Historic African American lodge moves closer to restoration after decade of effort

A New Castle fraternal lodge founded by formerly enslaved persons more than 150 years ago is inching closer to full restoration, thanks to a combination of community fundraising, private donations and state historic preservation funding.

Washington Lodge No. 1513 of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows – the only remaining active Odd Fellows lodge in Kentucky and one of the oldest African American fraternal organizations in the state – has raised more than $168,775 since a heavy snowstorm caused the roof of its historic lodge building to collapse in 2015.

The lodge, founded in 1872, purchased its building at 32 S. Main St. in 1886. The structure is part of the New Castle Historic Commercial District, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2016. A state historic marker recognizing the building’s significance to the area’s African American community was installed in 2017.

The current phase of restoration is being funded by a $100,000 America250KY subgrant from the Kentucky Heritage Council. The grant is paying for first-floor repairs, including flooring, a restroom and electrical, plumbing and HVAC work, with the goal of returning the building to occupancy.

The America250KY grant program supports preservation of historic sites across the commonwealth in recognition of the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. The Kentucky Sestercentennial Commission, administered by the Kentucky Historical Society, was established to plan and coordinate events leading up to the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency’s (KIPDA) Grounds for Growth brownfields assessment program contributed more than $25,000 in environmental and structural assessments to the project. KIPDA continues to work with the lodge and its supporters in New Castle and Henry County to pursue additional public and private funding needed to complete the full restoration.

In total, Washington Lodge No. 1513 and community supporters have assembled more than $168,775 in private donations, donated services and grant funds toward preserving what many consider an irreplaceable piece of Kentucky’s African American history.

The Kentucky Sestercentennial Commission, administered by the Kentucky Historical Society, was established to plan and implement events leading up to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. For more information on America250KY and the America250KY grant program and eligibility criteria, visit history.ky.gov/america250ky.