Rainelle, W.Va. (WVDN) — The public is cordially invited to join the Greenbrier Historical Society for a historic occasion as the organization breaks ground for the new home of the Greenbrier Historical Society–Meadow River Valley Museum, a museum dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of the coal mining, timber, and railroad industries of Western Greenbrier County.
The groundbreaking ceremony will take place August 29, 2026, at 2 p.m. at 1016 Main St., Rainelle, the former location of the historic King Coal Hotel.
The new museum campus will include the historic MERILUCO building, donated by the State Fair of West Virginia, and the former Meadow River Lumber Company Sales Office, donated by the Jim and Shelby Bryant family. Together, these historic structures will create a place where visitors can explore the region’s industrial heritage, community traditions, and personal stories for generations to come.
The new museum is a key component of the Greenbrier Historical Society’s Hidden History of Western Greenbrier Project, spearheaded by GHS Board member Janice Cooley and the Hidden History committee, which includes Vicky Neal, AmeriCorps Hidden History Associate, and Margaret Hambrick, GHS Board Member.
Jerry Janiga, a local architect who volunteered his services to design the layout of the Meadow River Valley Museum, will be recognized during the ceremony, along with other contributors to this vital project.
“The Greenbrier Historical Society is very fortunate that community members like Jerry have been willing to donate their time and skills to make this project a success,” said Bethanny Prascik, Greenbrier Historical Society Executive Director.
The groundbreaking ceremony will be held rain or shine. A tent will be available for the comfort of guests. Some chairs will be provided, and guests are welcome and encouraged to bring their own folding chairs.
Cookies and lemonade will be served.
The groundbreaking is just one of several upcoming opportunities for the community to learn more about the Hidden History of Western Greenbrier Project and the work underway to preserve the region’s history.
On Friday, September 4, Vicky Neal will appear at the North House Museum as part of the Greenbrier Historical Society’s First Friday Lecture Series. Her lecture, “School Days of the Past,” will focus on one-room schoolhouses in Greenbrier County. The museum will open at 5 p.m., and the lecture will begin at 5:30 p.m. and last approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
On September 26 at 4 p.m., Neal will present “Hidden History of Western Greenbrier” at Greenbrier West High School in Charmco.
Then, on Friday, November 6, Neal will return to the North House Museum for the First Friday Lecture Series. Her presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of the Hidden History of Western Greenbrier County, along with updates on the progress of the Greenbrier Historical Society–Meadow River Valley Museum. The North House Museum will open at 5 p.m., and the lecture will begin at 5:30 p.m., lasting approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
All of these events, including the groundbreaking ceremony, are free and open to the community.
For more information, contact the Greenbrier Historical Society at 304-645-3398 or info@greenbrierhistorical.org. The Greenbrier Historical Society can also be found on Facebook and Instagram under Greenbrier Historical Society.
