Savannah, GA, October 10, 2023 – The Georgia Historical Society (GHS) recently announced that it has achieved its fundraising goal for its Next Century Initiative (NCI). Launched in 2015 under the leadership of late campaign chairman Vince Dooley, the NCI campaign raised $15 million to renovate and expand the GHS Research Center and bring the GHS endowment up to $20 million.

“The success of the Next Century Initiative ensures that GHS will continue to grow and fulfill its mission to use history to help the people of this state make sense of the present and create a better future,” said Dr. W. Todd Groce, GHS President and CEO.

The Initiative supported the restoration and renovation of the expanded, state-of-the-art GHS Research Center, which reopened in 2022. The renovation project included bringing the 1876 Hodgson Hall library, an architectural masterpiece, back to its original splendor, while improving safety and security measures and significantly increasing the Research Center’s archival space. The GHS Research Center houses one of the oldest and most important archival collections in the United States, including over five million documents and objects.

The Initiative also included an endowment campaign, and as a result, the GHS endowment has now grown to over $20 million in cash, pledges, and verified bequests. These funds will help create and deliver high-quality educational programs and support research on Georgia and American history, broadening future access for students, teachers, and researchers.

“Establishing an endowment is a visionary and generous act,” said Dr. Groce. “Thanks to the support from our friends, partners, and donors, GHS will be able to provide even greater access to history, and it will allow us to pursue our educational and research mission that will enrich the lives of the people we serve.”

GHS has been recognized by Charity Navigator for twelve consecutive years with its coveted 4-Star rating for outstanding fiscal management. Additionally, as part of Charity Navigator’s 2023 methodology updates, GHS received a rating of 100%.

To learn more about the Next Century Initiative, please contact Keith Strigaro, GHS Director of Communications, at 912-651-2125, ext. 153, or at kstrigaro@georgiahistory.com.

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ABOUT THE GEORGIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Georgia Historical Society (GHS) is the premier independent statewide institution responsible for collecting, examining, and teaching Georgia history. GHS houses the oldest and most distinguished collection of materials related exclusively to Georgia history in the nation.
To learn more visit georgiahistory.com.