The Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum

09/04/2026

You’re Invited to Celebrate Edith!

Join us in Wytheville on Saturday, October 17th, as we celebrate the 154th birthday of First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson with an extraordinary afternoon and evening filled with history, celebration, and the unveiling of an important new chapter in the story of her birthplace.

Be among the first to climb the steps of the historic Bolling Home as we officially unveil Phase I of the Bolling Home Restoration Project. Enjoy the dedication of the new Education Center. Discover the powerful story of Matilda Stepteau in the museum’s newest exhibit, then raise a glass and celebrate Edith’s birthday at a memorable dinner across the street at the Bolling Wilson Hotel.

A Day of History & Celebration

3:00 PM | Bolling Home Restoration Unveiling & Dedication
Celebrate the completion of Phase I of the Bolling Home Restoration Project with the official dedication of the Cary C. Fuller Education Center, named in honor of Mrs. Wilson’s great-nephew.

3:45 PM | “Touching History” Exhibit Presentation
Hear the compelling story behind the museum’s newest exhibit, “Touching History: Matilda Stepteau & the Slave Experience,” presented by Adam Manuel and Benjamin Jackson.

4:30 PM | Social Reception
Enjoy light refreshments and an opportunity to gather with fellow friends of the museum.

6:00 PM | Doors Open | lThe Bolling Wilson Hotel

6:30 PM | “Have Your Cake & Edith, Too!” Birthday Dinner
The celebration continues at the Bolling Wilson Hotel with an evening designed especially for First Lady Mrs. Wilson’s birthday. Enjoy a delicious dinner and a special appearance by “Edith,” portrayed by Betsy Ely, who will share a memorable message about the First Lady’s life and legacy.

(Special dietary accommodations are available upon request).

Reserve Your Seat Today

Dedication & Exhibit Presentation | 3:00 PM | $10 donation
Guaranteed seating. Limited capacity.

“Have Your Cake & Edith, Too!” Dinner | 6:30 PM | $75 per person
Includes dinner, wine, gratuity, and taxes. Limited capacity.

Space is limited for both events, so don’t wait to reserve your seat!

Two Easy Ways to Register

ONLINE: Click below! Clicking will bring you to another webpage where you can reserve your seat.

BY MAIL: Send a check payable to the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum to:
145 E. Main Street
Wytheville, VA 24382

Please include the names of all guests and the total number attending.

Stay the Weekend at the Bolling Wilson Hotel

Enjoy the weekend and make the most of your visit to Wytheville. The Bolling Wilson Hotel is offering a special group rate of $169 per night for birthday celebration guests.

To receive the special rate, call 276-223-2333 and mention promotional code “BIRTHDAY” when making your reservation.

Questions?

Contact the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum at 276-223-3484 or [email protected].

We look forward to celebrating Edith with you!

Downtown Wytheville Visit Wytheville Wytheville Museums Wythe County Tourism Wytheville-Wythe-Bland Chamber of Commerce First Ladies Association for Research and Education - FLARE Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum Woodrow Wilson House Wythe-Bland Foundation National Trust for Historic Preservation

By The Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Foundation

09/03/2026

Summer at the museum is a busy time for group programs. Recently, the museum welcomed the American Association of University Women for their Membership Kickoff meeting with the theme: Supporting Women & Girls to Reach Their Full Potential. The highlight of the evening was Betsy Ely portraying “Edith” on the topic of Suffrage, Service, and Stewardship.

Another museum program was for the Bland County Retired Teachers, where Betsy, along with Museum Director Richard Bullins, shared the story of Mrs. Wilson’s life, “From Wytheville to the White House.” Education is an important part of the museum’s mission, and meeting with these educators helps reinforce the importance of education in our community.

If you would like to plan a group tour, call 276-223-3484 to schedule a date.

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09/01/2026

The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation Summer Reception was recently held at the The Bolling Wilson Hotel . The reception honored the dedicated supporters and community partners of the Parkway. The evening reception celebrated the beauty of this national park encouraging regional tourism and economic growth. A good time was had by all!

Pictured L to R: Carolyn Ward, Blue Ridge Parkway CEO; Richard Bullins, Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Director; “Edith” portrayer, Betsy Ely; and Town of Wytheville Mayor, Beth Taylor.

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09/01/2026

Nice article about Wytheville!








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When it comes to Appalachian authenticity and deep ties to our nation’s history, one town worth your tourist time is Wytheville, Virginia. Offering vintage vibes at a price point accessible to mere mortals, this destination has plenty to o…

08/25/2026

Betsy Ely, portraying “Edith,” welcomed visitors from St. Paul United Methodist Church in Wytheville and special friends from Elizabethton, TN, to the museum’s Living History program. “Edith” shared the little-known fact that her father, Judge Bolling, held the respected position of Master of the Wytheville Masonic Lodge and served as the speaker at the 1885 Laying of the St. Paul Methodist Church Cornerstone Ceremony. The group enjoyed learning about First Lady Mrs. Wilson’s life and legacy and her important role in the history of Wytheville, Virginia, and the nation.

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08/22/2026

Happy Birthday, Rolfe and The Del Rubio Triplets!

On this day in 1861, Rolfe Emerson Bolling was born. He was the eldest sibling of future First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson. It was Rolfe who insisted that Edith get an education by attending the Martha Washington College in Abingdon, VA, where she studied music.

Rolfe built an extensive career in banking, advancing through leadership and executive roles at several major financial institutions across Virginia, Baltimore, New York, and Washington, D.C. Over his career, he established international branches in Panama and successfully transitioned into multiple bank presidencies, ultimately concluding his career as the president of the Liberty National Bank.

That is not Rolfe’s only contribution to the world. His granddaughters, Milly, Eadie, and Elena, were born in 1921 and became successful entertainers. Known as The Del Rubio Triplets, they were discovered by Bob Hope and were widely known from the late 1940s through the 1960s and had a revival of popularity in the 1980s. The Del Rubio Triplets appeared in popular television shows of the 1980s, including The Golden Girls and Married with Children; they traveled the world with Pee-Wee Herman. Conveniently, their birthday is tomorrow, Sunday, August 23rd.

See the pictures below of Rolfe Bolling and Edith Bolling Wilson with her great-nieces, the Del Rubio Triplets.


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08/20/2026

Read Rebecca Boggs Roberts's article on First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson!







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Power belongs to those who control access

08/20/2026

Don't miss this week's essay on First Bolling Wilson. This project from More Perfect explores lessons from American presidents and first ladies throughout 2026. Each article is rooted in evidence, clarity, and integrity.

Read the essay on First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson, today on Substack: inpursuit.substack.com

Downtown Wytheville Visit Wytheville Wytheville Museums Wythe County Tourism

08/04/2026

SAVE THE DATE, October 17 - Edith Bolling Wilson Birthday Event. More Details to Follow.






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07/21/2026

Thank you Visit Wytheville for spreading the word!

Virginia’s most charming town squares invite visitors into old theaters, lively markets, antique shops, waterfront streets, and centuries of local history.