Courage. Leadership. Education.

William Preston’s Smithfield in Blacksburg, Virginia.

A rare colonial mountain home with a story like no other. Visit for yourself, and experience inspiration like no other!

A Center for History and Cultural Studies.

Located in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of Southwestern Virginia, Smithfield’s manor house is the best example of Colonial architecture west of the Blue Ridge. This is the setting where you will gain perspective from the past, insight for the present, and inspiration for the future.

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The Smithfield-Preston Foundation.

William Preston’s Smithfield is operated by the Smithfield-Preston Foundation, a private, non-profit 501 (c) (3) charitable organization.

Charles D. “Skip” Fox III

Board Chair

Serving on the Smithfield-Preston Foundation Board of Directors since 2015, Skip is a descendent of both Francis Preston and Sarah Preston McDowell. He is a celebrated attorney at McGuireWoods in Charlottesville, Virginia, and gives leadership to the Smithfield-Preston Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Ryan J. Spencer

Executive Director

Ryan is responsible for the development and direction of Smithfield. He grew up in Michigan, and is descended from a long line of Appalachians. Ryan has over 15 years of experience in public history.

Kenna C. Jewell

Operations Manager

Kenna is a native of the New River Valley and has her Master’s in Material Culture and Public Humanities from Virginia Tech. With over 5 years experience in museum administration, Kenna is responsible for much of the daily operations at Smithfield.