Friends of Gaineswood in Demopolis receives grant from Americana Corner

Friends of Gaineswood in Demopolis was among others to benefit from a $1,404,188 grant from Americana Corner for historic preservation. 

Americana Corner is an organization focusing on education about America's early history, particularly its founding. 

“I am thrilled to be able to help others across America tell our country’s wonderful story," said Tom Hand, founder of Americana Corner in a press release.

According to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Gaineswood was designed and built by Nathan Bryan Whitfield between 1843 and 1863 just before the American Civil War. 

Labor primarily consisted of enslaved and free workers to build the house, which was named George Strother Gaines, owner the original dogtrot cabin in the area where Whitfield lived. It is now a historic landmark. 

Funding will be used to improve its visibility and promote education through additional interpretive and directional signage at the museum maintained by the Friends of Gaineswood.