Janice Cooley named WV History Hero

PRESS RELEASE

On June 3 at the Culture Center in Charleston, Greenbrier Historical Society Board Member Janice Cooley was presented an award as a 2026 WV History Hero.  Rescheduled from earlier in the year, the Director of Archives and History, Aaron Parsons, presented the awards accompanied by Laura Carroll, Chair of the WV Archives and History Commission.

In selecting Cooley for the award, Parsons said, “Janice Cooley has served the Greenbrier Historical Society as Vice President and President.  Her determination to preserve the history of communities in the Greenbrier Valley region has resulted in unique exhibits and an ongoing project to preserve the history of the Meadow River Valley.  Her portrayal of Nancy Perkins Callendar, both locally and in Atlanta, brought the story of this brave and talented woman to a large audience and led to her selection for the 2024 National Black Storytellers Fellowship Award.”  

Nominated by the Board of Directors of the Greenbrier Historical Society, Cooley was recognized for her past accomplishments such as the “Invisible Roots and Legends” and the “Echoes of Slavery” exhibits as well as her current Hidden History Project in the western Greenbrier County/ Meadow River Valley  to develop a complex of historic buildings in which to house exhibits of the industrial (coal, timber, & railroad) heritage of that area.

“I am deeply honored to receive this History Hero award from the State of West Virginia. Preserving and sharing the stories of our communities, especially those whose contributions have too often been overlooked, has been a privilege and a true passion.” Cooley said. ” I appreciate this recognition. It inspires me to continue recognizing the people and events that have shaped our communities and are so necessary to conserve our state’s rich history for future generations.”   

According to the program for the event, “History Heroes are individuals who go beyond the call of duty to ensure the success of local history, genealogy, preservation and museum organizations.  Recipients are recognized for their grassroots efforts, years of dedicated behind-the-scenes services, or for a significant contribution such as preserving a site or collection.”

Al Emch, President of the Greenbrier Historical Society, said, “We could not be more proud of Janice.  From the outstanding exhibits she has already created to her ongoing work with hidden history in the western part of Greenbrier County, she exemplifies dedication to telling the complete history of our area.”