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 traces her ancestry to Pocahontas and is the only southern 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 is a contributing structure of the downtown Wytheville Historic District, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

Staff and Board

Museum Staff
Morgan Herbert, Executive Director

Board of Trustees
​Anne Evans, President
Kay Dunkley, Vice President
Sherri Dillow, Treasurer
Mary Brown-Cassell
Scot Farthing
Janie Hardin
Beverly Hoch
Jeremy Jones
Sarah Keeble
Shirley Knack
Kathy Laster
Susan Swan
Peggy White

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
Contact Morgan Herbert, Executive Director
morganherbert@edithbollingwilson.org