For many years, the members of the Broad River Genealogical Society have been dreaming of a larger facility.

Ann Wright, researcher and member of the board of directors, said they have run out of room and cannot shelve their book collection and files. Many items remained boxed and unavailable to patrons. They purchased a storage building and locker to accommodate their growing needs, but it was still inadequate.

“Just in the past month, we received genealogy collections from three different families,” Wright wrote. “Our collection and membership continued to grow, but our facility remained the same.”

Until, Wright said, a miracle happened earlier this month when they received word that they were awarded a grant that would make their dreams possible.

“Several months ago we applied for a grant from the State of North Carolina with encouragement and guidance from our Senator Ted Alexander,” Wright wrote in an email to The Star. “We were advised the funding amount was unclear and would only be finalized when the new appropriations budget was completed. We anxiously ‘chomped at the bit’ awaiting news and finally received notification that we could expect at least $10,000.”

She said they were happy and grateful, but a little disappointed since it would not be sufficient to cover the cost of the new facility they desperately needed. 

Shortly after, Broad River Genealogical Society Vice President Dolores Ashworth got a call from Alexander requesting a meeting along with President Linda Carpenter and several others.

They were told Alexander and Speaker of the House Tim Moore had obtained a further grant of $400,000. 

Wright said they were speechless.

You can read more in an article in the shelbystar web site at: https://tinyurl.com/fx2m89ke.