A partnership between the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth and the Nelson County Black Citizen Arts Council is reviving a key piece of Bardstown’s history. The Bowman Cherry Center, once home to the first public school for Black children in Nelson County, will soon return to service as the Black Citizens Art and Education Center.
Located at 403 North First Street in Bardstown, the site will undergo full demolition and reconstruction starting early July. The new center, expected to open in February 2026, will retain the spirit of the original while meeting the needs of a new generation.
Preserving Legacy, Serving Community
Originally built between 1905 and 1923, the Bowman Cherry Center has long stood as a symbol of education in the area. Its upcoming transformation will expand on that legacy, providing a space for community engagement, education, wellness, and the arts.
Programs planned for the center include:
- Educational support for youth and adults
- Workshops in music, writing, photography, and visual arts
- Business mentoring for young and marginalized entrepreneurs
- STEM programs and after-school clubs
- Digital literacy classes and computer lab access
- Performances, cultural festivals, and storytelling sessions
The goal is not only to honor the past but also to provide opportunity and connection for today’s Bardstown community.
This restoration aligns closely with the mission of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, who have served Bardstown and beyond since 1812. Their ministry emphasizes standing in solidarity with marginalized communities, advancing justice, and caring for all creation.
“We are committed to preserving the heritage of Bardstown and ensuring the Bowman Cherry Center continues to serve as a home for education and the arts,” said Sister Theresa Knabel, who has worked closely with the project from its inception.
The Sisters, in collaboration with Wehr Constructors, LMH Architects, local volunteers, and civic groups, are working to ensure the project reflects the community’s voice and meets its needs.
Once a vibrant community hub, the Bowman Cherry Center in Bardstown has fallen into disrepair over the years.
Grounded in Faith and Justice
The SCNs are inspired by the example of their founders – St. Vincent de Paul, St. Louise de Marillac, and Mother Catherine Spalding – and remain committed to building spaces of peace, healing, and empowerment.
Jeff Stone, chair of the Arts Council Restoration Project Committee, said the center will be more than a building. “This project is about creating a space for dialogue, creativity, and connection. It’s about honoring the past while building a stronger future for Bardstown.”
The restoration is a community-driven initiative. Local residents and families tied to the original Bowman Cherry Center are encouraged to participate through volunteering, sharing stories, or contributing to the future programming.
About the Bowman Cherry Center
The Bowman Cherry Center is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Due to structural aging, the building has been unavailable to the community for many years. The restoration aims to preserve its historical significance while providing a modern space for arts, education, and community health.