The Greenbrier Historical Society (GHS) is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a generous grant of $25,000 from FirstEnergy to support the renovation of the historic 1834 Supreme Court of Appeals of Virginia Law Library & Study Building. The grant was presented to GHS President Janice Cooley and Vice President Al Emch by Gary Jack, Senior Corporate Counsel at FirstEnergy, in a ceremony held on Aug. 31, 2023.
The Greenbrier Historical Society acquired the landmark 1834 Supreme Court of Appeals of Virginia Law Library & Study Building in August 2022. The acquisition marked a significant milestone in the society’s mission to safeguard the historical architecture and stories of the region. With the help of the $25,000 grant from FirstEnergy, GHS aims to breathe new life into this iconic structure through thoughtful restoration and renovation efforts.
The grant underscores FirstEnergy’s commitment to supporting local communities and historical preservation. Gary Jack, Senior Corporate Counsel at FirstEnergy, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are proud to contribute to the revitalization of this historically significant building and support the Greenbrier Historical Society’s ongoing dedication to preserving our shared heritage. FirstEnergy believes in the power of collaboration to create lasting positive impacts, and we are excited to see the transformation that this grant will bring.”
Janice Cooley, President of the Greenbrier Historical Society, expressed gratitude for the grant, stating, “The generous support from FirstEnergy will make a tremendous difference in our efforts to restore the 1834 Supreme Court of Appeals of Virginia Law Library & Study Building. This building holds a special place in the heart of our community, and its restoration will enable us to continue sharing the stories of our past with future generations.”
The restoration project is set to include a meticulous approach to preserving the building’s architectural integrity while also incorporating modern amenities to ensure its functional use for educational and community events. By revitalizing this historic structure, GHS aims to create a vibrant space that fosters cultural enrichment and celebrates the region’s history.
Al Emch, Vice President of the Greenbrier Historical Society, added, “The grant from FirstEnergy is a pivotal step toward realizing our vision for this building. We are excited to work closely with the community, local artisans, and historians to ensure that the renovation captures the essence of its historical significance.”
As the Greenbrier Historical Society embarks on this ambitious renovation project, it is not only preserving a physical landmark but also safeguarding the stories, memories, and traditions that have shaped the Greenbrier Valley for generations. The partnership with FirstEnergy exemplifies the potential that collaborative efforts can have in revitalizing historical treasures for the benefit of current and future generations.
For more information about the Greenbrier Historical Society and its preservation initiatives, please visit greenbrierhistorical.org.
