A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to appropriate funds to restore the historic single sisters house on the campus of salem academy and college.
Whereas, Salem College, founded in 1772, has continuously educated women, including students of African and American Indian descent, longer than any other institution in the nation; and
Whereas, in 1785, the Single Sisters House was built to house single women, including teachers and students, at Salem Academy and College; and
Whereas, the Single Sisters House is the nation's oldest building continuously dedicated to the education of women and is North Carolina's oldest college building; and
Whereas, Salem Academy and College and the Single Sisters House remain integral to the culture and heritage preserved within historic Old Salem; and
Whereas, the Single Sisters House served as a Salem College dormitory until 1992, when deteriorating conditions made it unsuitable for that purpose; and
Whereas, Salem Academy and College has made plans to restore and preserve the Single Sisters House; and
Whereas, the restored Single Sisters House will include museum space, special event rooms, and community meeting areas, all of which will be open to the public; and
Whereas, Salem Academy and College has received funding from the National Park Service's "Save America's Treasures" fund, but additional funding is needed to restore the Single Sisters House and preserve its history for the people of North Carolina; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to Salem Academy and College the sum of one million dollars ($1,000,000) for the 2007‑2008 fiscal year to help restore and preserve the historic Single Sisters House for Salem Academy and College and the public.
SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2007.