Richardson Avenue School was the state’s last separate-but-equal school that served the African American population in Swedesboro until 1942.  Constructed for the Mt. Lebanon Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, the structure over the years has housed many cultural and social activities for the African American community.  The Lodge Hall was not maintained for many years, and a local group organized the Historical and Educational Lodge-Hall Preservatory (HELP) to dedicate its resources to the building's restoration and interpretation. 

The grant helped fund first-phase restoration of wood window frames and sash.