More Than $1 Million In Grants Awarded To Birthplace Of Country Music Museum Expansion

Expansion Under Way

More than $1 million in grants has been awarded to the BIRTHPLACE OF COUNTRY MUSIC MUSEUM (BCM) for its expansion. A total of $1,050,000 in grant funding from a number of sources will help the nonprofit organization move forward on an expansion project for the museum, located in historic downtown BRISTOL, VA.-TN.

Last week, the VIRGINIA TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION approved $500,000 for the expansion as part of its mission to generate economic growth in agriculture and tourism sectors and attract new businesses to Southwest VIRGINIA. In DECEMBER of last year, the UNITED STATES CONGRESS signed the FY 2023 CONSOLIDATED APPROPRIATIONS ACT into law. This omnibus included $500,000 of community project funding to assist the museum with the building project. BCM was also awarded $50,000 from the GENAN FOUNDATION, a private philanthropical foundation created in 1987 by the late ANNE and GENE WORRELL, who owned and operated WORRELL NEWSPAPERS.

BCM Executive Dir./Advancement LEAH ROSS said, "The funding from the TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION will enable us to move forward on applying for historic and new market tax credits. Grant funding and tax credits ensures we'll be able to open with zero debt."

Plans for expansion include a new special exhibit area and climate-controlled archival storage, in addition to adding offices, restrooms and event space. Click here for more information. 

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