Historical foundation supports growth and success in Greene County
Thirty years ago, the Nathanael Greene Historical Foundation, now known as the Nathanael Greene Community Development Corporation (NGCDC), was formed to help preserve the history of the area.
In 2001, however, the nonprofit entered a new stage of operation with a focus on improving the land and lives of residents in Greene County.
“One of the things all small river towns are trying to do is promote tourism with our beautiful river,” said Robert MtJoy, board member. “It’s been cleaned up, and our nonprofit was instrumental in creating Potters Landing, for example. It’s an ADA-accessible canoe and kayak launch in Greensboro.”
The nonprofit raises funds to support projects like the Greensboro Walking and Biking Trail, which has views of the Monongahela River, and promotes small business through events like the Art Blast on the Mon and the Farmers Market.
Recently, NGCDC invited participants to experience the Lock n’ Roll paddle trip at Gray’s Landing Lock and Dam downstream of Greensboro and learn how to safely navigate through the water elevators.
According to NGCDC, navigating a kayak through a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ lock that was built for large commercial towns and barges can be intimidating, but together, the group learned how to get through the massive structures.
In addition to promoting tourism, the NGCDC has a passion for revitalizing areas in need of some love and care.
The NGCDC initiated a survey, inventory and assessment of historic buildings and found 12 homes able to be rehabilitated and in turn, they established a National Historic District in Greensboro in 1995.
“The second thing we worked on is the large portion of the condemned area. [Pollution] had a significant impact on Greensboro but there’s a number of buildings that were able to be saved. Our office is in one of the homes originally condemned,” MtJoy said.
They’ve hosted clean-up events and educated about the environment and the damage of pollution at every opportunity.
Finally, NGCDC encourages cooperation among other organizations.
“Far too often we work in silos, and often we’re duplicating efforts,” MtJoy said. “If we educate each other about what we’re doing and talk about it, we can get further together.”
Of course, none of their work is possible without the community’s support.
The nonprofit is gearing up for their largest fundraiser of the year. Their annual Holiday Craft Blast at the Greene County Fairgrounds is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 15.
“We provide homemade soups and sandwiches, and plenty of shopping. We have woodworkers to jewelry makers and everything in between,” MtJoy said.
If residents wish to get involved, they are welcome. MtJoy said the more hands available to help, the better.
Membership is $20 per year to join the organization. They meet on the second Tuesday of every month but anyone is welcome to reach out for donations, volunteering and event planning opportunities.
Visit http://www.natgreene.org/ for more information.