EBW Prospectus

Prospectus

2025-2030

A First Lady’s Birthplace Museum In Historic Downtown Wytheville, Virginia

www.edithbollingwilson.org

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 Family of a prominent and important Southwest Virginia family, direct descendants of Pocahontas of a first marriage that was pivotal in Mrs. Wilson’s life helping her become a strong, independent Woman... and the unlikely romance of a “lovesick” president and a forward-thinking southern widow

Heritage —

Romance —

Founders & Board

From the Founders, Bill and Farron Smith In 1989, we purchased the Bolling Building and Bolling Family Home in Wytheville. Even then we had an idea, a dream if you will, to somehow share the story of First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson that began in this small ru ral Virginia town that would lead Edith Bolling to the White House. That dream had to wait until our children were grown and we could dedicate the time and resources needed to bring our vision for this historic building to life. By 2006 we established the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, believing it to be one of the most important contributions we could make to our community in a lifetime. That same year, we proudly sponsored the Virginia Historical Highway marker now standing in front of the Bolling home – a lasting tribute to Wytheville’s “Favorite Daughter” and a visible first step in telling her story to the public. Soon after, we began renovating one of the storefronts below the Bolling family home to create a space for meetings, exhibits, and educational programs. On October 15, 2008, the Museum officially opened its doors. Family artifacts, entrusted to our care, finally had a proper place to be preserved and shared. It is tremendous ly gratifying to see how the museum has grown – welcoming students, travelers, and history enthusiasts from across the country and around the world, all eager to learn Edith’s story “From Wytheville to the White House.” Edith Bolling Wilson’s life offers an enduring example of leadership, resilience, and patriotic service. Her story resonates with people of all ages. We are proud that the dreams we once held has become a reality - one that continues to inspire and educate future generations. As Founders, we remain committed to preserving this legacy and advocating for the future of the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Foundation & Museum. As part of that commitment, it is our goal to transfer ownership of the Bolling Home to the Edith Bolling Wilson Birth place Foundation ensuring its stewardship for years to come. From the Board Vice Chair, Carolyn Ward My passion for place and connecting people to a purpose has been part of my life since growing up in Wytheville. This special historic site not only serves as a critical business anchor on Main Street in Wytheville, but a storehouse for the stories that define America’s origin – from the beginning of Girl Scouts, growth of the Red Cross, and the role of women in politics. I have served communities I have lived in as a professor, editor of a research journal, an author, and now as the CEO of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. However, as a personal endeavor and working volunteer, the most important service I provide is for my hometown trying to ensure the preservation and protection of the iconic historic site, the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum . As one of only two Presidential historical sites located on a Main Street in America, and one of only eight museums dedicated to the interpretation of a First Lady, the role and importance of the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace is critical to preserving, protecting and understanding the place and the stories that have helped shaped this nation.

Edith’s Hands-On Team

Board of Trustees

• Chair: Anne Powell, Wytheville, VA • Vice-chair: Carolyn Ward, Asheville, NC • Treasurer: Anita Wagner, Wytheville, VA • Secretary: Cameron Burton, Bland, VA • Allyson Williams, Wytheville, VA • Scott Farthing, Wytheville, VA

• Zach Cooley, Wytheville, VA • Sarah Keeble, Richmond, VA • Shane Terry, Wytheville, VA • Joey Wilkerson, Raleigh, NC • Kim Hernandez, Bland, VA • Cicely Dunford, Wytheville, VA

Trustees Emeritus David Davis, John Bowling, Cary Fuller, Bill and Farron Smith

Strategic Advisory Committee Dr. Grace Toney Edwards, Dr. John Nemeth, Heath Lee, Bill and Farron Smith

Farron Smith, Co-Founder with her husband Bill, is serving as temporary Director in 2025. Adam Manuel, Ph.D., Administrative Assistant, serves as docent and assists in the creation of new programs to make the museum more accommodating and accessible.

Caregiver, Entrepreneur, Role Model, and Steward The Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum tells the extraordinary story of First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson, “From Wytheville to the White House.” The values instilled in young Edith during her upbringing in Wytheville, Virginia, shaped her into a resilient, forward-thinking woman prepared to meet the challenges she would face as the wife and First Lady of President Woodrow Wilson. Located in the historic Bolling Building, the Museum offers a vibrant space for interpretation, education, and outreach. It highlights the multifaceted life of Edith Bolling Wilson within the historical context of her time and connects her legacy to contemporary themes of leadership, service, and civic engagement. Historical Significance As the only birthplace museum of a First Lady in Virginia and one of only eight in the nation dedicated to the interpretation of a First Lady, the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum preserves and promotes the legacy of a woman whose contributions have long been overlooked but were pivotal during a defining era of American history. Through interactive exhibits and educational programming, the Museum brings history to life by exploring Edith Bolling Wilson’s roles as a Caregiver, Entrepreneur, Role Model, and Steward. A Caregiver Edith’s role as a caregiver began early in life. As a young girl, she was Grandmother Bolling’s caregiver. This spirit of caregiving continued throughout her life, most notably during her husband’s presidency when she became his primary support following his stroke. Even in her later years, she cared for three of her siblings until their deaths in her Washington, D.C. home. An Entrepreneur Widowed at a young age, Edith inherited the prestigious Galt & Bro. Jewelers in Washinton, D.C. Demonstrating resilience and business insight, she retained skilled management, lived modestly, and successfully paid off the store’s obligations. In 1934, she sold the business to its employees, embodying forward-thinking leadership and generosity. A Role Model Edith transformed the role of First Ladies. As the first Honorary President of the Girl Scouts of America, she set a precedent followed by her successors. She served as an unofficial leader of the Democratic Women of America and, in 1928, was even considered a potential candidate for Vice President. Her close relationship with every succeeding First Lady and her participation in the 1961 Inaugural Parade of President John F. Kennedy reflect her enduring influence on American public life. A Steward of the Nation Edith supported her husband during World War I, decoded war messages, volunteered for the Red Cross, and assumed increased political responsibilities during his illness. Her presence on the world stage, most notably as the first First Lady to travel to Europe with a President, helped establish the First Lady’s role in international diplomacy. Perhaps Edith’s most significant contributions to our country lies in her connection with two Constitutional Amendments. 19th - While Edith was not a supporter of the women’s suffrage movement, her prominence as First Lady and the life she lived exemplified the dreams of every suffragist. 25th -There was no legislation in place addressing the incapacitation of a President when Wilson suffered a stroke. This was not fully addressed until 1967 when the 25th Amendment was finally ratified. Edith challenged conventional gender roles, earning her such titles as “The Secret President” and “The First Woman President.” Educational Mission The Museum is dedicated to educating visitors from Wytheville, Wythe County, and the great Southwest Virginia region as well as national and international audiences about Edith Bolling Wilson’s life, leadership, and legacy. Through interpretation and outreach, the Museum ensures that her contributions to American history are recognized, celebrated, and shared with generations to come.

Visitor Demographics & Statistics

“This is a must see stop! The Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum is a charming, fascinating and highly informative little museum tucked on Main Street in downtown Wytheville. The walk through Edith’s childhood home was amazing!”

Museum Collections

Purpose and Goals In alignment with the mission of the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum, the Museum’s collections are maintained with a dual focus: preservation and programmatic support. • Preservation: The Museum is committed to acquiring, conserving, and protecting historically and culturally significant materials that reflect the life and legacy of Edith Bolling Wilson. These efforts ensure that valuable artifacts and archival resources are preserved for current and future generations. • Programmatic Support: The Museum’s collections also serve to enrich its interpretive and educational programming. Objects and documents are utilized to support long-term and temporary exhibitions, classroom and outreach education, scholarly research, and Living History initiatives that bring Edith Bolling Wilson’s story to life. Scope of the Collection The Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Foundation collects, preserves, and manages a diverse array of ma terials including objects, archival records, and media that are directly related to the Museum’s interpretive themes and historic holdings. This includes personal artifacts, period furnishings, photographs, and manu scripts that illustrate the broader historical context of Edith Bolling Wilson’s life. Conservation and Stewardship The Museum has been recognized and supported for its commitment to preservation. It was awarded fund ing through a grant from Heritage Preservation in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). This grant enabled comprehensive conservation assessments of both the Museum’s artifact collection and the historic Bolling Building itself. These assessments have been instrumental in guiding the Museum’s long-term preservation strategy, ensur ing best practices in conservation and collections management.

Partnerships & Institutional Donors

•

American Association of Museums

•

Bolling Family Association *

•

Bolling Wilson Hotel *

•

Colonial Dames of America *

•

Community Foundation of the New River Valley *

•

Downtown Wytheville, Inc. *

•

FLARE (First Ladies Association for Research & Education)

•

Girl Scouts of America

•

Radford University

•

Red Cross

•

St. John’s Episcopal Church *

•

Town of Wytheville *

•

Virginia Tourism Corporation *

•

Virginia Department of Historic Resources *

•

Virginia Association of Museums

•

Wythe-Bland Foundation *

•

Wythe County Board of Supervisors *

•

Wytheville-Bland Chamber of Commerce

•

Wytheville Community College

*Denotes Donor

Community Outreach

The Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum plays a meaningful role in both community outreach within Wytheville, VA and the surrounding area by enriching the experience of visitors from outside the region. Historical Education and Cultural Enrichment Through guided tours, exhibits, and educational Living History programs, the museum provides insight of First Lady Mrs. Wilson’s life particularly for students and scholars about local history, women’s history, women’s empowerment, and early 20th-century American politics. Community Engagement Through collaborating with local schools, homeschoolers, and educators, the museum offers resources for field trips, guest speakers, and seasonal celebrations drawing in residents and promoting civic pride. Tourism and Economic Impact Through visitors to the museum who often explore other local attractions and businesses, economic benefits result by supporting local businesses and the economy. Partnership and Outreach Programs Through partnership with organizations like the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Virginia Association of Museums, and Virginia Tourism Corporation as well as the Town of Wytheville Museums, this museum is able to promote Wytheville and its historical significance to a broader audience. Promotion of Wytheville’s Identity Through its website and social media platforms, the museum highlights the Town of Wytheville and the surrounding area as the birthplace of a historically significant figure boosting the area’s visibility on state and national levels.

The Bolling Home Restoration Project

Located above the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum on Main Street in the heart of downtown Wytheville, Virginia, the Bolling Home served as the residence of the Bolling family from 1866 to 1899. This historically significant second-floor apartment is where Edith Bolling Wilson spent her formative years, from her birth in 1872 until she moved to Richmond and then Washington as a young lady – an environment that helped shape her character, values, and future role as First Lady of the United States. Despite its importance, the Bolling Home has never been fully restored and remains in a deteriorated state. The space currently lacks accessibility by the disabled, as well as essential infrastructure, including heat, air conditioning, and plumbing, and suffers from damaged plaster walls and ceilings. Nevertheless, many original architectural features remian such as flooring, wallpaper, fireplaces, mantels, and hearths offering a rare and authentic glimpse into later 19th century domestic life. These features are now in urgent need of conservation and restoration. To initiate the planning process for the home’s preservation, the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum was awarded a planning grant by the National Trust for Historic Preservation . This grant enabled the engagement of architect Carter Green, AIA , from Staunton, Virginia. Mr. Green is developing a comprehensive architural plan through 2025 that will guide the historic preservation and adaptive reuse of the Bolling Home. His work is presented in four key phases: 1. Architural Conditions Assessment A thorough evaluation of the second-floor apartment and building space updating and expanding upon existing Historic Structures Reports (HSR) to determine restoration needs and to enhance both visitor experience and collection care. 2. Historical Research and Documentation Detailed reserarch into the building’s evolution to inform interpretation strategies, identify ongoing maintenance needs, and support informed decision-making about the use of interior spaces. 3. Treatment and Use Recommendtions Professional guidance on restoration treatments and adaptive uses of the space to inform phased fundraising and implementaiton strategies. 4. Long-Term Maintenance Plan A sustainable plan to preserve the integrity of the building over time while supporting evolving museum programming and operational needs. Restoration Planning and Phases

Campaign Goals The Edith Bolling Wilson Birtplace Foundation is launching a major fundraising initiative to support this transformative project. The restoration of the Bolling Home will unlock new opportunities for historical interpretation, community engagment, and national recognition. Most importantly, it will preserve the home where one of America’s most intriguing First Ladies began her journey. FY 2025 – 2026 Restoration Project to stabilize and provide accessibility to 2 nd Floor Bolling Home

Phase 1: Elevator HVAC

$105,000 65,000 73,000 75,500 25,000 15,000 28,000 95,000

Ceilings, floors, wall, stairway repairs Lighting/Electrical/Communications ADA bathroom Attic clean-up/insulation Paint, Nail, Wallpaper Analysis Study Wallpaper reproduction/installation Didactic Wall Interpretative Panels Signage Architectural/Engineering fees Administration fees

5,000 6,000

32,500 20,500 Subtotal $545,500 d f $100,000 10,000 35,000 28,000 200,000 Subtotal $373,000 New

Capital Campaign to ensure long-term sustainability

Phase 2: Capital campaign consultant/marketing

Board development/training Restoration of current artifacts

Acquisitions/collections New roof/solar panels

New educational programs for 2 nd floor Bolling Home meeting space • Civics & Leadership • Caregiving exhibit/outreach • Matilda Stepteau Black History exhibit • Music program • 19th century boarding house exhibit • Civil War Hospital/Polio exhibit

Subtotal $250,000 $3,000,000 Total Expense: $4,168,500

Endowment

Layout

Your Support Makes History Come Alive The Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum is more than just a historic site – it is a dynamic center of learning, discovery, and preservation. Here, visitors explore the extraordinary life of First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson and her profound influence on American history. But we cannot do this work alone. Your generous support ensures that Mrs. Wilson’s story – and the broader history it represents – continues to educate and inspire future generations. Every dollar makes a difference. Your Contribution Supports: Educational Programs & Materials

Your gift helps develop engaging, research-based education programs for students, teachers, and lifelong learners. These initiatives deepen public understanding of Edith Bolling Wilson’s legacy and her place in 19th and 20th century history. From classroom curricula to living history interpreters and online resources, your support brings history to life. Accessibility & Innovation

We are committed to making the museum experience accessible to all. Contributions help expand virtual programming such as our “Scan to Listen” audio guides and immersive virtual tours so that visitors every where can engage with Mrs. Wilson’s story whether they are onsite in Wytheville or exploring from afar. Historical Research & Preservation Your support fuels ongoing research into Edith Bolling Wilson’s life and her family’s role in America history. It also enables critical digitization and preservation work safeguarding rare documents, photographs, and artifacts for scholars, educators, and future generations. Restoration of the Historic Bolling Home Built in 1840, the Bolling Home is the oldest remaining brick commercial structure in Wytheville and has played many roles from a Civil War Hospital to a family residence and boarding house, a Polio doctor’s office and residence, a restaurant, a dance studio, and countless other uses. With your help, we continue re storing and preserving this irreplaceable landmark, ensuring its stories remain a vibrant part of Wytheville’s cultural and historical identity. Thank you for investing in this national treasure. Your generosity helps ensure that the legacy of Edith Bolling Wilson – one of America’s most influential and inspiring First Ladies – will live on for generations to come.

Conclusion

The restoration and adaptive reuse of the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Home represents a unique and impactful public-private partnership. This investment will not only preserve an important piece of American history, but also expand the Museum’s ability to educate, inspire, and engage new generations of learners. Strategically located in the heart of Downtown Wytheville at the crossroads of two major interstate highways and amidst revitalized Main Street improvements, the Museum is well-positioned to attract a growing number of visitors. As one of only a few First Lady museums in the nation, it offers a powerful lens into the life and legacy of Wytheville native Edith Bolling Wilson, a woman whose influence shaped a critical moment in U.S. and World history. Planned renovations to the second-floor residence, once the Bolling family’s home in the late 19th century, will allow for immersive educational programming that aligns with Virginia’s curriculum Standards of Learning. Enhanced by modern interpretive technologies, this space will welcome school groups, tour buses, and visitors of all ages. The Museum will serve as a platform to empower youth, women, and rural communities just as Edith Bolling Wilson herself did over a century ago through her civic leadership and dedication to public service. Since opening in 2008, the Museum has achieved remarkable success. Yet, we are mindful of the work still to be done, and the resources required to preserve this national treasure and expand its reach. Your support makes it possible to develop meaningful programming, care for our growing collection, maintain our historic facility, and restore the Bolling Home to its rightful prominence. We invite you to join us in this important work. Together, we can ensure that the legacy of Edith Bolling Wilson – First Lady, caregiver, entrepreneur, and civic leader – continues to inspire future generations. How You Can Help: If you are interested in supporting the Museum or learning more about this project, please contact: The Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum 145 E. Main Street Wytheville, Virginia 276-22-EDITH (276-223-3484) farronsmith@edithbollingwilson.org

IRS Tax #20-5726243 Additional Resources: Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum Website What to Expect When You Visit “From Wytheville to The White House” Bolling Home Virtual Tour Author Rebecca Roberts (daughter of Cokie Roberts) Untold Power How a flock of sheep helped the US win World War I.