Grant Helps Tell Story of Montclair YWCA

The Investors Foundation continues to support nonprofit organizations in Essex County and throughout the communities served by Investors Bank.  Among the Foundation's recent grants was $2,500 awarded to the Montclair Historical Society (MHS) in support of an important educational initiative.

MHS was founded in 1965 in response to the proposed demolition of the historic Israel Crane House, which at the time was owned by a YWCA.  The house was moved to its current Orange Road location and restored, and MHS has since acquired other historic sites in Montclair.  Collectively, these sites welcome 3,500 visitors annually, including about 1,000 school children.

"While these historic homes tell an important story about early America, another story resides within the walls of the Israel Crane House — that of Montclair's YWCA for African-American women and girls," explained Jane Eliasof, executive director of MHS. "After 50 years, telling that story is long overdue."

At a time when the dialogue around civil rights and racial integration was sweeping the nation, the Montclair YWCA was a place where women and girls of color could take pride in their heritage, attend classes, and get involved in clubs and civic activities.  W.E.B. Dubois and Booker T. Washington were among the luminaries who spoke there.

As part of this educational effort, MHS is creating a permanent reinterpretation of the Israel Crane House to acknowledge its role in the YWCA's history, and working with the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to create a series of public programs on race relations, civil rights, and women's empowerment.  MHS also developed a documentary based on the oral histories of women who were involved in the YWCA.  Titled "A Place to Become," the directory recently premiered at the Clairidge Cinema in Montclair.

"In addition to the NEH, we have received assistance from numerous organizations, including the New Jersey Historical Commission and the Essex County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs," said Eliasof.  "We are pleased and thankful to add the Investors Foundation to our list of generous supporters."

More information about this and other outreach efforts at the Montclair Historical Society can be found online, at www.montclairhistorical.org.