Foundation History

Founded in 2005, the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Foundation seeks to raise awareness and increase community appreciation of the birthplace and childhood home of First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson. Born and raised in Wytheville, Virginia, Edith Bolling Wilson is a descendant of Pocahontas and the only Appalachian-born First Lady. As one of only eight historic sites across the country dedicated to the interpretation of a First Lady, the museum tells the story of the overlooked, yet vitally important role Edith Bolling Wilson played in the White House at a pivotal moment during World War I.

​The museum is one of two Presidential Historic Sites located in an American Main Street. The property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994 as a contributing structure of the downtown Wytheville Historic District. 

Staff and Board

Museum Staff
Shiloh Holley, Executive Director
Debbie Wilkerson, Education Coordinator

Board of Trustees
​Lisa Alderman, President
Deborah Kemper, Vice President
Linda DiYorio, Secretary
Judson Lambert, Treasurer

Susan Amos
Sherri Case
Kay Dunkley
Dr. Robert Enholm
Anne Evans
Lori Huffard
Chuck Lacy

Emeritus Trustees
John Bowling
David Davis
Cary Fuller
Bill Smith

Strategic Advisory Committee
Dr. Grace Toney Edwards
Dr. John Nemeth
Farron Smith

Founders
Bill Smith
Farron Smith