Built in 1931 as a two-story Masonic Lodge, the hall was used from 1931 to 1942 as a "separate but equal" school for Swedesboro’s African-American children. The overcrowded facility continued to educate students for two years after the NJ Board of Education condemned the building for school use. Throughout its history, local African-American organizations have used the building as a meeting place.

The Trust grant will help fund a $65,000 project to repair window frames and sash as well as restore the main doors. This work will secure the building and help preserve the fenestration as a defining historic feature of this modest structure.

For more information, visit: http://www.njsba.org/sb_notes/may1304/NewSite/NewFiles/rich.html

This project site received funding from the Garden State Historic Preservation Trust Fund.