The Arlington Historical Society is helping our community commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act by partnering on a series of exhibits, panel discussions, and presentations titled “From Barriers to Ballots: The Fight for Equal Voting Rights in Virginia.” In this series of events you’ll learn about the history of voting rights in Arlington and hear the stories of activists, changemakers, and everyday people in Arlington and Northern Virginia who fought for your right to vote. All these events are free and open to the public.
- Sunday, August 10, 2 PM 15-Minute History Spotlight: Barriers to Ballots. Join us as the Vice-Chair of Arlington’s Electoral Board Richard Samp discusses the process for voting in Arlington County elections today and how you can get involved. (Arlington Historical Museum, 1805 South Arlington Ridge Road, Arlington)
Next events in the “From Barriers to Ballots” series:
- Tuesday, September 16, 6-7:30 PM. “Arlington Civics: Virginia Voting Rights: 1965 to Today. Learn about the changes in Virginia voting at a panel discussion by the League of Women Voters or Arlington and Alexandria City and the Arlington County Office of Elections. There’s no better way to celebrate “National Voter Registrations Day” than learning about YOUR right to vote. (Shirlington Library, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington)
- Saturday, October 11, 2-3 PM. From Barriers to Ballots: Community Activist: Portia A. Haskins. Learn about one of Arlington’s community leaders who has been a leading voting and civil rights activist, Portia Haskins. President of the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington, Dr. Scott Taylor will offer an in-depth view of this and other community voting rights advocates. (The Black Heritage Museum of Arlington, 3045 Columbia Pike, Arlington)
Exhibitions are on view during regular opening hours from August 1 to November 4, 2025, at:
- Bozman Government Center, 2100 Clarendon Boulevard, Arlington
- Arlington Central Library
- Arlington Historical Museum Saturday, 10-4, Sunday 1-4
- Black Heritage Museum of Arlington, Thursday, Opens at 3 PM
- Sherwood Regional Library (Aug 1-31), 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria
- City of Fairfax (Sep 1-Nov 4) Regional Library, 10360 North Street, Fairfax
Our exhibition partners include:
- The Arlington Public Library, Charlie Clark Center for Local History
- The Black Heritage Museum of Arlington
- The League of Women Voters of Arlington and Alexandria City
- The NAACP Arlington Branch
