Join us as we honor the 100 year anniversary of the women's suffrage movement and the ratification of the 19th amendment by preserving places where women made history.
Alongside one of our valued partners, the National Trust of Historic Preservation (National Trust)–and aligned to our commitment to preservation and sustainability–Benjamin Moore has identified several historic sites with roots in women's history.Together, we'll collaborate with various stakeholders—from painting contractors to historians—to repaint sections of these selected properties throughout the year, and showcase our "before and after" results, right here.
2020: A Celebration of Women's Heritage
The National Trust's campaign, Where Women Made History, is a journey of discovery that asks the public at large to weigh in on 1,000 places connected to women's history, uncovering uplifting stories of female trailblazers who have shaped us into the nation we are today. Benjamin Moore is proudly providing grant funding to this epic campaign.We're also contributing with a "hands-on" approach, donating premium products to a range of historic sites tied to women's heritage. Each of these sites will not only experience the transformative power of paint, but reap the rewards of color expertise that only Benjamin Moore, with our 135+ year history, can provide. Our wide range of 3,500+ colors, including our Historical Color Collection, paired with our high quality paint, will come together to do truly amazing things.
Azurest South
Petersburgh, VA
Designed in 1938 by Amaza Lee Meredith, educator, artist, and one of the country's first black female architects, Azurest South demonstrates modern style and a break from architectural traditions. Meredith’s first project, Azurest South was completed in 1939 as a residence and personal studio for Meredith and her partner, Dr. Edna Meade Colson. A landmark of African American culture and design, it reveals Meredith’s fascination with avant-garde design and her design leadership as a LGBTQIA+ woman of color in the early 20th century.With five rooms in a single story, Azurest South is an excellent example of International Style, which places an emphasis on straight lines and planes without excess ornamentation. Benjamin Moore will donate paint to help with the restoration, which is located on the campus of Virginia State University and on the National Register of Historic Places.
McDonogh 19 Elementary School
New Orleans, LA
Built in 1929, McDonogh 19 Elementary School is one of the first two schools integrated in New Orleans six years after Brown v. Board of Education. On November 14, 1960, Federal Marshals escorted three six-year-old girls through a crowd of protestors to attend the school. On the same morning, not far from her peers at McDonogh 19, Ruby Bridges integrated William Frantz Elementary School. These four girls would continue to make history for years to come.Walking past screaming crowds, Leona Tate, Gail Etienne, and Tessie Prevost climbed the 18 stairs to enter McDonogh 19 Elementary School, becoming the first black students in the formerly whites-only school. These trailblazing young students attended school alone for a year and a half, while white classmates were sent to private or parochial schools. Classroom windows were covered in paper, and the school's water fountains were turned off in case of poisoning.
Closed in 2004, McDonogh 19 Elementary School is being renovated by the Leona Tate Foundation for Change, Inc. as a mixed-use facility which includes exhibits that depict the history of Civil Rights and education in New Orleans, a racial justice training space, and affordable senior housing. A safe space built on anti-racist principles, the McDonogh 19 Elementary School will be renamed The Tate Etienne & Prevost Interpretive Center. Benjamin Moore is providing a significant paint donation to support this inspiring transformation.
The Women's Building
San Francisco, CA
An incubator for emerging Bay Area women's projects, The Women's Building is located in Dovre Hall, a former Sons of Norway meeting hall and neighborhood bar since 1979.The building's colorful mural, MAESTRAPEACE, depicts the power and contributions of women throughout history and the world. The Women's Building is a women-led community space that advocates self-determination, gender equality and social justice.
Benjamin Moore will help enhance the grand staircase that showcases the building's colorful mural as it makes its way from the exterior of the building, into the heart of the building.
MAESTRAPEACE Mural, ©1994 and 2000, Juana Alicia, Miranda Bergman, Edythe Boone, Susan Kelk Cervantes, Meera Desai, Yvonne Littleton, and Irene Perez. All Rights Reserved.
Odd Fellows Building
Astoria, OR
Located in the port city of Astoria, the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies, the Odd Fellows Building was the first structure rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1923.Today, three women own the Odd Fellows Building, which has served the local community for over 90 years. Astoria Arts and Movement (AAMC), the heart of the building, is a flourishing center for local dance, performing arts and physical education classes that enhance, inspire and involve the community.
Tenants in the building are all women-owned businesses, including an art studio, apothecary, gallery and a coffee shop.
We will share updates on our website as the project unfolds. Sign up for Benjamin Moore emails or follow us on social media to see the progress.
The Odd Fellows Building has served the community for 90 years. Currently owned by three local women, the building is a hub for arts and culture. See how Benjamin Moore's support has made an impact on the site as part of a collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
