Sites of Black History and Underrepresented Communities
Formed in 2022 Cincinnati Preservation’s Sites of Black History initiative increases awareness and the preservation of sites and structures that tell the story of the Black experience in Greater Cincinnati.
The historic preservation movement has made substantial progress in preserving and commemorating the places that reflect the history of white America. Less focus has been placed on the sites associated with the history of African American communities.
Only 2% of the 95,000 entries on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) focus on the experience of Black Americans. Cincinnati has a similar deficit. While there
is increasing recognition of places such as Greystone Ballroom at Music Hall, the Manse Hotel in Walnut Hills and King Records studios in Evanston, these important sites are only a small part of a much, much larger untold history.
Greater Cincinnati’s Black and African American Historic Context Study
Cincinnati Preservation is working to produce Greater Cincinnati’s Black and African American Historic Context Study. A context study will make this important history available to the public and serve as a foundation for numerous new National Register nominations and Local Historic designations. These listings will acknowledge, celebrate and preserve our region’s sites of Black history. The final document will assist with long-term historic preservation planning and community revitalization.
As part of the project we are working to identify sites associated with Black and African American history within the region. Our focus area is within 275 on both the Kentucky and Ohio sides of the river.
Learn more about what the Context Study will accomplish and the research we have in the video below.
This project is generously funded by
Highlights of our Work
Some of the work the Cincinnati Preservation Sites of Black History Initiative has accomplished in collaboration with and guided by communities of color include:
Sarah Fossett Marker Dedication: Gifted Wilkinson, Pastor Dupuy, Vice Mayor Jan Michelle Lemon Kearney, Wilma Wilson
Obtained a historic marker (with the support of First Baptist Church of Cumminsville) for Sarah and Peter Fossett who were black abolitionists, underground railroad conductors and founders of the First Baptist Church of Cumminsville.
Recognized and featured Union Baptist Cemetery’s work to restore the oldest African American burial ground in Hamilton County, still used by Union Baptist Church, the second oldest black congregation in Cincinnati.
Cheryl New, Member of Union Baptist Church; Beth Johonson, CPA Executive Director; Louise Stevenson, Member of Union Baptist Church.
First Baptist Church of Walnut Hills
In partnership with Walnut Hills Historical Society and First Baptist Church, Cincinnati Preservation supported local historic designation of First Baptist Church of Walnut Hills which protects this important Site of Black history from demolition.