Goldsboro West Side Community Historical Association, Inc. - Hurricane Irma Emergency Grant

FAIN: PB-260969-18

Goldsboro West Side Community Historical Association Inc. (Sanford, FL 32771-2703)
Francis Oliver (Project Director: December 2017 to August 2019)

The replacement of the building’s roof, eaves, and gutters; the purchase of four dehumidifiers; cleaning of carpets and walls; climate-controlled storage for collections during repairs; and restoration of damaged photographs, furniture, and sculptures.

The Goldsboro West Side Community Historical Association, Inc. requests support for structural repairs and cleaning and conservation of collections on the history of Goldsboro, Florida, the second African American incorporated city in the United States.  Hurricane Irma caused significant damage to the building where collections were stored; subsequent exposure to the elements caused additional harm to original, century-old photographs of Goldsboro pioneers, a hitching post used to indicate Underground Railroad safe houses, and historic furniture.  The storm also caused water damage to wooden display cases, carpeting, and walls, and moisture and rising temperatures led to mold and mildew growth.