New York restores historic African American community homes in Weeksville

A $3.9 million restoration project is underway for the Hunterfly Road Houses in Weeksville, Crown Heights, Brooklyn, preserving homes built between 1840 and 1880 for free African American communities. The project, led by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) and the NYC Department of Design and Construction, will run until spring 2026. Weeksville was founded in 1838 by James Weeks, a former enslaved man from Virginia, after slavery was abolished in New York in 1827. The houses were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971 and now house the Weeksville Heritage Center, a cultural hub for education and dialogue. Restoration includes exterior repairs, a climate-controlled basement for artifacts, plumbing upgrades, and new exterior lighting. Raymond Codrington, president and CEO of the Weeksville Heritage Center, emphasized the work ensures the houses endure for future generations, honoring the founders' legacy of freedom and self-determination. Laurie Cumbo, Commissioner for Cultural Affairs, highlighted the importance of investing in institutions like Weeksville to represent New York's diverse history.