AHS President Peter Vaselopulos
The Arlington Historical Society hosted a SOLD-OUT banquet on the evening of October 14th at the historic Army-Navy Club. The banquet’s theme was “Telling America’s Story.” The keynote speaker, was Benjamin Filene, PhD, Deputy Director of Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. Dr. Filene spoke about creative approaches to engage the public as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. He also gave the audience some sneak peaks at the ways that artifacts will be presented in the 250th exhibits.
Dr. Benjamin Filene
AHS also awarded Stephen Hammond, the C.B. Rose Lifetime Achievement Award. Stephen Hammond is a
Stephen Hammond on the left.
dedicated family historian and retired scientist who actively promotes the history of his Syphax ancestors and the broader narrative of enslaved Americans. He is a 7th generation member of the Syphax family and has engaged in National Park Service programs to highlight the lives of enslaved individuals at Arlington House.
Mira Shomali with AHS President Peter Vaselopulos
Finally the winner of the 2025 Student History Contest was announced at the banquet. The award went to Mira Shomali an 8th grade student at Dorothy Hamm Middle School. She produced an eight minute video documentary on desegregation.
