Preservation Campaign (Launched on Giving Tuesday)
Safeguarding Our 1826 Underground Railroad Sanctuary
Giving Tuesday marked the beginning of our ongoing effort to preserve the original 1826 Underground Railroad sanctuary at Historic St. Paul A.M.E. Church. Your gift today supports critical work such as foundation repairs, wall stabilization, and maintaining safe, welcoming spaces for worship and community ministry.
All gifts made through this page go toward the preservation and restoration of Historic St. Paul A.M.E. Church. Giving Tuesday served as the launch of this ongoing Preservation Campaign.
Your Gift to the Preservation Campaign Helps:
- Protect one of Kentucky’s oldest African American congregations.
- Preserve our hidden room and Underground Railroad legacy.
- Strengthen a safe, accessible campus for worship and community outreach.
We honor the partners and supporters who have invested in safeguarding this nationally significant historic site:
- National Trust for Historic Preservation – Black Church Preservation Fund: $140,000
- Linda & Jerry Bruckheimer Preservation Fund for Kentucky: $11,500
- Kentucky African American Heritage Commission (KAAHC): Grants awarded in 2022, 2023, and 2025 totaling $15,000, with additional support from Kentucky State University Foundation and the Louisville Urban League.
These combined gifts, along with contributions from members and friends, have made the following major accomplishments possible:
- Foundation and wall stabilization of the 1826 sanctuary.
- Reinforcement of the hidden room tied to St. Paul’s documented Underground Railroad legacy.
- A complete 3D digital scan and architectural model to guide future restoration.
- Replacement of the front façade gutter box to protect the structure from water damage.
Give to the Preservation Campaign
Your secure online gift today supports our 1826 sanctuary and ongoing preservation work.
