16th Street Baptist Church Among Finalists For 6-Figure Grant

BIRMINGHAM, AL - Birmingham’s iconic Sixteenth Street Baptist Church could win six figures in preservation grant funding this year and local residents have the power to make it happen. The church is one of 20 historic Main Street preservation sites in the annual Partners in Preservation nationwide voting campaign. Beginning today through October 26, people can vote online for up to five locations each day.

Created in 2006 by American Express and The National Trust for Historic Preservation, Partners in Preservation has committed more $22 million in support of more than 200 historic sites across the country. Drawing on the success of the 2017 program, which saw Birmingham's Alabama Theater win a grant to restore its marquee sign, the 2018 campaign will award $2 million in grants to historic sites on America’s Main Streets that reflect the fight for diversity, equality and inclusion.

In 1963, the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church was the target of the infamous, racially motivated bombing in which four young girls were killed. It still functions as a house of worship and gathering space, as well as a tourist destination. This project will complete the restoration of the church’s historic windows, cupola and bell towers installed in 1911. (For more updates on this story and free news alerts for your neighborhood, sign up for your local Patch morning newsletter.)

Beginning today through October 26, the public can vote for their favorite Partners in Preservation: Main Street at VoteYourMainStreet.org, hosted by media partner National Geographic. In addition, the public will also have an opportunity to enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip to our nation’s capital at the close of the campaign, sponsored by National Geographic. Delta Air Lines is also joining as a campaign sponsor for the second year in a row.

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