The Mount Airy Museum of Regional History is located in the heart of an area once known as "The Hollows". Joshua Frye and Peter Jefferson, father of Thomas Jefferson, surveyed the region in 1747, and detailed this map in 1749. The original map is in the Williamsburg Virginia Collection.

"The Hollows" is an area completely surrounded by mountains, no doubt the inspiration for its originally designated name. An entry in the Moravian Records on February 2, 1767 reads: "This week a wagon road has been opened from the Hollow to Bethania." Of course "The Hollows" of the early 1700s evolved into many small and thriving communities that still preserve much of the rich history and culture. It is not uncommon to find sixth and seventh generation of families still living in the area.

The stories of "The Hollows" likely bear similarities to the development of those of rural communities all across America. As the edge of the wilderness moved westward, the more adventurous followed. Other stayed, committed to helping settlements become prosperous communities, towns and cities in a region blessed with natural beauty and an abundance of natural resources.

While all communities possess some unique qualities, the storyline throughout the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History could apply almost anywhere in rural America.