About The Jewels Heritage Project
The Jewels Heritage Project, Inc. (JHP) is a 501 (c) (3), not-for-profit corporation, whose mission is to reclaim, restore and revive two historic properties, previously neglected, which are a part of American history, and were instrumental to the founding of the first intercollegiate fraternal organization for African Americans, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. JHP intends to accomplish its mission in two phases.
Phase I: JHP will acquire the original site where Mr. and Mrs. Archie Singleton’s residence at 411 East State Street, Ithaca, New York, once stood. We will then build a monument park that will replicate the original façade of the former residence and provide a place where the local community and visitors may reimagine the historical events that occurred there.
Phase II: JHP intends to work with the current owner of the residence at 421 North Albany Street, Ithaca, New York, to halt the deterioration of the property -- condemned by the City of Ithaca -- and restore it. In addition, we are collaborating with local government and historic preservation entities to establish 421 North Albany Street as an historical site.
The estimated cost of acquiring, rebuilding and maintaining these properties is around $5 million. Your donation to the JHP will help commemorate and showcase these historic and symbolic landmarks.
The movement is growing, but we want and need your help! If you are interested in volunteering with the JHP, please fill out the form here to sign up to receive updates on the campaign.
To reclaim, restore and revive two historic properties, which were instrumental to the founding of the first intercollegiate fraternal organization for African Americans - Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
In the News...
March 9, 2016 - Site of First Black Frat Catches State's Eye (Ithaca Times)
April 25, 2015 - First Black Fratenity Gets Historical Status (Ithaca Times)
Feb. 8, 2015 - City Considers Creating New Historic District (Ithaca Journal)
