One of Maryland's well-known Historically Black Colleges, Morgan State University, was named a National Treasure to help protect the campus's historic buildings.
Morgan State was founded in 1867 and was one the nation's first institutions to offer secondary education for African Americans.
President and CEO of National Trust for Historic Preservation Stephanie Meeks released a statement in reference to the ground breaking announcement, which said in part:
"The National Trust believes Historically Black Colleges and Universities tell an important and often overlooked American story. We are proud to partner with Morgan State University--nationally recognized innovator and education leader to demonstrate how the preservation of their remarkable older buildings can be springboard for growth, rejuvenation and revitalization."
University president Dr. David Wilson has worked closely with Dean Akers of the School of Architecture to preserve several parts of the campus, including the renovation of the University chapel.
"We have known of Morgan's significance on the higher education stage for many years and now, as we prepare to celebrate our 150th anniversary, the world will know that, in fact this university is a national treasure," Wilson said in a statement.
As a new National Treasure, portions of Morgan State's campus will be included among other historical landmarks. It will be the second Historically Black College in addition to Washington, D.C's Howard University to receive such a national honor.
The University will host a press conference Tuesday at 10 a.m. to make the official announcement public.
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