The City of Corsicana has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the National Park Service to document the history and historic resources of the East Side Neighborhood and prepare a nomination for consideration as a National Register Historic District.
The award was announced October 1 as part of $21.8 million in African American Civil Rights Preservation and History Grants supporting 54 projects across 18 states. Corsicana is one of three Texas projects receiving funding in this round.
The City’s project, East Side Neighborhood Historic District Survey and National Register Nomination, will support research, documentation and a comprehensive survey of the neighborhood’s historic resources.
Precinct 2 Councilwoman Shayla Johnson said the award is a special step toward recognizing a neighborhood that has played an important role in Corsicana’s story.
“I am incredibly excited to see this investment in the East Side Neighborhood and the history that means so much to the families who have called it home,” Johnson said. “This grant gives us an opportunity to bring greater recognition to the people, places and stories that have shaped this part of Corsicana.”
City Manager Jim Holgersson said the award reflects the value of investing in Corsicana’s history. “Securing $100,000 in federal funding for this project allows us to preserve important history while creating a resource that will continue to serve residents and property owners for generations to come.”
Amy Tidwell, Director of Main Street and Tourism and Historic Preservation Officer for the City of Corsicana, said the grant will allow the City to undertake preservation work at a scale that would not otherwise be possible.
“The work completed through this project will create a lasting historical record while moving us closer to a National Register nomination for the East Side Neighborhood. I am both honored and inspired to continue this work forward for the community.”