which is needed to restore and preserve the historic school building and make it available as a community resource and center for history programs.
An African American community centered on the Siloam Church in rural northeast Charlotte built the school in the early 1920s to give their children a quality education despite segregation.
“When this project is complete, the restored Siloam School will become an important tool in teaching future generations about the history of discrimination, injustice, and inequity that still impacts us today. It is only by understanding this history that we can change our future,” said Fannie Flono, chair of the Save Siloam School Project and trustee of The Charlotte Museum of History. “Equally important, the school will serve as a tangible testament to the African Americans who built it and whose children thrived there despite the scourge of segregation. It is heartening to see the Charlotte community meet this fundraising milestone and stand up together to save this history.”
The museum made the fundraising announcement at a special event to raise funds for the project. The event featured Mayor Vi Lyles, Flono, and several other authors and activists. The latest contributions to the Save Siloam School Project announced Thursday night include the following:
- $75,000 from Sandra Conway, former CMS Foundation head and philanthropist who is focused on educational equity.
- $30,000 from Porter Durham of Global Endowment Management.
- An in-kind donation from Mark Maynard, president of Tribute Properties, to provide services related to moving the historic building to its new location at The Charlotte Museum of History, a gift valued at $50,000.
- An in-kind donation from Hoffman Mechanical to donate and install an HVAC system for the historic building, a gift worth at least $15,000.
How to support the Save Siloam School Project
The Inside Siloam School virtual event runs through Sunday, Feb. 28, and includes a 360-degree virtual tour of the historic Siloam School and a digital guidebook describing the key architectural features and historical importance of the school. Tickets are $25 at charlottemuseum.org/events. All ticket proceeds support the Save Siloam School Project.
