Benedict College Received National Park Service Grant

The $750,000 grant will fund a three-year restoration of Morgan Hall on the college's Columbia campus.

Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Financial Aid

Screen-print poster illustration of a historic brick academic building facade, representing heritage preservation at a college campus. — Benedict College secured a $750,000 National Park Service grant to fund a three-year structural restoration project for the historic Morgan Hall. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Benedict College has been awarded a $750,000 grant from the National Park Service to preserve Morgan Hall. This funding will support an extensive three-year restoration project for the oldest building on the campus.

Why it matters

The grant addresses structural concerns caused by aging, water intrusion, and deterioration in the historic building. This investment ensures the continued preservation of a structure central to the college founded in 1870.

The grant provides $750,000 for a restoration project spanning three years. The college, which has educated students for over 150 years, previously secured a similar grant in 2018.

The players

Benedict College

Founded in 1870, this private liberal arts college in Columbia has provided education for over 150 years.

National Park Service

This federal agency manages national monuments and historic sites while providing grants for the preservation of significant American landmarks.

The details

The project includes interior painting, mechanical upgrades, and ceiling repairs, alongside the sanding and refinishing of historic wood floors and stairs. Crews will also install energy-efficient lighting and replace damaged plumbing fixtures and tiles.

Benedict College was founded in 1870.
The college received its first National Park Service grant in 2018.
The institution was awarded this new grant in October 2026.
The planned restoration project will last for the next three years.

Roadmap

This project aligns with broader initiatives to protect institutional heritage buildings through federal support. It continues the ongoing industry trend of investing in energy efficiency and structural longevity for historic campus architecture.

The restoration of Morgan Hall will preserve a historic feature of the Columbia landscape, ensuring the facility remains usable for students and faculty. The multi-year project will focus on interior improvements that upgrade the building's infrastructure.

The takeaway

Historic preservation efforts often require long-term planning and periodic investment to combat the effects of aging and environmental exposure. Prioritizing routine mechanical and structural repairs can prevent more severe deterioration of campus assets.