Restoration of Harpers Ferry's Historic First Zion Church
The Harpers Ferry-Bolivar Historic Town Foundation continues restoration of the First Zion Church
The Journal | Friday, December 27, 2024
By Ainsley Hall
The Harpers Ferry-Bolivar Historic Town Foundation is restoring the First Zion Church in Harpers Ferry, an important site for the local Black community, which flourished alongside nearby Storer College. Established in 1894, the church had a significant congregation until its closure in 1991 due to economic decline. With a $100,000 grant from the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, the foundation is working to restore the church's exterior and plans to transform it into a cultural heritage center that honors the area's Black history and community involvement. The foundation emphasizes the importance of preserving this legacy for future generations.