KIPDA helps preserve historic lodge

The Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency's (KIPDA) Grounds for Growth program played a key role in preserving one of Kentucky's most significant African American historic landmarks by providing environmental and structural site assessments for the restoration of the historic Odd Fellows lodge in New Castle. The project was supported by a $100,000 America250KY Sub-Grant awarded by the Kentucky Heritage Council to the Odd Fellows Charitable Fund Inc., helping preserve the site in honor of the nation's 250th anniversary.

Completed June 16, 2026, the project restored the historic Odd Fellows lodge building. It was selected as one of nine inaugural America250KY Sub-Grant recipients across Kentucky. The grant program is part of a larger initiative administered by the Kentucky Historical Society to commemorate the nation's semiquincentennial through investments in historic preservation. Following the assessments completed through KIPDA's Grounds for Growth program, Faith Ventures LLC restored the building's first floor, including the walls, flooring, electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems. The site will continue serving as an Odd Fellows lodge, community event venue and informational library.

The Odd Fellows Charitable Fund Inc. supports Washington Lodge No. 1513 Inc., a chapter of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows (GUOOF), founded by formerly enslaved people in 1872. GUOOF was one of the few fraternal organizations at the time to admit both Black and white members. The two-story brick building, constructed between 1850 and 1870, was acquired by the lodge in 1886. It is one of Kentucky's oldest African American fraternal organizations and the state's only active GUOOF lodge.

Over the years, the building has hosted meetings, weekly formal dances with live music, annual homecoming festivals, weddings, plays, parades and other community events. It is a contributing property in the National Register of Historic Places-listed New Castle Historic Commercial District. In 2017, the Kentucky Heritage Council dedicated a Kentucky Historical Society historical marker at the site, recognizing that since the Civil War, the lodge has provided vital support to its members and the local Black community.

A 2015 snowstorm caused the roof to collapse, severely damaging the building. Lodge members raised funds to replace the roof and repair the exterior walls. The restoration effort also received support from former New Castle Main Street Program Manager Jeff Thoke, Henry County Judge-Executive Scott Bates, New Castle Mayor Phoebe Thompson, the staffs of U.S. Sen. Rand Paul and U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, state Sen. Aaron Reed, The Locker event venue and Main Street Baptist Church. The America250KY Sub-Grant provided significant support for preserving and restoring the historic site.

"America's 250th birthday is an opportunity to reflect on our shared past," said Craig Potts, executive director of the Kentucky Heritage Council. "These projects reflect the resilience and legacy of our communities, and it is incredibly rewarding to help safeguard these historic places that are fundamental to telling the history of the commonwealth and America."

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 about America250KY, the grant program and eligibility criteria, visit history.ky.gov/america250ky.

This project is supported with funding from the Kentucky Heritage Council through the Kentucky Historical Society and the America250KY Commission. For more information, visit history.ky.gov.