PATRICK HENRY’S RED HILL BREAKS GROUND ON EUGENE B. CASEY EDUCATION AND EVENT CENTER
Brookneal, VA – A groundbreaking ceremony was held today to announce the start of construction on the Eugene B. Casey Education & Event Center at Patrick Henry’s Red Hill. The 5,000 square foot center will be built just outside the historical area at Red Hill and will be able to host a variety of events including educational classes and lectures, business meetings, weddings and more. This will result in increased traffic at Red Hill primarily due to the ability to host school groups in adverse weather conditions which is not currently an option. The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission awarded a $400,000 Southside Economic Development grant to assist with this project.
“Patrick Henry’s Red Hill is a vital part of our region’s rich history,” noted Delegate Kathy J. Byron (R-Bedford), Chairman of the Tobacco Commission’s Research and Development Committee. “The Tobacco Commission is proud to partner with Red Hill to construct the Casey Center. This facility will help Red Hill enhance its educational mission and provide a beautiful venue for memorable events.”
Red Hill was the home of Patrick Henry from 1794 to 1799 and upon his death he was buried on the grounds. The site was operated primarily as a tobacco plantation during Henry’s time. Today, as a national memorial, Red Hill allows visitors to learn more about Patrick Henry and 18th century life in general. The Education Center will allow Red Hill to greatly expand this mission by housing artifacts, traveling exhibits and serving as a space for guests to visit and learn when the weather makes outdoor activities less appealing.
Mark Holman, Chairman of the Patrick Henry Memorial Foundation Board of Directors said, “This project will help Red Hill–a national treasure–be a magnet of tourism and an engine of economic development here in the center of almost six million people.”
The Tobacco Commission is working to develop a diverse economy in the areas we serve. Tourism, and particularly historical tourism, is an important part of Virginia’s economy and this project presents an excellent opportunity to increase traffic at an already important and successful destination.
Contact: Jordan Butler
Telephone: 804-786-7692
Cell: 757-692-0878
Email: jbutler@revitalizeva.org
Website: www.revitalizeva.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
9/26/2017