The Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum

06/25/2026

The Secret History of Wytheville’s First Lady (Part 1)

When Fred Sauceman recently approached the museum about featuring the legacy of Edith Bolling Wilson on his “Vital Voices” podcast, we jumped at the chance and could not refuse the opportunity! We are breaking this incredible interview into a two-part social media series.

In this first episode, Dr. Adam Manuel from the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum explores Edith’s early life and how the second wife of President Woodrow Wilson is remembered right here in her hometown of Wytheville, Virginia.

This podcast is quick and informative. Please sit back and enjoy.

Catch "Vital Voices" on 89.5 FM (Saturdays at 7 AM / Sundays at 2 PM) or listen online right now at wets.org.

Thank you Fred for providing the Museum with an opportunity to inform and educate others about the life and legacy of Edith Bolling Wilson.

https://www.wets.org/podcast/vital-voices/2026-06-05/edith-bolling-wilson

Downtown Wytheville Visit Wytheville Wytheville Museums Wythe County Tourism Wytheville-Wythe-Bland Chamber of Commerce Adam Manuel

06/23/2026

06/23/2026

Local Tourism Teamwork!

We loved hosting the wonderful ladies from the Wytheville Visitor Center recently!
Farron Smith and Adam Manuel treated the team to a special, behind-the-scenes tour of the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum.

Amy Mullins and her crew are visiting top local attractions to ensure they can give tourists the absolute best first-hand recommendations. We love this dedication to our community!

A fun time was truly had by all. Thanks for stopping by ladies!

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06/21/2026

Happy Father's Day!

William Holcombe Bolling was a strong and intelligent man who instilled in his children the values that would carry them throughout their lives. After uprooting his family in 1866 and moving from Bedford County, Virginia to Wytheville, Judge Bolling was essentially starting his life over to make a name for himself in law. He was an avid reader and dedicated father to his children. In fact, the day Edith was born, he delayed the opening of court so he could welcome her into the world.

Judge Bolling did not live to see his daughter become First Lady. He passed away in the Bolling Home in 1899, but he left an enduring legacy. He guaranteed that all his children had the skills to be successful in an emerging modern world. All his sons go on to work in the fields of banking, medicine, and business. His daughters either married into prominent families or had careers of their own. For example, Bertha Bolling, becomes a poet and author.

Today we honor the fathers and father figures who work hard to ensure that their families have what they need to be strong, confident, and competent people.

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06/19/2026

This Juneteenth, we remember Matilda Stepteau.

Born into slavery around 1849, Matilda lived in a world where she was often seen as nothing more than property. After the Civil War, she and her husband, Harrison experienced freedom for the first time. With their newly acquired freedom, Matilda and her husband Harrison Stepteau followed the Bolling Family to Wytheville in 1866, where she worked for the family menial tasks for a modest income.

Matilda was fondly remembered by Edith Bolling Wilson as being a key member of the family. When Edith Bolling marries President Woodrow Wilson, Matilda attended the ceremony.

Over her lifetime, Matilda had seven children and many of them become strong symbols in the African American community. Matilda’s son becomes a influential and well-regarded pastor of the AME church in Maryland. Matilda’s granddaughter Zerita Stepteau becomes an actress in the early days of film starring in the movies "Moon over Harlem" (1939) and "Mr. Washington Goes to Town" (1942).

Matilda’s story and the stories of those just like her will be displayed in October in a permanent exhibit in the Education Center in the Bolling Home. To learn more about Matilda’s journey and her journey from bo***ge to freedom, please check out our new exhibit in the newly renovated education center.

The image of the woman in the doorway is a from Zerita Stepteau, Matilda's granddaughter.

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06/18/2026

Every week, we’re reminded how special this place truly is, not just because of our historic charm or boutique touches, but because of the guests who share their moments with us.

This week’s featured review captures the heart of what we strive for every day: welcoming service, thoughtful details, and a stay that feels genuinely memorable. Your words inspire our team and celebrate why The Bolling Wilson Hotel is honored to be a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award winner — Top 10% Worldwide.

Thank you for choosing to stay with us, and for sharing your experience with fellow travelers!

And while you’re here, don’t forget to enjoy a delicious meal or a glass of wine just downstairs at Graze on Main.

06/14/2026

Happy Flag Day!

On June 14, 1916, President Wilson officially established Flag Day through a presidential proclamation! He believed that the Stars and Stripes should be a symbol of our shared history, ideals, and national unity.

As we celebrate this year, we’re reminded of his words: "The flag which we honor... is the emblem of our unity, our power, our thought and purpose as a nation."
Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ or just flying Old Glory on your porch, let’s take a moment to honor the history behind the banner.



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06/11/2026

Staycation with Edith

With Summer around the corner, now is time to start planning where to spend your vacation time! Why not visit the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum? Tour the birthplace of a First Lady. As one of only eight locations throughout the US dedicated to the interpretation of the life of a First Lady, and the only one in Virginia, it is a history lover’s dream!

Located right on Main Street within walking distance of shops, food, and the Bolling Wilson Hotel, it could not be easier to have fun in Wytheville’s historic district.

Tours are complementary but donations are always welcomed. We are open Tuesday-Saturday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. If you would like to book tours of greater than ten people, please email [email protected] and provide at least 48 hours’ notice.

Watch the video below to see what to expect from your visit.

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Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum:145 E Main St, Wytheville, ...

06/09/2026

Sharing the inspiring story of our local heritage with visitors from all walks of life is what we do best at the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum! We were thrilled to welcome a fantastic group of bicycle enthusiasts all the way from Williamsburg, VA, to discover the incredible journey of Wytheville’s own First Lady.

Our visiting cyclists had a wonderful time exploring the museum and learning about Edith's forward-thinking spirit, which included a special appearance by "Little Edith," beautifully portrayed by rising fifth-grader Palmer Summers.

As part of the program, the group learned Woodrow enjoyed bicycling and the Secret Services' attempts to teach Edith to ride a bike. While she was not successful, the story is quite amusing.

A fun time was had by all. Please come again!

Pictured below is the group in the parking lot of the Bolling Wilson Hotel
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06/05/2026