Dedicated to the preservation, maintenance & awareness of endangered or little-known African American historical sites.

Our Mission

The African American Heritage Preservation Foundation has been engaged in activities that include the preservation, maintenance, and awareness of endangered or little-known African American historical sites primarily in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast Regions...

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The African American Heritage Preservation Foundation is a not for profit 501(c) (3) organization. We welcome you to become involved in our projects.

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PRESERVE HISTORY

There are many ways to donate to the organization. Your generosity preserves our endangered or little-known historic sites that are an integral part of our American Heritage.

Current Projects

AAHPF provides a $10,000 grant to the Upton Planning Community, Inc. for the restoration of Congressman Parren Mitchell's home

The African American Heritage Preservation Foundation, Inc. provides a $10,000 grant to the Upton Planning Community, Inc. (UPC) for the restoration of Congressman Parren J, Mitchell's home in Baltimore, Maryland. The African American Heritage Preservation Foundation, Inc. has recently launched their African American Endangered Sites Matching Grants Pilot Program to support eligible 501(3) organizations to complete its restoration and maintenance projects for historic sites. The Parren J. Mitchell House represents the legacy of a pioneering civil rights leader and a significant chapter in American history. Congressman Mitchell served in the US House of Representatives for 16 years. The structure was built in 1855 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in June 2023. UPC was gifted the final home of Congressman Parren Mitchell, just north of downtown Baltimore City. UPC now oversees the landmark Parren Mitchell House, which pays homage to Congressman Mitchell as a cultural and political leader. Once restored, the historic site will serve as the UPC's headquarters, Parren J. Mitchell Museum, an events and retreat center for Baltimore's Harlem Park community. UPC has already secured $2.4 million of the $2.6 million budget for the restoration. Construction will begin in the Summer of 2024 and the scheduled completion date is in the Winter of 2025. UPC Partners include the Neighborhood Design Center and the architectural firm, Quinn Evans. 

Congratulations to HAI Architectural Interns from Howard University

 

HAI extends its sincere gratitude to our two interns from Howard University, Kolbi Holston and Farrington Asberry-Lindquist, as they complete their time with us. Just graduated fifth-year architecture students, they were a wonderful addition to our team as they worked on collections to spotlight our partnership with the AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE PRESERVATION FOUNDATION INC and its President and Founder, E. Renee Ingram. We extend our thanks, as well, to Professor Edward Dunson, Jr. AIA, at Howard University for his leadership and guidance as we established this internship program. We are excited to pursue this relationship in years to come!

Self-guided map and app unites stories of African American heroes, historic places and events


The "Road to Freedom" program, created through a partnership between the American Battlefield Trust and Civil War Trails, Inc., offers free physical and digital manifestations — a map guide available in visitor centers and distribution sites across the state and a web app with downloadable versions for Android and iOS devices.

The trail highlights 88 spots across Virginia, a key Civil War battleground state and an important passageway in the Underground Railroad. Sites stretch from Alexandria, just outside Washington, D.C., to Abingdon, near the Tennessee border, and tell stories of soldiers, slaves, educators, politicians and others, marking the places where they staged rebellions, fought for freedom, educated their children, were born and were buried. 

An ongoing research partnership with the African American Heritage Preservation Foundation will result in adding further context to existing entries by allowing Black voices to delve into the artistic, architectural and cultural significance of included sites. The addition of new sites and curated "collections" will further enhance the experience. 

"Since 1994, the African American Heritage Preservation Foundation has worked toward the preservation, maintenance, and awareness of endangered or little-known historical sites, especially in the mid-Atlantic," said president and founder E. Renee Ingram. "We are excited to join this dynamic project and look forward to showcasing the history and legacy of important places across Virginia." 

In February 2022, the American Battlefield Trust won a Silver Award from the Anthem Awards for its work in Education, Art & Culture. 'Road to Freedom' App Telling Story of Black Virginians In Civil War Era Wins Silver In Inaugural Anthem Awards | American Battlefield Trust (battlefields.org)

In 2023, the African American Heritage Preservation Foundation has extended its research partnership with the American Battlefield Trust that includes Civil War and African American Sites in North Carolina and Tennessee.

Preservation Partners

The African American Heritage Preservation Foundation has partnered with several public and private sector entities throughout the past twenty-nine years. Our Preservation Partners have not only provided cooperative agreements and preservation grants, but also human capital - architects, educational staff, historians, preservationists, local leaders, college students and volunteers.