AMERICA 250
Come and join the Matthews Living History Farm Museum
in celebrating America 250 with a 4-part Lecture Series to be held at the
Crossroads Institute located in Galax, Virginia starting on
Monday, January 12, 2026, at 7:00 pm in room 170 and continuing the second
Monday of each month at the same time and place until April 13, 2026.
In the true since of the American “melting pot” represented here in the Appalachian Mountains, the speakers come from a variety of places but all now calling our local area home.
David Houslohner – David has lived in Grayson County for 47 years and raised his family here. He has farmed, been a contractor, and operated a small business within that time. David has been deeply involved in civics, serving at various times on the Board of the Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Arts Council, Matthews Farm Museum, his local Grange and currently is serving as president of the Grayson County Historical Society. David was not born to the local heritage or its historical narrative; he was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania yet his single greatest pleasure in coming to Grayson County grew from befriending early on the last generation born before the first World War. This is the last generation of Americans who were largely untouched by rising expectations, materialism, and labor-saving devices. He will share his knowledge of historical farming practices along with his insightful thoughts of applying those practices in today’s world.
Malcolm Smith, PhD – Malcolm falls in line with Folklorists and Musicologists of old sometimes know in the mountains as Songcatchers. Malcolm grew up in Western Kansas but now calls Medows of Dan Virginia his home. Malcolm states he is a recovering College Professor, Author, Storyteller, and Musician. Currently, he is creating a web-based database of over 50 SW Virginia Clawhammer Masters from 1850 to present day. He will share legends, stories and bios of the men and women who have provided our area with its own special brand of Old Time Banjo playing and will be joined by Jason Phillips, a local fiddler and Web Designer for a tune or two to round out the night.
Polly Vaughan – Polly was born and raised in Grayson County, Virginia and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Science from Old Dominion University but currently works as a researcher for the Grayson County Historical Society. Polly was introduced to genealogy by her mother many years ago and said mother is a local historian herself. Polly is a member of the Grayson County Historical Society and the job she currently holds stems from her involvement with them. Polly is also a member of the Matthews Farm Museum Board and volunteers at the Farm when she can. Polly is an excellent example of women of our area growing up and staying in the area and raising her own family here where the roots of her people run deep. Polly is quick to offer to lend a helping hand, a value highly regarded among Mountain People and much appreciated.
Krista Harmon Burnette – Krista is a lifelong resident of Carroll County, Virginia. Raised in the Laurel Community, graduated from Carroll County High School, and Wytheville Community College, she is a retired US Army Veteran and Mail Carrier. Krista is currently enrolled in the Genealogy Certificate Program through Boston University and is a member of the Carroll County Genealogy Club. She is a member of the Appalachian Trail chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and is now serving as the Treasurer and the 2nd Vice Regent. She has been a member of the National Genealogy Society since 2012, receiving the John T. Humphry Memorial Award in 2014. Krista also is an excellent example of women of our area, raising her family, attending church, volunteering, and finding time to garden and quilt when she can.
Patricia Vaughn Hash - Trish is another lifelong resident of the Laurel Community of Carroll County, Virginia, graduating from Carroll County High School and Wytheville Community College. Trish married Spook Hash at the age of 19 and worked for Sara Lee for 8 years and the Solid Waste Authority for 29 years, retiring and taking on the position of Director of the Matthews Farm Museum after being a volunteer for many years. Trish is a lifelong member of Pleasant View Church, a member of the Carroll County Fair Committee, and on the Board of Directors of the Laurel Community Center. Trish’s life has been immersed in all things that an Appalachian Mountain Farm Girl would find herself doing. Chasing young’ins, cooking, canning, slaughtering, curing, drying, baking, sewing, needlework, quilting, weaving, crocheting, knitting, gardening, bee keeping, hand milking, soap making and foraging just to name a few of those things. Making music, singing, riding horses, fishing, swimming, camping, storytelling, and gathering knowledge firsthand have always been things that has brought joy to her life. Trish has often been found walking among the graves of the bones of her people gathering what information she can from those that came before her. Her Grandfather S.D. Vaughn instilled the love of this in her before she even learned to write with a cursive hand. Trish is known for her cooking, knowledge of old ways, family history, storytelling, and her love of the Lord, her family, friends, and books.
This event is sponsorded by Red Hill General Store of Hillsville, Va.
Matthews Living History Farm Museum is proud to be a Commemorative Partner of VA250 - The Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission. As we mark 250 years of Independence, come reconnect with your country in the place that made it possible. Join us at VA250.org.