The Georgia Historical Society (GHS) is proud to announce it has received a $50,000 grant from Norfolk Southern through its Thriving Communities Grant Program. The funding will support the continued development and expansion of GHS's Georgia Business History Initiative, which shares the stories of iconic Georgia businesses, helping to expand business history education in Georgia, thereby strengthening workforce readiness throughout the state.

This grant is part of Norfolk Southern’s commitment to strengthening the communities it serves across its 22-state network. Launched in 2023, Norfolk Southern’s open-application grant programs are designed to support organizations working to further the areas of safety, sustainability, workforce development, and community resilience.

“Teachers have expressed to us a need for more Georgia-based economics resources,” says Ben Maynard, Director of Education at the Georgia Historical Society. “Thanks to this grant from Norfolk Southern, GHS’s Georgia Business History Initiative will be able to build on its existing work and provide additional standards-based materials for educators to use in the classroom. These resources will highlight the success of important Georgia businesses and their contributions to the state's economic growth and development.”

GHS’s Georgia Business History Initiative highlights select Georgia companies to teach students about the pivotal role of Georgia's leading businesses in the economic, cultural, and social development of Georgia and the United States. Through this initiative, GHS develops educational resources that are aligned with state and national teaching standards in economics, history, and U.S. government, and they are distributed through GHS's extensive network of teachers and education partners. Educational resources include company profiles, case studies, and classroom activities that deepen student understanding of both history and economics.

Funding from Norfolk Southern will expand educator engagement with the initiative by improving digital access to instructional resources, providing educator training, and supporting the effective implementation of business history in the classroom. These resources support teacher engagement with statewide economic teaching standards and strengthen student economic literacy, critical thinking, and preparation for successful careers in an array of industries.

“The Thriving Communities Grant Program supports initiatives that bolster local economies and promote long-term resilience,” said Kristin Wong, Director of the Norfolk Southern Foundation & Community Impact. “From sustainability efforts and job training to community-building programs, the grant empowers nonprofit and community organizations working to create lasting impact.”

For more information about the GHS Georgia Business History Initiative, please contact Keith Strigaro, Director of Public Relations and Communications, at 912.651.2125, ext. 153, or by email at kstrigaro@georgiahistory.com.