Greenbrier Historical Society receives Congressional Gold Medal for preserving Katherine Johnson’s legacy

LEWISBURG, WV (WVNS) — The Greenbrier Historical Society’s (GHS) dedication to preserving the life and legacy of White Sulphur Springs native, Katherine Johnson, has led Board Member Janice Cooley to receive an invitation to a Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony.

Katherine Johnson, who passed away in 2020, was an African American mathematician. She showed promise at a young age in her analytical skills, and became employed at NASA’s predecessor, NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics), where she worked as a computer. She would go on to work for NASA, where the work she did was critical to the success of the United States during the Space Race of the 1960s. Johnson calculated the trajectory for the 1961 mission of Alan Shepard, resulting in him becoming the first American to orbit the Earth.

Johnson’s accomplishments and legacy are celebrated in the Greenbrier Valley area, and she is a figure they are quite proud of.

In acknowledgement of Katherine Johnson’s incredible work, the Greenbrier Historical Society has many avenues they use to commemorate her work and personal story. Multiple educational programs and scholarships, as well as plays, exhibits, and partnerships with local schools are undertaken with the hopes of inspiring future mathematicians and scientists. GHS’s initiatives are part of a movement to preserve and honor Johnson’s legacy, as well as those of other women in the field of science.

As a significant recognition of the efforts the society has undertaken, one of GHS’s esteemed Board Members, Janice Cooley, received an invitation to attend a Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. The event will be held in Emancipation Hall at the United States Capitol and honor Katherine Johnson, Dr. Christine Darden, Dorothy Vaughn, Mary Jackson, as well as other women who participated in critical ways in NASA’s success during the era of the Space Race. The acknowledgement comes after the enactment of the Congressional Gold Medal Act.

I am deeply honored to represent the Greenbrier Historical Society at this momentous event. Katherine Johnson’s story is one of incredible perseverance, brilliance, and dedication. Her legacy continues to inspire generations, and it is a privilege to be part of the ongoing efforts to celebrate her life and the contributions of so many other extraordinary women. This ceremony is not just a recognition of their achievements, but a reminder of the importance of preserving and sharing these vital stories with the world.

Janice Cooley | Board Member, Greenbrier Historical Society

This important honor underscores Ms. Cooley’s efforts to preserving the history of incredible people such as Katherine Johnson. The GHS expressed pride to receive this acknowledgement and looks forward to celebrating the accomplishments of women who blazed trails and shaped history. The GHS is already continuing these efforts through their Herstory Exhibit, available to view now, which denotes important women of the Greenbrier Valley and other areas.

For more information on the offerings of the Greenbrier Historical Society, their initiatives, and programs, contact Executive Director, Marlyn McClendon, at 304-645-3398.

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