Robert H Williams Cultural Center

In the late 1800's women in this community realized that there was no organization to care for "colored orphans" in Lexington.  Children were sent to live with relatives or they lived on the streets.  In 1892 the Colored Orphan and Industrial Home was founded to house colored orphans and old women.  The Home offered shelter to the orphans, but it also prepared them for life.  Children had to attend classes and learn trades to support themselves in adulthood.  The Home provided care for children through their own fundraising and support from local churches, individuals and organizations.  After Kentucky started providing care for orphans, we contracted with them to care for children.  In the 1980's the name was changed to the Robert H. Williams Cultural Center in honor of his contribution.  Summer camps, meeting rooms, art classes, computer classes and room as the community needed was provided.  Many organizations have used the facility for the good of the neighborhood.  Rising costs of the care for this facility and the lack of contracts which gave a profit have depleted the savings.  As one of the oldest civic organizations in Lexington and the oldest one of African-American etiology, the Board of Directors desires to keep this organization viable as an inspiration to our youth.  The preservation of this legacy is why WE NEED YOU!