Archive for category: Latest

Restoring the Capital Vision

In 1791, Pierre Charles L'Enfant unveiled his ambitious plan for a new federal city along the Potomac River. He envisioned wide avenues, expansive vistas, and grand public spaces. His design for Washington, D.C., was never fully realized. Its monumental landscape developed incrementally - through pauses, revisions, debates, and renewed commitments.

Arlington’s Bicentennial Celebration

The county’s Bicentennial parade—hailed as the largest in Northern Virginia—featured 107 entrants. It stepped off at 10 a.m. along North George Mason Drive, led by police motorcycles and closed by sheriff’s deputies on horseback. Bands, veterans, civic groups, and neighborhood organizations filled the route, turning the morning into a vivid display of community pride.

Zane Killgo

Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Arlington County, Killgo’s artistic practice explores the complex narratives of changing neighborhoods, with a particular focus on gentrification, displacement, and community resilience. Drawing on personal experience and deep engagement with diverse communities, his work captures the lived realities of the African-American community and other voices often marginalized in discussions about urban change.

Happy New year

The Arlington Historical Society (AHS) wishes everyone a Happy New Year. 2026 is going to be historic. In July, we will commemorate our nation's 250th anniversary.

AHS Bell History

The bell—which started ringing in 1893 when the Hume School opened--was produced by the oldest bell foundry in the country, the McShane Bell Foundry of Baltimore. Founded in 1856, McShane has produced more than 300,000 bells for churches, municipal buildings, and schools all over the world.

Bell Ringer Campaign 2025

December is a season of hope and giving. That is why we hope you will consider AHS and give a special end-of-year gift to our Annual “Bell Ringer Campaign.” The campaign is named for our school bell that has been ringing out history since 1893.

Museum Store Sunday

Every museum store purchase supports our mission to strengthen our community by building a better understanding of local history. We have unique gift ideas made by local artisans, as well as gift memberships to the Arlington Historical Society and books about Arlington history.

Always Collecting

Each year, we add new artifacts, photographs, and documents that help tell the many stories of life in Arlington.

Jack and Jill Club of America visit to the museum

The Arlington Historical Museum recently hosted the NOVA chapter of the Jack and Jill Club of America, dedicated to nurturing future African American leaders.

AHS 2025 Annual Banquet

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."

Support

The Arlington Historical Society relies solely on membership dues and donations to support the Arlington Historical Museum and Ball-Sellers House.

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The Arlington Historical Museum
1805 S Arlington Ridge Rd, Arlington, VA 22202
703-892-4204 ext. 800
Open Saturday 10 am-4 pm, Sunday 1-4 pm
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The Ball-Sellers House
5620 3rd St S, Arlington, VA 22204
703-892-4204 ext. 800
Open Saturday 1-4 pm, April-October
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Contact Us

E-mail us: info@arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org
Call us: 703-892-4204 ext. 800

Arlington Historical Society
P.O. Box 100402
Arlington, Virginia 22210-3402

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