Blackwell School RESTORE!

Fifteen years ago, a group of former students got together to save their school. Their dedication and passion set the foundation for all the progress to come. That dedication and passion also spoke to our elected officials who took seriously the significance of the school’s history. Today all our efforts are coming together to really save the school in perpetuity for the purpose of preserving, remembering, and sharing our history.

The Blackwell School Alliance is raising $1.4 million for the restoration and interpretation of the Blackwell School. With this funding we will fully restore our buildings—the 1909 original schoolhouse and the 1927  classroom building. This project will develop and install comprehensive  museum exhibits, turning our photos, objects, stories, and scholarship into meaningful connections that maintain the site's authenticity and impart the full significance and relevance of this site to the American experience. This is what you are a part of, and we cannot thank you enough.

 

The best news is that we are not asking you for $1.4 million. We qualify for the American Rescue Plan Act Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation Funding Opportunity. ARPA grants fund 80% of project costs, with our project costed at $1.4 million. With the Rio Grande Council of Government’s help we are meeting the requirements and applying for this grant by its deadline in January 2022.

 

Generous foundation grants, HOT funds from the City of Marfa, and individuals dedicated to historic preservation have already pledged funds. Please help us reach our goal by the end of the year.

 

We are so obliged for your support. Learn more at https://www.theblackwellschool.org/project-restore.