January 17, 2024
The National Park Service (NPS) has announced plans for the preservation and protection of the King Family Home located at 234 Sunset Avenue in Atlanta’s historic Vine City neighborhood.
To ensure the lasting legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the National Park Service (NPS) has announced plans for the preservation and protection of the King Family Home located at 234 Sunset Avenue in Atlanta’s historic Vine City neighborhood. The NPS is actively seeking public participation in developing a comprehensive site plan to safeguard this significant historical landmark.
The NPS envisions the long-term preservation of the King Family Home, providing a platform for visitors to delve into the profound story of Dr. King’s life and his family’s contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. The project aims to showcase the King family’s ties to the Vine City neighborhood and their pivotal role in shaping American history.
The initiative comes at a crucial time when the safety of historical landmarks is a growing concern. Just last month, an incident occurred at the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr. where a woman was arrested for attempting to damage the site with gasoline. Atlanta Police have identified her as Laneisha Shantrice Henderson, a 26-year-old individual. She is facing charges of second-degree arson and interfering with government property. Henderson has been officially booked into Fulton County Jail. Although the attempt was unsuccessful, it raised alarms about the vulnerability of such revered landmarks.
Shatika Armstrong, visiting landmarks on MLK Day, emphasized the need to protect these homes, stating, “We want it around [for] a long time, from generation to generation. Keep it alive, keep it looking good and preserve it.”
Since acquiring the King Family Home in 2018, the NPS has diligently worked to stabilize the aging structure and preserve its historical features. The public is encouraged to participate in the preservation process through a public comment period open from Jan. 15 to Feb. 29. Additionally, two public meetings are scheduled for Jan. 30 and Jan. 31 to discuss the project in detail.
Dr. King and his wife purchased the home in October 1964, which served as the family’s residence until his assassination in 1968. Eventually, the house became a Memorial Center for Martin Luther King as a testament to his legacy and contributions to the civil rights movement.