In September 1996, the Graham Historical Society formally requested the Town of Bluefield’s support to acquire the Historic Sanders House for the purpose of preserving the house, establishing a museum and visitors’ center, providing a center for community related events,  and providing educational, cultural and tourism services to the region and the visiting public.

In the Spring of 2000, the house and property were acquired by Wyatt Development Company in conjunction with their acquisition of adjacent properties for the development of a Commercial Shopping center. Recognizing the significance of the historic structure, and its importance as a local landmark in the community, the Wyatt Development Company offered a (90) day grace period allowing the Graham Historical Society to determine the feasibility of accepting the property as a gift (with certain restrictions), and demonstrating the financial feasibility to develop and maintain the project, as envisioned, for use as a welcome center, Society offices, museum, and other related uses  approved by the developer.  The Sanders House is debt free and fully owned by the Graham Historical society, Inc.  To read more about the Sanders House Project, visit the archived newsletters.

Meet The Sanders

Walter M. Sanders III and his wife Emily are our direct contact with the Sanders family. Walter lived most of his young life in Bluefield, Virginia. The Sanders house was his home.

Emily was born in New York state and met Walter in Maryland where they were attending a meeting.

Walter's parents, Walter M. Sanders II and Mary Easley Sanders from Bluefield, West Virginia were the last Sanders to live in the historic house. Mary now lives in Athens, Georgia not far from Walter and Emily.