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The Historic Tabernacle Baptist Church will receive a $750,000 grant from the National Park Service.

U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) announced Thursday that the funds were awarded through NPS’s Historic Preservation Fund’s History of Equal Rights Grant Program.

“I am thrilled that the historic Tabernacle Baptist Church in Selma is receiving this funding to provide necessary updates to the infrastructure,” Sewell said.

“As the site of the first mass meeting of the 1960s Voting Rights Movement, this church remains a living testimony of those giants who fearlessly fought for freedom, equality, and justice for all. By preserving these sites, we are reminded of America’s sordid and storied history and remain inspired by the possibilities of our future.”

Historic Tabernacle Baptist Church Legacy Foundation Inc. Chairwoman, Dr. Verdell Lett Dawson, said the funds will keep the church’s legacy alive for years.

“Receiving a History of Equal Rights Grant advances the preservation of the Historic Tabernacle Baptist Church Selma’s historic site and story.  Because of the grant, the Historic Tabernacle Baptist Church,” said Lett Dawson. “Legacy Foundation is ecstatic that we can preserve this influential site and history for current and future generations.”