Save Historic Galloway School

Hi, I’m Jane Williamson Norley, a Galloway School '76 alumna. On behalf of GASP- Galloway Alumni and Supporters for Preservation, I am fundraising to advance the Atlanta area and Chastain Park community effort to save the historic Gresham Building at the Galloway School from pending demolition. We are a national group of supporters which include members of the Galloway founding family, alumni, students, parents, historic preservationists, neighbors and concerned citizens working day and night to save this architectural, cultural and educational landmark. Originally built in 1911 as the Fulton County Almshouse, the Galloway family and the community transformed the neglected building into the Galloway School in 1969. It has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2014. This campaign is not just about preserving a building, it’s about safeguarding our cultural heritage and educational future.

Our ongoing effort to save the historic Galloway School is a testament to the belief that educational environments can be both historically rich and forward-looking, reflecting the unique ethos of Galloway School that cherishes individuality and innovation. The proposed demolition of this cultural icon by the school's current administration for the sake of expansion challenges not only the essence of architectural preservation but also the values of memory, identity and continuity that it represents.

The imminent destruction of the historic Gresham Building at Galloway School poses a multifaceted problem. It represents a loss of connection to our past, depriving students of tangible links to local history and architecture, and undermining the legacy of the school’s founder and notable Atlanta families who attended the school such as the children of MLK Jr., Julian Bond and Hank Aaron. The funds raised here will be used to further deliver our message to the residents of Atlanta's Chastain Park neighborhoods who will be directly impacted by this expansion. Surrounding neighborhoods will be faced with irreversible precedents resulting in the loss of an iconic landmark and the quality of life it brings.

Over the next several weeks, we are funding a direct mail and digital marketing campaign, a website SaveHistoricGalloway, retaining PR services, advocating to city officials, working with legal counsel and seeking reports from construction and engineering professionals.

Please help fund this critical, time-sensitive campaign. The time to act to preserve this majestic cultural landmark and quality of life for our surrounding community is NOW.

With gratitude,

Jane