Governor Kathy Hochul has announced $1.2 million in funding for historical societies across New York State. The allocation includes $1 million for the Weeksville Heritage Center, which will support preservation efforts and help the organization expand its community programs. An additional $200,000 will go to the Eastville Historical Society for renovations aimed at creating a multi-use space for educational and community activities.
“New York State is deeply rooted in rich history, and it is crucial that our students and communities have the opportunity and space to learn about the significant people and movements that formed the society we live in today,” Governor Hochul said. “With this new funding, these two societies will be able to continue to preserve historically significant sites while giving back to and uplifting the communities around it.”
The Weeksville Heritage Center, located in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, serves as a facility dedicated to arts, crafts, and historical education primarily for public school students. Founded in 1838, it represents one of the few remaining pre-Civil War free Black communities in the United States. The state’s investment consists of operational funds supporting staff, literacy programs, daily tours, as well as capital funding for infrastructure restoration at historic Hunterfly Road Houses.
Eastville Historical Society operates out of Sag Harbor on Long Island and focuses on preserving African American, Native American, and European heritage within its community. The organization maintains historic sites such as St. David AME Zion Cemetery—one of Long Island’s oldest African American burial grounds—and provides educational outreach regarding Eastville’s role in U.S. history. The state grant will allow Eastville Historical Society to renovate its building’s lower level into an open area suitable for workshops and research access.
Assemblywoman Latrice Walker stated: “I am so grateful to Gov. Kathy Hochul for this monumental investment in the Weeksville Heritage Center, a demonstration of her commitment to the celebration and preservation of African American history. I have been a staunch supporter of the Heritage Center and its President and CEO Dr. Raymond Codrington for years. The historical site and cultural center are meant to foster an appreciation and further study of one of the nation’s largest free pre-Civil War communities, including the recently renovated Hunterfly Road Houses. This is incredible news not only for my district and Weeksville but also for the entire borough of Brooklyn and beyond.”
Senator Zellnor Myrie added: “Weeksville is one of New York’s cultural treasures. At a moment when Black history is under threat, we need to preserve its legacy more than ever. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul for these investments and look forward to broadening Weeksville’s impact and reach.”
These grants are part of ongoing initiatives by Governor Hochul aimed at supporting institutions that serve communities of color throughout New York State.