TWO TEXAS HISTORIC AFRICAN AMERICAN SITES RECEIVE RESTORATION GRANTS

Julius Rosenwald

WASHINGTON, DC - Lowe's and the National Trust for Historic Preservation announced that they are awarding nearly $100,000 in grants to fund restoration projects at two historic Rosenwald Schools in Texas. W.D. Spigner Elementary School in Calvert, and Pleasant Hill School in Linden will each be the beneficiaries of $50,000 grants.

The Texas projects are among 17 Rosenwald School grant recipients in the Southern United States.

Funding for these grants was provided by Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation through a $1 million contribution to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This is the third year that Lowe's has supported the National Trust for Historic Preservation with a $1 million grant. The Rosenwald Schools represent an important chapter in the history of the United States.

Booker T. Washington

Originally built by Julius Rosenwald and Booker T. Washington between 1918 and 1932 as part of a school-building program for African Americans in the rural South, today only about 10 percent of the over 5,300 buildings constructed remain standing, and many are in serious disrepair. The National Trust for Historic Preservation named Rosenwald schools to its list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places in 2002.

"The Rosenwald schools tell a story of extraordinary generosity," said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "In a time of great racial inequality, Julius Rosenwald worked with communities across the South and Southwest to improve educational opportunities for African Americans. These schools represent a critical link to our national heritage, and we are very pleased that Lowe's understands the importance of preserving the important places that tell America's story."

"Rosenwald schools encouraged a sense of community and paved the way for previously unimaginable educational opportunities," said Larry D. Stone, chairman of the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation. "Time and neglect have put these schools in danger, and we need to act now to save these structures that are as significant to the local community's civic life as they are to our nation's history."

W.D. Spigner Elementary School (Calvert, TX)

W.D. Spigner Elementary School was built in 1929 and is one of the few, original Rosenwald School buildings still being used today for public education, as well as for community events. With the assistance of the grant funds, the school will undergo much needed structural, safety repairs and upgrades to insure its continued use for the original purpose: to educate African American youth in need of assistance.

Pleasant Hill School (Linden, TX)

Built in 1925, the Pleasant Hill School restoration project is part of Linden's greater endeavor to restore the local courthouse-the oldest one in Texas. The grants will go towards updating the well preserved building to ADA compliant standards, improved climate control and safer plumbing and electrical systems. Once complete, the building will be used for community events, private rentals, as a meeting place local organizations, and concerts and plays. Because of its future use in the arts, the project is also supported by the local County Performing Arts Council, and native son Don Henley.

Other Rosenwald School grant recipients include

Old Merritt School (Midway, AL)

Acworth Rosenwald School (Acworth, GA)

Hickory Colored School (Mayfield, KY)

May's Lick Negro School (May's Lick, KY)

San Domingo Community and Cultural Center (Mardela Springs, MD)

The Lil' Red Schoolhouse (Drew, MS)

Randolph School (Pass Christian, MS)

The Ware Creek Rosenwald School (Blounts Creek, NC)

R.A. Clement (Cleveland, NC)

Hamilton Rosenwald School (Hamilton, NC)

Warren County Training School (Wise, NC)

Cairo Rosenwald School (Gallatin, TN)

Lincoln School (Pikeville, TN)

Great Branch Teacherage (Orangeburg, SC)

Scrabble School (Scrabble, VA)

For more information on Rosenwald schools, please visit www.rosenwaldschools.com/.

Contact: Virgil McDill, National Trust for Historic Preservation 202.588.6218 virgil_mcdill@nthp.org

Maureen Rich, Lowe’s Companies, Inc. 704.758.2298 Maureen.A.Rich@lowes.com

ABOUT THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION - The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a non-profit membership organization bringing people together to protect, enhance and enjoy the places that matter to them. By saving the places where great moments from history - and the important moments of everyday life - took place, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps revitalize neighborhoods and communities, spark economic development and promote environmental sustainability.

With headquarters in Washington, DC, nine regional and field offices, 29 historic sites, and partner organizations in all 50 states, the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education, advocacy and resources to a national network of people, organizations and local communities committed to saving places, connecting us to our history and collectively shaping the future of America's stories. For more information visit www.preservationnation.org/.

ABOUT LOWE'S - Lowe's is a proud supporter of Habitat for Humanity International, American Red Cross, United Way of America, and the Home Safety Council, in addition to numerous non-profit organizations and programs that help communities across the country. In 2007, Lowe's and the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation together contributed more than $25 million to support community and education projects in the United States and Canada.

Lowe's also encourages volunteerism through the Lowe's Heroes program, a company-wide employee volunteer initiative. Lowe's is a FORTUNE® 50 company with fiscal year 2006 sales of $46.9 billion and has more than 1,525 stores in the United States and Canada. For more information, visit Lowes.com/community. ###