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the past two centuries, which elevates the authenticity and atmosphere of Bridgeport as a whole

(Burgeson, 2018). The Freeman Houses, if restored, could easily become a main focal point of

interest in the area.

1907--‐1915 postcard of Seaside Park, Bridgeport, CT – photo from PicClick

National grants that the Freeman Houses qualify for are grants such as the “Civil Rights

Grant” which is funded by the Historic Preservation Fund and awarded through the National Parks

Service (“Civil Rights Grants,” 2019). It provides grants to states, local governments, and nonprofits

– three angles which the Freeman Houses may qualify for. In addition, the State, Tribal, Local, Plans

& Grants Decision (known as STLPG) also provides various forms of grants, many of which the

Freeman Houses would be able to compete for, such as Historic Preservation Planning Program and

the Historic Preservation Fund Project Grant (“State, Tribal, and Local Plans,” 2019). Only last year,

the U.S. Department of the Interior and the National Park Service distributed $12.6 Million across

the United States to preserve African American History. Unfortunately, none of that funding went to

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