Community Meeting for African American Historic Context Study

The City of Conway and McDoux Preservation LLC are seeking community input about African American history in Conway. Since January, consultants from McDoux have been working to research and document African American history, identify locations of significance in the city related to the African American experience, gather oral histories, and identify future opportunities for study and interpretation.

This project is focused on two areas known to be historically tied to the African American community: the Pine/Markham Street Neighborhood north and east of downtown and the Lollie Bottoms, a former plantation and farming community in extreme southwest Conway.

According to Planning Director James Walden, “This project is extremely important for the Conway community. It’s an important first step in making sure the history we preserve, honor, and celebrate as a city represents the whole community. We have a lot to be proud of in Conway. We have too little community awareness of Conway’s historically black neighborhood, and the amazing accomplishments of our African American community.”

McDoux consultants were in Conway in March and are now drafting the historic context study report. Once finished, the report will serve as the basis for nominating significant sites to the National Register of Historic Places.

The City will hold a virtual public meeting on May 27th at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom to introduce the consultants, provide an overview of the project, and gather input and feedback from the community.

Meeting Details

What: Public Meeting for African American Historic Context Study

Who: City of Conway, McDoux Preservation LLC

When: Thursday, May 27 • 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

About the Grant

The project is funded by a grant from the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program (AHPP). As a member of the AHPP’s Certified Local Government (CLG) program, the City of Conway is eligible for pass-through grants from the federal Historic Preservation Fund. CLG grants can be used for a variety of local historic preservation projects, including architectural surveys of historic sites or districts, preparation of nominations for the National Register of Historic Places, development of educational materials for historic property owners, and rehabilitation of local historic structures. Twenty-one Arkansas cities currently participate in the Certified Local Government program.

About McDoux Preservation LLC

McDoux Preservation is a highly experienced, award-winning woman-owned historic preservation firm based in Texas with offices in New York, Tennessee, and Virginia. McDoux specializes in community-driven, data-driven work that focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion, to tell the full story and include resources which are culturally significant to the entire community.

Contact

James Walden, AICP
Planning Director – City of Conway
Phone: (501) 450-6105
E-Mail: James.Walden@conwayarkansas.gov

Event Registration