Preserving Freedmen's Town: The Fight to Save Houston's Black History

HOUSTON - March 6, 2025 - PRLog -- HOUSTON, TX – Since 1995, Freedmen's Town Museums Houston has stood as the primary authority in the physical restoration of homes and homesites within the Freedmen's Town community. As the recognized preservation leader, our organization has spearheaded the effort to protect, restore, and maintain the historic structures that define Houston's first post-emancipation Black settlement.

In this role, Freedmen's Town Museums Houston has served as the preservation authority for the establishment of the UNESCO Routes of Enslaved Peoples: Freedom Colony Project in Houston, a designation championed by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee in federal legislation. Our organization remains committed to ensuring that Freedmen's Town's unique history is preserved in alignment with the National Park Service's historical preservation guidelines.

Our Enduring Commitment to Historic Preservation

Freedmen's Town was once a thriving, self-sustaining Black community, built by formerly enslaved individuals who created a legacy of resilience, economic independence, and cultural excellence. Today, that legacy is under constant threat due to gentrification, property development, and inadequate funding for preservation efforts.

While multiple organizations contribute to the recognition of Freedmen's Town's historical impact, Freedmen's Town Museums Houston remains singularly focused on the physical restoration of its historic structures, ensuring they remain authentic landmarks of Black heritage. Through rigorous historical documentation, architectural conservation, and education, we uphold the highest standards of preservation to honor Freedmen's Town's rightful place in American history.

How You Can Support Preservation Efforts

The survival of Freedmen's Town's historic homes depends on community and public support. Your contributions help safeguard Houston's Black history, allowing us to continue vital restoration work. Donations can be made at freedmenstownmuseums.org.

Media & Community Engagement

Freedmen's Town Museums Houston calls upon media, preservationists, and community leaders to amplify the urgency of protecting these historic homes. We invite journalists, historians, and advocates to engage with our mission and share this critical preservation effort with a broader audience.

For interviews or press inquiries, please contact Gia Montalto at Montalto Communications and Strategies.

Join us in ensuring that Freedmen's Town remains a living testament to the history, resilience, and culture of Houston's Black community.

About Freedmen's Town Museums Houston

Freedmen's Town Museums Houston, a division of the Rutherford B.H. Yates Museum, Inc., is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and restoration of Freedmen's Town's historic homes and cultural landmarks. Through advocacy, education, and restoration, we ensure the lasting legacy of Freedmen's Town for generations to come.

Visit us at: freedmenstownmuseums.org