About the Greenbrier Historical Society & Museum
We are a group of neighbors who care deeply about Greenbrier and its history. The Greenbrier Historical Society is made up of volunteers with roots here, people who grew up here, raised families here, or feel a lasting connection to the town we call home. Our mission is simple: to preserve Greenbrier’s stories, landmarks, and memories so they are not lost to time.
Former Greenbrier Distillery, early 1900s.
Once a major local employer in the area, this site help in shape Greenbrier’s early economy and identity.
Robertson County Courthouse, Springfield.
A historic landmark and center of our county government since the late 1800s.
Our Story
The Greenbrier Historical Society
The society began in 1997 when Doris Moss Hill and other community members recognized the importance of preserving local history before it was lost. Neighbors began bringing in old photographs, family stories, and artifacts that reflected everyday life in Greenbrier’s past.
Over time, those shared memories grew into a collection, and eventually a museum dedicated to honoring the people, places, and traditions that shaped our town. Today, the Society continues that mission by reserving history for future generations while celebrating the community that keeps it alive.
Officers
David Sowell, Vice President; Wendy Schussler, Secretary; Joe Schussler, Treasurer.
Board Members
Charlotte Dorris and Patrick Ralph.
Advisory Board
Stephanie Simmons, Cindy Stidham, and Janet Wilkins.
1208 Maple Street, Greenbrier.
Built between 1896–1904 by William Althauser, foreman and accountant for Charles Nelson’s Greenbrier Distillery.
Now home to the Greenbrier Historical Society & Museum.
Robertson County tobacco harvest, early 20th century
Tobacco farming shaped the culture, economy, and daily life of Greenbrier and the surrounding region for generations.
How You Can Help
This museum runs on community support. Whether you visit, volunteer, share old family photos, donate an artifact, or simply tell others about what we do, it all makes a difference. Every bit of help keeps Greenbrier’s story alive for the next generation.
The Greenbrier Historical Society is active in the community throughout the year. Our volunteers work with local schools, host public events, and help preserve the traditions that define Greenbrier. We meet quarterly at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall at 7 p.m., where neighbors gather to plan programs and share ideas. Each July, we award the Myrtle Pinson Mallory Scholarship to graduating seniors who demonstrate a commitment to learning and community pride.
You’ll also find us hosting a booth at Turning of the Pig, welcoming families during Autumn in the Brier, an annual community event featuring local history displays, activities, and neighborhood outreach, and guiding Greenbrier sixth graders on their annual local history tour.
The Homecoming Picnic
Is held each year on July 3 and 4, is a long-standing Greenbrier tradition that brings families, neighbors, and former residents back together around Independence Day. The event reflects the town’s strong sense of community and has served for generations as a time for fellowship, celebration, and reconnecting with Greenbrier’s past.
