Hours: 1-4 p.m. on Saturdays, April through October. Exceptions to this are very rainy days, days below 50 degrees, or days over 90 degrees. (Email us if you’re not sure.) The house has no electricity or air conditioning, which is why we are not open in really hot or freezing weather.
Location: 5620 Third Street, South, Arlington, VA 22204
Phone: 703-577-7042
The Ball-Sellers House, owned and operated by the Arlington Historical Society, is located at 5620 Third Street South in the Glencarlyn neighborhood of Arlington. This farmhouse was built in 1750 by farmer John Ball and is the oldest structure in Arlington County. Three generations of the Carlin family owned the house next, starting with the Glencarlyn namesake, William Carlin, a tailor for George and Martha Washington. The house has been restored to its condition from the colonial era.
The last private owner was Marian Sellers, who lived in the house as a child and donated it to the Society in 1975. The building is on the National Register of Historic Sites and is designated a Virginia State Historical Landmark. Knowledgeable docents provide free guided tours of the main floor, the loft, the root cellar, and the grounds. They discuss how the house was built, its owners, and its place in history.
If you are interested in a free tour for your group or family of any age and size, or if you would like to volunteer with us, please email info@arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org