Presentation of African American Historic Context Study results scheduled for July 1

The City of Conway and McDoux Preservation will present a draft of the results of the African American History Context Study at Greater Pleasant Branch Baptist Church on Thursday, July 1 at 6:00 p.m.

Consultants from McDoux Preservation 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.

The final version of the report will serve as the basis for nominating significant sites to the National Register of Historic Places.

“It’s been an interesting and engaging process so far. It’s a unique history of which a lot of Conway residents are not aware of,” said Planning & Development Director James Walden. “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.”

This project has 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 southwest Conway.

The presentation will be free and open to the public.

Meeting Details

What: Public Meeting for African American Historic Context Study

Who: City of Conway and McDoux Preservation

When: Thursday, July 1 at 6:00 p.m.

Where: Greater Pleasant Branch Baptist Church, 601 Spruce St, Conway, AR

About the Grant

The African American Historic Context Study 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

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