The Bassett Historical Center will host a special presentation titled “A Few Lines to Margaret: A Personal Account of the First World War” on Tuesday, May 20, at 10:30 a.m. in the Susan L. Adkins Memorial Meeting Room. The event is free and open to the public.
Through a collection of 45 letters written by a local soldier to his wife, attendees will experience the emotional depth of America’s involvement in World War I. These firsthand accounts, rich in humor, tragedy, dedication, and love, offer an intimate glimpse into the personal toll of the conflict often called the war of the Lost Generation. More than a century later, the story remains deeply moving and relevant.
The program will be presented by Hunter Haskins, assistant director of the Salem Museum & Historical Society in Salem, Virginia. Haskins will bring the story of the Paschal family to life, illuminating a chapter of history through one couple’s wartime correspondence.
Haskins is a 2021 graduate of Roanoke College, where he earned a double major in history and political science, along with a concentration in public/applied history. His professional background includes work as a blacksmith at Ferrum College’s Blue Ridge Institute, and from 2021 to 2024, he served as a history and humanities teacher at Carlisle School.
In addition to his current role in Salem, Haskins serves as secretary on the Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society Board of Directors. His passion for history was sparked and strengthened through his volunteer and internship experiences at the Bassett Historical Center from 2019 to 2022.
Haskins lives in Salem, Virginia.
