You're Invited to Celebrate with Edith!
Join us in Wytheville as we celebrate the 154th birthday of First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson with an extraordinary afternoon and evening filled with history, celebration, and the unveiling of an important new chapter in the story of her birthplace.
Be among the first to climb the steps of the historic Bolling Home as we officially unveil Phase I of the Bolling Home Restoration Project. Enjoy the dedication of the new Education Center. Discover the powerful story of Matilda Stepteau through the museum’s newest exhibit before raising a glass and celebrating Edith’s birthday at a memorable dinner across the street at the Bolling Wilson Hotel.
A Day of History & Celebration
3:00 PM | Bolling Home Restoration Unveiling & Dedication
Celebrate the completion of Phase I of the Bolling Home Restoration Project with the official dedication of the Cary C. Fuller Education Center, named in honor of Mrs. Wilson’s great-nephew.
3:45 PM | “Touching History” Exhibit Presentation
Hear the compelling story behind the museum’s newest exhibit, “Touching History: Matilda Stepteau & the Slave Experience,” presented by Adam Manuel and Ben Jackson.
4:30 PM | Social Reception
Enjoy light refreshments and an opportunity to gather with fellow friends of the museum.
6:00 PM | Doors Open | Bolling Wilson Hotel
6:30 PM | “Have Your Cake & Edith, Too!” Birthday Dinner
The celebration continues at the Bolling Wilson Hotel with an evening designed especially for First Lady Mrs. Wilson’s birthday. Enjoy a delicious dinner and a special appearance by “Edith,” portrayed by Betsy Ely, who will share a memorable message about the First Lady’s life and legacy.
(Special dietary accommodations are available upon request).
Reserve Your Seat Today
Dedication & Exhibit Presentation | 3:00 PM | $10 donation
Guaranteed seating. Limited capacity.
“Have Your Cake & Edith, Too!” Dinner | 6:30 PM | $75 per person
Includes dinner, wine, gratuity, and taxes. Limited capacity.
Space is limited for both events, so don’t wait to reserve your seat!
Two Easy Ways to Register
ONLINE: Click the Donate & Tickets button below. Clicking below will bring you to a new webpage where you can reserve your seat.
BY MAIL: Send a check payable to the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum to:
145 E. Main Street
Wytheville, VA 24382
Please include the names of all guests and the total number attending.
Stay the Weekend at the Bolling Wilson Hotel
Enjoy the weekend and make the most of your visit to Wytheville. The Bolling Wilson Hotel is offering a special group rate of $169 per night for birthday celebration guests.
To receive the special rate, call 276-223-2333 and mention the promotional code “BIRTHDAY” when making your reservation.
Questions?
Contact the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum at 276-223-3484 or [email protected].
We look forward to celebrating Edith with you!
Be among the first to climb the steps of the historic Bolling Home as we officially unveil Phase I of the Bolling Home Restoration Project. Enjoy the dedication of the new Education Center. Discover the powerful story of Matilda Stepteau through the museum’s newest exhibit before raising a glass and celebrating Edith’s birthday at a memorable dinner across the street at the Bolling Wilson Hotel.
A Day of History & Celebration
3:00 PM | Bolling Home Restoration Unveiling & Dedication
Celebrate the completion of Phase I of the Bolling Home Restoration Project with the official dedication of the Cary C. Fuller Education Center, named in honor of Mrs. Wilson’s great-nephew.
3:45 PM | “Touching History” Exhibit Presentation
Hear the compelling story behind the museum’s newest exhibit, “Touching History: Matilda Stepteau & the Slave Experience,” presented by Adam Manuel and Ben Jackson.
4:30 PM | Social Reception
Enjoy light refreshments and an opportunity to gather with fellow friends of the museum.
6:00 PM | Doors Open | Bolling Wilson Hotel
6:30 PM | “Have Your Cake & Edith, Too!” Birthday Dinner
The celebration continues at the Bolling Wilson Hotel with an evening designed especially for First Lady Mrs. Wilson’s birthday. Enjoy a delicious dinner and a special appearance by “Edith,” portrayed by Betsy Ely, who will share a memorable message about the First Lady’s life and legacy.
(Special dietary accommodations are available upon request).
Reserve Your Seat Today
Dedication & Exhibit Presentation | 3:00 PM | $10 donation
Guaranteed seating. Limited capacity.
“Have Your Cake & Edith, Too!” Dinner | 6:30 PM | $75 per person
Includes dinner, wine, gratuity, and taxes. Limited capacity.
Space is limited for both events, so don’t wait to reserve your seat!
Two Easy Ways to Register
ONLINE: Click the Donate & Tickets button below. Clicking below will bring you to a new webpage where you can reserve your seat.
BY MAIL: Send a check payable to the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum to:
145 E. Main Street
Wytheville, VA 24382
Please include the names of all guests and the total number attending.
Stay the Weekend at the Bolling Wilson Hotel
Enjoy the weekend and make the most of your visit to Wytheville. The Bolling Wilson Hotel is offering a special group rate of $169 per night for birthday celebration guests.
To receive the special rate, call 276-223-2333 and mention the promotional code “BIRTHDAY” when making your reservation.
Questions?
Contact the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum at 276-223-3484 or [email protected].
We look forward to celebrating Edith with you!
Discover Edith Bolling Wilson’s Birthplace and Family Home in Historic Downtown Wytheville, Virginia
Step into history at the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum - the only First Lady birthplace museum in Virginia and one of only eight sites in the nation dedicated to sharing the stories of America’s First Ladies.
Explore the remarkable journey of Edith Bolling Wilson, a woman once called “The Secret President” and “The First Woman President.” Often overlooked, Edith played a vital role in shaping American history during World War I, quietly taking the reins of power during one of the nation's most critical moments.
Tour the historic Bolling Family Home in charming Downtown Wytheville and discover how Edith’s upbringing in this small Virginia town prepared her for a future no one could have predicted. From her humble beginnings to her extraordinary influence in the White House, her story will surprise and inspire you.
Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Foundation
Mission:
To honor the Appalachian history, leadership, and legacy of First Lady
Edith Bolling Wilson through the preservation and interpretation of her life and birthplace.
Vision:
To inspire others by sharing the story of First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson and her contributions to our country and to the world
History — of the 35th First Lady of the United States and her Bolling ancestry.
Heritage — of a proud, prominent Virginia family direct descendants
of Pocahontas.
Romance — of a first marriage that was pivotal in in Mrs. Wilson's
life helping her become a strong, independent woman
and the romance of a "lovesick" president and a
forward-thinking widow.
Explore the remarkable journey of Edith Bolling Wilson, a woman once called “The Secret President” and “The First Woman President.” Often overlooked, Edith played a vital role in shaping American history during World War I, quietly taking the reins of power during one of the nation's most critical moments.
Tour the historic Bolling Family Home in charming Downtown Wytheville and discover how Edith’s upbringing in this small Virginia town prepared her for a future no one could have predicted. From her humble beginnings to her extraordinary influence in the White House, her story will surprise and inspire you.
Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Foundation
Mission:
To honor the Appalachian history, leadership, and legacy of First Lady
Edith Bolling Wilson through the preservation and interpretation of her life and birthplace.
Vision:
To inspire others by sharing the story of First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson and her contributions to our country and to the world
History — of the 35th First Lady of the United States and her Bolling ancestry.
Heritage — of a proud, prominent Virginia family direct descendants
of Pocahontas.
Romance — of a first marriage that was pivotal in in Mrs. Wilson's
life helping her become a strong, independent woman
and the romance of a "lovesick" president and a
forward-thinking widow.
We’re happy to share that Wytheville has been included in Main Street America’s Main Street 250: Celebrating Our American Story initiative as part of the national America 250 celebrations this year.
This national project highlights important moments in our country’s history that began on historic Main Streets. Downtown Wytheville’s featured entry focuses on the birth of First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson in an apartment here on Main Street and the lasting impact she had on the role of First Lady, the Presidency, our nation, and even international affairs. It’s a powerful reminder that stories that shape history can start in small towns like ours.
You can explore the interactive map and read more stories from communities across the country here: mainstreet.org/our-network/main-street-250
If you’re visiting or living here and have never been, we encourage you to visit The Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum to learn more about her life and legacy, which began right here in downtown Wytheville. We’re honored to see our Main Street story recognized as part of this national celebration.
This national project highlights important moments in our country’s history that began on historic Main Streets. Downtown Wytheville’s featured entry focuses on the birth of First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson in an apartment here on Main Street and the lasting impact she had on the role of First Lady, the Presidency, our nation, and even international affairs. It’s a powerful reminder that stories that shape history can start in small towns like ours.
You can explore the interactive map and read more stories from communities across the country here: mainstreet.org/our-network/main-street-250
If you’re visiting or living here and have never been, we encourage you to visit The Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum to learn more about her life and legacy, which began right here in downtown Wytheville. We’re honored to see our Main Street story recognized as part of this national celebration.
Quick Links
Visit
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Museum Hours
Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm If you would like to schedule a pre-arranged tour, please email or call at least one week prior to your date to visit. Email: [email protected] Call: (276) 223-3484 |
Location
145 E. Main St., Wytheville, VA 24382 The museum is located in the heart of historic downtown Wytheville. |
Admission
There is no admission fee for individuals to visit the museum or tour the birthplace home; however, donations are greatly appreciated! Groups of 10 or more, please call ahead for information and arrangements. |
Edith bolling wilson birthplace museum
CONTACT |
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