MURFREESBORO – Murfreesboro welcomes a true history lover.

The Murfreesboro Historical Association hired Robert W. Stowe III as its new Executive Director. Robert W. Stowe III from Danville, VA began working with the historical association on July 1.

Stowe graduated in May 2004 from Averett University in Danville with a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Law.

Stowe served as the coordinator for the arts program of the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History before coming to Murfreesboro.

While working with the Danville Museum, Stowe was responsible for changing the exhibits and education programs given by the museum.

&uot;I scheduled arts classes for young people and adults,&uot; Stowe said. &uot;The museum held these programs at schools and on-site.&uot;

&uot;The Danville Museum focused mainly on the history of the Civil War,&uot; Stowe added. &uot;Danville was the last capital of the Confederacy from April 3 to April 10, 1865.&uot;

Stowe also served as an Adjunct Professor at the National College of Business and Technology in Danville. The college is based in Roanoke, but has campuses in several locations nationwide.

&uot;I taught computer skills at the college, mainly to middle-aged returning students looking for new skills,&uot; Stowe said. &uot;The college was experiencing an increase in students following the closing of several textile plants in the area.&uot;

&uot;One of my duties for the Murfreesboro Historical Association is grant writing,&uot; he continued.

The Golden Leaf Foundation, a program created with tobacco settlement money, has a grant program for agricultural history. Stowe plans to apply for a grant with the foundation to help create an agricultural exhibit.

&uot;I would also like to get a grant for education programs,&uot; Stowe added.

Another goal Stowe wants to accomplish as executive director includes recruiting additional volunteers for the association, especially volunteers to give tours.

&uot;I like the small town atmosphere here in Murfreesboro and was surprised by the historical association’s large number of holdings,&uot; Stowe commented. &uot;The historical association holds special events throughout the year including a candlelight Christmas tour.&uot;

The tour includes a progressive dinner of traditional dishes for tour participants as they visit the many historic sites located in Murfreesboro.

While serving as Executive Director, Stowe plans on getting a master’s degree in history from a local college or university.

Stowe also spends one weekend a month as a Civil War re-enactor. Stowe has served for several years with the Danville Grays and has traveled to Civil War battle sites throughout the country.