Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $1.2 million investment for historical societies across New York State, aimed at preserving culturally significant sites and expanding community engagement. Of this amount, $1 million is allocated to the Weeksville Heritage Center in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, to support ongoing preservation efforts, literacy programs, staff, and educational tours, as well as capital improvements to the historic Hunterfly Road Houses. The funding will help the center continue to educate the public about one of the few remaining pre-Civil War free Black communities in the United States, strengthening its role in American history, education, and social justice.
An additional $200,000 is designated for the Eastville Historical Society in Sag Harbor, Long Island, to renovate the building’s lower level into a flexible space for workshops, classes, and visual storage. This renovation will enhance public access and engagement while preserving the history of a community significant for African American, Native American, and European contributions. The funding will support educational programming and the society’s ongoing work documenting and preserving important historical sites, including the St. David AME Zion Cemetery.
These investments build on Governor Hochul’s broader efforts to support institutions that uplift communities of color across New York State. Local officials emphasized the importance of this funding, highlighting Weeksville Heritage Center as a vital cultural and educational resource. Assemblywoman Latrice Walker described the investment as a monumental step for preserving African American history and fostering public appreciation, while Senator Zellnor Myrie underscored the importance of protecting Weeksville’s legacy at a time when Black history faces increasing challenges.
