The Arlington Historical Society and the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington invite you to the unveiling of “Stumbling Stones.” These bronze markers commemorate the lives of the enslaved people who helped build our county (and our country). The markers are placed in the sidewalk at the last known location where these enslaved people lived. Memorializing the Enslaved in Arlington’s research has revealed over 2750 enslaved people and identified 1050 by name.
Please join us for the Dedication Ceremony honoring two once enslaved individuals
- Liza: Born 1828
- Jinny: Born June 7, 1853
We will be honoring them at 11:00am, Sunday May 4, 2025 at the Northeast Corner of Washington Boulevard and North Longfellow Street.
Their Story
Liza and Jinny were enslaved by Nicholas and Amanda Febrey. During the 1850s, the Febreys moved from their farm near Upton’s Hill to what is now Westover. During this period, they enslaved 6-7 people.
Very little is known about Liza and Jinny. The 1853 Virginia Birth Index records the birth of Jinny on June 7, 1853. Liza is listed as her mother and her father is listed as a “slave.” In the 1860 Census – Slave Schedule, Jinny appears as an eight-year-old enslaved by Nicholas Febrey, but Liza is not enumerated. Perhaps she was hired out to another family or had died. Liza (if still alive) and Jinny were likely freed by the Emancipation Proclamation in January 1863. They then disappear from the records.
Join us as we celebrate and honor Liza and Jinny and gain a greater understanding of Arlington’s complicated past. Brief remarks will be offered.
Memorializing the Enslaved in Arlington seeks to shed light upon these early Americans who contributed so much to the economic, social, and cultural development of our county. For more information, please contact Jessica Kaplan from the Arlington Historical Society at ahsedlink@gmail.com.
