The Patrick Henry Memorial Foundation has received a $400,000 grant from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (VTRRC) to aid in expanding awareness and offerings at Red Hill.

According to Commission Public Relations Coordinator Jordan Butler, the $400,000 is a Southside Economic Development grant.

In a press release from the VTRRC, the Patrick Henry Memorial Grant was listed as one of 19 grants, totaling $7.6 million given out by the commission.

The grants provide financial support in areas such as agribusiness, education, research and development, special projects and general economic development, according to the release.

An executive summary from the Patrick Henry Memorial Foundation indicated in order for the Red Hill location to grow, it needs to become more of a destination.

“While over 10,000 visitors each year stream into Red Hill from other parts of Virginia, the nation and internationally, a building that would provide room for more indoor programs and events is necessary. Thanks to a $1 million gift from the Eugene B. Casey Foundation, a $1.8 million project to build a 5,100 sq. ft. education and events center is being planned,” officials said in the summary.

During an April meeting of the Charlotte County Board of Supervisors, Patrick Henry National Memorial Development Coordinator Myra Trent said the new Eugene B. Casey Education and Event Center is slated to include a portico-style covered porch, a lobby entrance featuring historical exhibits, a catering kitchen that will also function as a lecture hall, a classroom and venues for presentations.

Supervisors have earmarked $2,500 in the 2017-18 county operating budget to support the memorial’s efforts.

“I’m proud that it’s in the district that I represent,” said Aspen/Phenix Supervisor Haywood Hamlet during the April meeting.

He said although Red Hill has a Brookneal address, the facilities are located in Charlotte County.

“This project is consistent with the Southside Economic Development program’s funding priority for enhancement to regional tourism infrastructure that demonstrates the ability to attract measurable and reportable visitor revenues from outside of the tobacco region,” officials said the foundation’s summary.

Trent said Red Hill does not receive any state or federal funding.