Samuel Plato historic marker dedication and presentation

Media Release Contact: Steve Wiser, FAIA Email: wiser@JRArchitects.com Topic: Historic Marker Dedication for architect Samuel Plato Where: Broadway Temple AME Broadway & 13th Street Parking: Free parking is available in the lot to the west and north of the church as well as nearby on street parking. Date & Time: Sunday, February 17, 2018; 2 pm This event is free and open to the general public. LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A Kentucky Historical Marker for noted architect Samuel Plato will be dedicated on Sunday, February 17th, 2019, 2 pm, in front of Broadway Temple AME, located on Broadway at 13th Street. Samuel Plato, 1882 – 1957, was an African American architect who had a highly successful career in the early 1900s, a period in American history when African Americans were discriminated against in the architectural profession. Not only was he able to create many distinctive buildings, but he also managed the construction as well, which was unique among architects of the time. Plato was an innovative trailblazer who overcame the many obstacles in his path. A native of Waugh, Alabama, Plato attended Simmons College in Louisville as well as other academic institutions. He lived in Marion, Indiana from 1902 to 1919. Among his noteworthy projects in Marion are the J. Woodrow Wilson house, Platonian Apartments, and the First Baptist Church. Plato relocated to Louisville in 1920, where he continued his architectural career. Here, he designed the following structures: Broadway Temple AME, James Lee Presbyterian Church, several buildings for Simmons College, and the Virginia Avenue School, among many other residences and buildings. Plato was the first African American architect who designed a United States Post Office. Overall, he is credited with designing about 38 U S Post Offices. Plato’s projects are located in the states of New York, Ohio, Alabama, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Washington D C. Plato’s first wife was Nettie Lusby, who he met in Marion. After her death, he married Elnora Davis Lucas. Samuel and Elnora are buried in Louisville Cemetery, which is on Poplar Level Road near Eastern Parkway. After the marker dedication at 2 pm, there will be a presentation within the Broadway Temple AME on Plato’s extraordinary life and career. This event is being co-sponsored by the American Institute of Architects / Central Kentucky Chapter, the Louisville Historical League, and Neighborhood Planning & Preservation.