AIKEN --- Her goal will be to raise funds for history's sake. And in the coming months the Aiken community should start noticing some of her efforts.

"My job is definitely to coordinate events and keep the center in the forefront, just to highlight the center and the day-to-day activities because we are definitely gearing up. We're progressing," said Jo-Anne Saunders, who was hired this month to be a development consultant for a planned African-American History, Art & Culture center in downtown Aiken.

She said an executive director will be needed when the center opens in late 2010 or early 2011.

Ms. Saunders, who has been working for the Aiken Downtown Development Association, was hired to focus on fundraising efforts for the center through grants and community events.

The center, to be located at the former Immanuel School on York Street, is five years in the making and recently picked up steam when officials started working with a Tennessee design group, Access Museum Services, which is helping design potential exhibits.

The center's goal is to preserve and present black history, art and culture and recognize the contributions of blacks to Aiken.

Recently the former school, which was built in 1889 to educate black children, was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Officials have said the recognition could prove helpful as the center seeks grants.

The school closed in 1932, according to the National Register listing.

Volunteers have completed a first-phase renovation to the exterior of the building. Fundraising will now begin to help pay for the center's exhibits.

Ms. Saunders said it's a job she's looking forward to.

"I'm very excited."

Anyone interested in donating to the cause can call Aiken's Downtown Development Association at (803) 649-2221 or go online to www.aikenculturalcenter.org.