Washington Street Historical Society Fund

This fund supports the work of Washington Street Historical Society (WSHS), which aims to restore the history of the earliest Arabic-speaking community in the United States back into the Great American Story.

Current Campaign:

Flowing through the veins of Manhattan, New York City, is the legacy of the nation’s first Arabic-speaking community, the historic Little Syria enclave, where many distinguished Arab American writers crafted their best works. Now, the Washington Street Historical Society (WSHS) is bringing this rich history into the spotlight with an exciting initiative, Al Qalam: Poets in the Park.

This permanent art installation, which found recent support from the Mellon Foundation, will commemorate the literary icons from Little Syria as the first and only Arab monument on US public land. Positioned just steps away from the original Arab American historic enclave in Lower Manhattan, it will stand as a tribute to the Arab American roots of this neighborhood.

Set to open in early 2025, this installation will feature the words of nine Arab American writers, primarily from the 1910s and 1920s, such as Kahlil Gibran and Ameen Rihani, displayed on mosaic inserts on a bronze central sculpture and curved backrests in Elizabeth H. Berger Plaza. It will captivate the attention of thousands of New Yorkers and visitors daily.

Although major funding is in place, WSHS needs to establish a $200,000 conservation fund to maintain the artwork in perpetuity, as required by the City of New York. Your donation to the Washington Street Historical Society Fund at the Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP) will ensure the permanent preservation of this cultural landmark. An anonymous donor is matching 100% of every dollar raised, up to the first $100,000.

Your generous gift will not only celebrate the historic Arab presence in the United States but also mark a significant milestone of our language and culture on public land in New York City, where it all began.

Recognition and Naming Opportunities:

More about the Washington Street Historical Society (WSHS)

In the early 1900s, “Little Syria” on Manhattan’s Lower West Side stood as an enclave for the growing Arab American community. This vibrant neighborhood was home to literary icons such as Khalil Gibran, boasted over 50 Arabic-language periodicals, and evolved into a place where Arab American businesses as well as cultural, religious, artistic and political organizations flourished, making it a remarkable hub of cultural significance. This first community of Arab immigrants to the United States has played an important role in the history and politics of both the United States and the Middle East. The work of the Washington Street Historical Society fosters education and awareness about this early community through:

  • Preservation of surviving historic buildings on Washington Street.
  • Promotion of educational activities and events, including walking tours.
  • Development and curation of a collection of historic artifacts and archival materials.
  • Collaboration with the City of New York for the installation of public art.

Through these initiatives and events, WSHS bridges the past with the present, ensuring that the legacy of Little Syria remains alive.

Give to this Fund