Approved Budget Estimates 2025 - Flipbook - Page 9
Program Initiative 1- The History of First Baptist Church
Research will continue in order to tell the story about the Historic First Baptist Church in
Williamsburg and its enduring power and resilience that is reflected in the larger story of Africans
in America and how the church played a primary role in defining, organizing, and demonstrating
unity of purpose and the quest for religious and political freedom. The book will tell how, from
its beginning, the First Baptist congregation and church emerged as a powerful force that
inextricably linked religious salvation, education, and freedom as tools of liberation and agency.
These three interconnected elements of the human condition are important parts of American
history.
The book will narrate the history of the Historic First Baptist Church in Williamsburg, Virginia, one
of the oldest African American churches in America, through the larger lens of agency, power,
and a vehicle for the expression of the African American voice. Building on the research on the
Historic First Baptist Church written Dr. Tommy Bogger and published in 2006, the book will
expand the perspective and timeline of this important history to a national one, weaving
important moments in history that fueled activities of the church’s origins and activities with
modern-day shifts that have resulted in the rebuilding of the original church using archeology
and historical research. Estimated 2025 cost - $15,000.
Program Initiative 2- Black History Month Program
The Foundation will continue to partner with First Baptist Church and the Colonial Williamsburg
Foundation providing assistance with tours during February. This includes providing information
about the Foundation or sponsoring an activity or performance such as community choral
group(s) or musician(s) to perform during February. Estimated cost - $1000
Program Initiative 3 – Collection and Display of Artifacts
Collection and Display of Artifacts - The Foundation will be assisted by the 1717 design firm and
other licensed professionals in updating and refreshing the existing spaces of the First Baptist
Church with art, storyboards, technology and various media updates. The modifications to the
interior design of exhibit space and the condition of the artifacts are in preparation for the 250th
anniversary of the church and its prominence on the African American Heritage Trail approved
by Congress in 2023. In addition to the $250K grant from the City of Williamsburg, the Foundation
has received support from the First Baptist Church History Ministry in the amount of $50K and
will continue to raise funds to develop story boards and other enhancements to the exhibit
spaces to supplement the 2023 grant funds. Estimated cost - $200,000.
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