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Office of Communications

Office of Communications

Voorhees College receives historic preservation grant

Denmark, S.C. – Voorhees College, along with four other Historically Black Colleges and Universities, has been awarded a grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation to address deferred maintenance and plan for rehabilitating historic buildings on campus. The grant, totaling $650,000 for the five institutions, was announced Feb. 28 and is being awarded through the National Trust’s HBCU Cultural Heritage Stewardship Initiative.

We appreciate this grant, which will be used to support our Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plans for Menafee and Massachusetts Halls and other historic areas across campus. These historic structures are a source of pride for us and will be used to educate future students who matriculate at our institution,” said Ronnie Hopkins, president of Voorhees College. “We, like other HBCUs, have significant infrastructure challenges and these resources will help us resolve some of them.”

Menefee Hall, constructed in 1907, is a coed residence hall. Each room has single or double accommodations, shared bathroom, and a shared living space. There is also a shared laundry room. 

Massachusetts Hall, constructed in 1930, is a campus administration building that contains a large auditorium.

According to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the initiative provides technical assistance, funds new Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plans, and empowers HBCUs with resources to protect, preserve, and leverage historic campuses, buildings, and landscapes, ensuring that these academic institutions and symbols of African American pride continue to inspire and educate future generations.

Images of the Voorhees historic buildings are available at the following URLs: Menafee Hall https://tinyurl.com/2s3vtvbx and Massachusetts Hall https://tinyurl.com/2p8h3xh3

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Menafee Hall
Mass Hall northwest corner view
Massachusetts Hall

About Voorhees University

Voorhees University, founded by Elizabeth Evelyn Wright in 1897, is a private, coeducational institution affiliated with the Episcopal Church and the United Negro College Fund. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate and graduate degrees. Its mission is to produce highly qualified graduates who coalesce intellect and faith in pursuit of life-long learning, healthy living, the betterment of society, and an abiding faith in God. U.S. News & World Report has ranked Voorhees as a #1 best value, #3 in social mobility and #33 among regional colleges in the south in 2022-2023; and #26 among Historically Black Colleges and Universities, nationally. Additional information about Voorhees University can be found at www.voorhees.edu.

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