Purdue Black Cultural Center becomes one of the newest ‘Distinctive Destinations’ in the U.S.

The Purdue University Black Cultural Center. (Purdue University photo) Download image

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University’s Black Cultural Center is one of the newest Distinctive Destinations as designated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The Black Cultural Center becomes the sixth location in Indiana to receive the designation. There have been 207 Distinctive Destinations named across the U.S. since the program launched on Oct. 1, 2018.

“It is an honor to receive this designation,” said Renee Thomas, director of the Black Cultural Center. “This acknowledgment highlights the educational and impactful work of the BCC. We encourage and welcome everyone to visit the center, as well as engage in the numerous activities sponsored by the center.

“The designation is important as we celebrate the Purdue Black Cultural Center’s 50th anniversary this year and continue to tell our story,” Thomas said. “The stories and places of African American culture and heritage have always existed, but too often have not been fully acknowledged for the integral role they play in the fabric of America.” 

One of the new exhibitions at the Black Cultural Center is “A Journey Through Black Excellence: The Black Cultural Center, A 50-Year Retrospective,” which is a timeline exhibition that tells the 50-year history of the center through visuals and text. The center also sponsors several exhibitions, speakers, arts presentations, plays and festivals throughout the year.

Another aspect of being listed as one of the Distinctive Destinations is the ability to communicate and share ideas with other locations, historic and cultural centers.

“We are always seeking sites to visit. This will provide an additional network that our students can access,” Thomas said. “It’s important to visit sites to see how others are telling their stories, as well as be able to expand our presentations.”

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a privately funded nonprofit organization that works to save America's historic places. The trust facilitates public participation in the preservation of sites, buildings, and objects of national significance or interest. Its leaders advocate with governments to save America's heritage and strive to create a cultural legacy that is as diverse as the nation itself so all can take pride in their part of the American story. 

Writer: Matthew Oates, 765-496-2571, oatesw@purdue.edu, @mo_oates 

Sources: Renee Thomas, 765-494-3091, rathomas@purdue.edu

Abigail Horrigan, National Trust for Historic Preservation, ahorrigan@savingplaces.org