A decrepit but historic former schoolhouse in Hartford’s Upper Albany neighborhood is being renovated to house an African American cultural center named for a local historian, authorities say.
The State Bond Commission recently approved a $1 million grant toward the initial phase of converting the historic Northwest District School into the home of the John E. Rogers African American Cultural Center.
The two-story building is at 1240 Albany Ave., between Woodland Street and Blue Hills Avenue.
State Sen. Eric D. Coleman (D-Bloomfield), who promoted state funding for the conversion, hailed it as befitting the neighborhood’s and Rogers’ legacy.
“I am glad the state is able to support this renovation project, and help spread awareness of African American history and culture in Connecticut,” Coleman said in a statement.
According to the building’s homepage, Northwest District School originally opened in 1885 as the Northwest Jones School. It was add on to in 1899. It is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Phase I involves cleanup of asbestos and lead, as well as window replacement and repairs to exterior bricking, and foundation work due to six feet of water in the basement, officials said. The second phase will see interior improvements.
When completed, the center will house collections of historic artifacts, artwork, inventions, and writings that focus on the history of African Americans in Hartford and across Connecticut. It also will be home to the nonprofit John E. Rogers Center.
Seminars, story hours and special events will be held to disseminate and publicize the valuable literary, artistic, historical, and scientific contributions of notable and ordinary African Americans.
