 Program focused on how a flock of sheep helped win 'The Great War' The Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum recently partnered with Pulaski County Public Schools to present a county-wide Professional Development In-service for fourth grade teachers. The January 5th workshop provided an overview of the life and legacy of Mrs. Wilson, focusing on her efforts as First Lady during World War I.
Joyce Covey, a retired Pulaski County School teacher and volunteer for the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum, served as the presenter for the workshop. The workshop incorporated the museum’s educational book, "How the Sheep Helped Win the War," which details when President and Mrs. Wilson placed a flock of sheep on the lawn of the White House to free grounds laborers for wartime duties. The wool from the sheep, named “White House Wool,” was auctioned off raising nearly $100,000 for the American Red Cross. The workshop provided an engaging framework for teachers to integrate the story into the classroom. The program’s teaching aids correlate with Virginia Standards of Learning and provide students with an introduction to World War I. Debbie Wilkerson, the Museum’s Education Coordinator, facilitated the workshop giving an overview of First Lady Mrs. Wilson and her place in history. Wytheville resident and retired educator, Betsy Ely, portrayed the First Lady, and shared information about her life in Wytheville and in the White House. This school year, each fourth-grade student in Pulaski County Schools will receive a copy of the museum’s educational book. Mrs. Elinor Farmer, a member of the Pulaski Friends of the Library, organized funding for the Professional Development Day. Area businesses and organizations supporting the outreach program and book distribution included: Friends of the Pulaski County Library, Dublin High School Alumni Association, Count Pulaski DAR, Delta Kappa Gamma (Nu Chapter), Pulaski County Retired Teachers Association, The Coffee Grinder Restaurant, Dublin Lions Club, Carla Hallstead, Dr. Holly Welty Miller, Linda Grey (in honor of Dorothy Sanchez), Elinor Farmer, and Judith Barr. Additionally, the Nu Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma provided refreshments for the teachers. Delta Kappa Gamma is an international teachers society promoting professional and personal growth of educators and excellence in education. Several members of Delta Kappa Gamma attended the workshop and encouraged Pulaski County teachers to join their organization and learn more about scholarship opportunities available. The museum is currently expanding teacher and student programs. Please contact us about bringing this unique educational opportunity to your school!
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The Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum owns one of Virginia’s Top 10 Endangered Artifacts, according to the Virginia Association of Museums. Last year, the museum acquired First Lady Edith Bolling [Galt] Wilson’s original Automobile Operator's Permit, and is seeking funds for conservation of the object through the program.
The museum’s document is one of ten unique artifacts from across the state and spanning Virginia’s extensive history from the 1700s to the 20th century that was chosen following a thorough review process by an independent selection committee of collections professionals from partner organizations, such as the Library of Virginia, Preservation Virginia, Virginia Conservation Association, and Virginia Department of Historic Resources. The complete list of artifacts and contact information for each honoree can be found at Virginia's Top 10 Endangered Artifacts webpage. In 1904, Edith Bolling Galt became the first woman licensed to operate an electric car in Washington, D.C. Like many other early women drivers with independent methods of transportation, Edith questioned gender roles and societal expectations. Edith’s recollections of driving her Columbia Elberon Victoria Mark XXXI are relayed in her 1939 autobiography, "My Memoir." Wilson scholars note that when police officers in Washington recognized the future First Lady driving, they would stop traffic and obligingly wave her through street intersections. The Operator’s Permit was issued on September 7, 1904 by the Office of the Commissioners in Washington, D.C. At that time Edith was married to her first husband, Norman Galt, owner of Galt & Bro. Jewelers, a prominent business in Washington D.C. The document indicates that Mrs. Galt was authorized to operate a vehicle of the “electric type.” The cost of the vehicle amounted to $1600 in 1904 (equivalent to about $44,000 in 2017). This particular model was marketed to women and advertised as a carriage for “light pleasure service,” ”park riding,” and “social functions.” It would reach speeds of up to thirteen miles per hour and run for forty miles on a single charge. The artifact, measuring 5.25 x 8.125,” is fragile and in poor condition with separation, staining, and yellowing due to increasing levels of acidity. The object has been adhered with scotch tape for many years, causing more damage to the document. Its current condition prevents it from being on display. With conservation, the museum hopes to permanently display the object and create educational and exhibition content focusing on early women drivers and electric cars. Shiloh Holley, Executive Director of the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum, states that she is thrilled about the designation. “This object not only speaks to the legacy of Edith Bolling Wilson as a forward-looking individual who, despite of her gender, embraced the world around her, but also relates to early twentieth century women's history, technology, and environmental issues.” After Norman Galt’s death in 1908, Edith Bolling Galt married President Woodrow Wilson in December 1915. She served as First Lady until 1921. Her birthplace home in Wytheville, Virginia now operates as a museum. 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 that Edith Bolling Wilson played in the White House at a pivotal moment during World War I. Museum hours are Tuesday - Friday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm and Saturdays 10:00 am. - 2:00 pm. For more information visit edithbollingwilson.org. Starting January 15, the public is invited to vote for Edith Bolling [Galt] Wilson’s Automobile Operator's Permit as their favorite artifact to help support its conservation efforts. Thanks to a generous donation from the Blandford Rees Foundation, the Virginia Association of Museum’s renowned program will for the first time provide conservation awards totaling nearly $19,000 to the honorees, which will be granted by the Selection Committee or through the outcome of the online public voting competition taking place January 15-24, 2018. The public is invited to help bestow $9,000 of these conservation awards by voting for their favorite endangered artifact. The two artifacts receiving the most votes will be recognized as the People’s Choice Awards and receive $5,000 and $4,000 respectfully to conserve their artifacts and care for its continued preservation. Those wishing to make a lasting impact on preserving Virginia’s history are encouraged to vote for their favorite artifacts during the online public voting competition. |
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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
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