The Mercer County History Scholarship is a scholarship awarded annually to an outstanding young woman majoring in history or planning a teaching career in history education. A career path of becoming a museum curator focused on historical preservation may also be acceptable.

The scholarship was created in 2019 by the Mercer County, West Virginia Colonial Dames of America members: Rebecca Beckett, Catherine Payne, Lucinda Gillespie, Phyllias Smith, Bonnie Taylor, Delia Kersey, and Rebecca Steorts.

The Colonial Dames of Mercer County are proud of the academic programs and leadership at Bluefield College. The Dames believe Bluefield College is helping create outstanding citizens with high moral character who will change the world for the better as they go forth to make a difference in their communities and promote the ideals and responsibilities of good citizenship.

The scholarship honors past president Mary Louisa Sowers who served as county chairperson for over 25 years. Mrs. Sowers was a gracious lady who was revered in the communities of the Bluefield area, and a leader in her church. On the state level, she served on the NSCDA-WV Board of Directors and the Craik-Patton Museum House Board of Directors.

The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America was established in 1887 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania while the West Virginia society was formed in 1900 in Charleston, West Virginia. The Craik-Patton Museum House was built in 1834 by a descendant of George and Martha Washington. The house is located in Daniel Boone Park on the banks of the Kanawha River.

The initial gift of $800.00 for the Mercer County History Scholarship includes a $200.00 contribution from the state society, in addition to contributions from Mercer County Society members. It is our intent that these funds be used for the primary purpose of tuition and books, to the extent allowable.

A committee comprised of at least two history professors and chaired by the chairperson of the history department shall select scholarship recipients based on selected criteria.

The following criteria will be used in selecting a scholarship recipient:

• An outstanding female student with History as her major course of study.
• An outstanding female student who plans to teach with an American History emphasis.
• An outstanding female student seeking career employment in the museum or historical preservation area.
• Financial need.
• Evidence of good citizenship and character.
• A respect and appreciation for the American heritage, beginning with the settlors and the Founding Fathers and Mothers.
• A respect for our country, the United States of America’s Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the laws of this nation which established a democratic republic.

The scholarship shall be presented, when possible, by representatives of the Mercer County Dames in the Chandler Boardroom, or a similar formal setting, on the campus of Bluefield College. The College will provide Rebecca Steorts or other representatives of the Mercer County Dames a brief summary of the winner’s achievements, along with a photo for publication.

The scholarship recipient will write a note of appreciation to the Mercer County Dames:
Mrs. Rebecca Steorts
Mrs. Lucinda Gillespie
1320 Liberty Street
Bluefield, WV 24701

All parties to this agreement acknowledge the intended purposes of these annual scholarship funds are to maximize scholarship awards to students and provide scholarship assistance on an annual basis. Without additional funding this scholarship may cease to operate if no funds are available. Future funds may be added from various sources including continued gifts by the Founders, gifts by family members and friends, or through other means such as estate plans.

May God bless the creation of this scholarship and the students to be helped through it.