Group Tours

Tour Themes:

From Wytheville to the White House: Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum Tour

The story of a young Appalachian girl who grew up to become First Lady to President Woodrow Wilson is one of history, heritage and romance. This tour encompasses this and more as we explore the life of one of the country’s most significant, influential and controversial women of the twentieth century – the secret president. The seventh of 11 children and a descendant of Pocahantus, Edith Bolling Wilson was ahead of her time in utilizing technology and business, while maintaining strong values of community, loyalty and caregiving. Her story is unique, poignant and an inspiration for many.

The Bolling Home Tour: Exploring the Pre-renovated Birthplace of First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson

(from April to the end of October)

A modest, second-floor residence during the Victorian era, the Bolling Home was the birthplace and childhood home of First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson. Along with her many siblings, two grandmothers, two aunts, a nephew, servants, and 26 canaries, Edith Bolling Wilson spent her formative years in this Appalachian, yet urban setting. The Bolling home is currently in need of renovation, but the Museum invites the public to explore the mysteries of the building’s past and the Bolling family who inhabited the space.

Tour Cost:

$4 per person

For groups of more than 10 people, one complimentary admission is provided for the group organizer.

Museum Contact Information:

Contact Phone Number: 276-223-3484
Email: info@edithbollingwilson.org

Tour Information:

Tour Times and Length: Each guided tour is 45 minutes. Self-guided tours of the Museum need not be limited to 45 minutes. Only guided tours of Mrs.Wilson’s birthplace and childhood home are offered.

Pre-scheduled tours are available Mondays through Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The last tour of the day will be scheduled no later than 4:00 p.m.

To help ensure the best museum experience possible, please request your tour at least a week in advance of the requested tour date. The Museum begins scheduling tour times as early as four months in advance.

Cancellations:

Cancellations must be received at least 24 hours in advance. Groups who cancel with less than 24 hours notice will be billed for the full tour price.

In the event of extreme weather conditions, contact the Museum at 276-223-3484. The museum will waive the cancellation fee if local school districts are closed.

Disabilities:

Please inform the Museum staff at the time of booking of any visitors with physical disabilities so that the staff may plan for and ensure the most beneficial experience possible. The Bolling Home Tour requires visitors to climb a stairway up to the site.

Arrival and Parking:

Groups arriving by bus or motor coach may disembark in front of the Museum at 145 East Main Street, Wytheville. Bus parking is available free of charge in Wytheville’s public parking lots located one block from the Museum on East Monroe Street.

For those groups arriving in individual vehicles, vans, or six passenger buses, there is free three hour parking available along Main Street or in the public parking lots on Monroe Street.

Please plan to arrive 10 minutes early to your tour in order to register, pay admission fees, separate into smaller groups and greet your docents. Groups larger than 15 members will be divided into smaller groups of 10-15 individuals, to be guided by one docent.

Groups arriving more than 15 minutes late are not guaranteed their scheduled tour.

The Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Foundation looks forward to your visit!