PITTSBURGH, PA (July 6, 2021) — The City of Pittsburgh has received a $17,500 Keystone Historic Preservation Grant from the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission to support civil rights historical research in the Manchester neighborhood to identify and commemorate people and places of historical significance or contribution to the Civil Rights Movement.
“This is an amazing opportunity for us to further explore one of Pittsburgh’s beloved historic neighborhoods,” said Director Andrew Dash. “We have received an outpouring of support from City Council members and local organizations like Preservation Pittsburgh and can’t wait to immerse ourselves in Manchester’s rich history.”
The Manchester Neighborhood was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and was named a City Historic District in 1979. With this grant funding, the Department of City Planning will conduct additional research in the coming months to determine if the neighborhood or properties within the neighborhood could qualify for the National Parks Service’s African American Civil Rights Grants. This research includes recording oral histories from older neighborhood residents, pulling information from the City archive, and gathering other primary and secondary resources such as newspaper articles and photos.
"Many residents have families that have lived in Manchester for generations and have important stories to share, particularly as it relates to the Civil Rights Movement. This is a wonderful opportunity to capture their stories, preserve their memories, and celebrate the people who make up this community,” said Manchester Citizens Corporation’s Executive Director LaShawn Burton-Faulk.
Keystone Historic Preservation Grants, administered by the Pennsylvania Museum and Historical Commission, provide funding to support projects that identify, preserve, promote and protect historic resources in Pennsylvania that benefit the public and community revitalization. It also supports construction activities at resources listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. The City is matching the grant amount to dedicate a total amount of $35,000 to this research.
City Planning Contact:
Audrey Wells
Communications Specialist
Audrey.Wells@pittsburghpa.gov
