How do you get from being a beloved small town doctor to being a respected historian, volunteer and author? We highlight how in the Volunteer of the Month for August.

Dr. Lawrence Fleenor practiced family medicine in Big Stone Gap for over 40 years. But he has always had a deep love for this area’s history that he had to share. He has invested his time in his passions.  

Dr. Fleenor explains the importance the Town of Saltville, VA played in the Civil War
 

Saltville, VA Civil War history is shared on a Bus Tour with Dr. Fleenor

To date, Dr. Fleenor has six books in print and four more that can be read online. Each book covers history of Southwest Virginia, ranging from old world exploration in Campbell’s Choice to short stories about life in the Coalfield’s in Appalachia Anthology. Click here for more information about books written by Dr. Fleenor.  

Dr. Fleenor points out highlights during a Coal Camp Bus Tour

Dr. Lawrence Fleenor is a tireless advocate and volunteer for the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park. He was a founding member of the Friends of the Museum and frequently gives time to historical programming. One of his biggest contributions has been helping to originate the museum's historic bus tours. He leads the following tours: The Wilderness Road, Coal Camps, Forts of the Clinch, The Gardens of Eden (Elk Garden to Burke's Garden), and Saltville. This year he will be leading the charge to Kings Mountain! This tour is will trace the Virginia militia from Royal Oak (present day Marion) on their March to the pivotal Revolutionary War battle of Kings Mountain, South Carolina.

Dr. Fleenor works closely with Museum staff to provide the best programs for participants

Dr. Fleenor elaborates on volunteering by saying:

“I enjoy volunteering for several related reasons. I find mankind to be endlessly fascinating. I have spent my life as a physician working with humanity. But people are so much more than a machine. They have cultural and historic pasts which they carry with them every day of their lives. Who they are, and how they respond, is influenced greatly by their history. The proper study of man is man. The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park is an archive of our history, and therefore of ourselves. That is the reason I am a volunteer.” Dr. Lawrence Fleenor

Thank you Dr Fleenor for making an historical impact in Virginia. Learn more about volunteering with Virginia State Parks online here.