ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH, La. (WGNO) — The Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation is getting more than $25,000 to assist with repairs to the Sorapuru House in St. John the Baptist Parish.
The LTHP reported that the National Park Service partnered with the Jefferson National Parks Association to announce the $25,0000 grant.
According to a release, the house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999 for its French Creole Style and architectural importance. The house was built in 1825 and was first owned by the parish’s first judge.
The release states the grant will provide approximately 40% of the funds needed to stabilize the house’s roof and porch after the house was damaged during Hurricane Ida.
LTHP officials also said a marker detailing the Sorapuru family’s history and Louisiana’s German Coast will be made.
“Over the past seven years, we’ve worked with the Sorapuru Family at the site and received the donation of a preservation easement from them in 2021, to legally protect the property into the future. Repairs funded by this NPS grant will help protect the Sorapuru House and the stories of middle-class Free People of Color who owned and farmed their own land,” said LTHP Executive Director Brian Davis.
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