Come rediscover our local history at the Arlington Historical Museum! After closing last summer for preservation and renovation work, we reopen on May 3 at 10:00 AM with the debut of all-new exhibits and the opportunity to meet Barbara Noe Kennedy, author of “100 Things to Do in Arlington Before You Die” (you can leave with just 99 left!).
The exhibits tell new stories uncovered about Arlington’s past and build on much of the history we have always shared. You’ll see Arlington history from the time of Native peoples through the thriving multicultural community it is today. One new exhibit AHS is proud to introduce is the Memorializing the Enslaved exhibit highlighting the special research project that has shed light on the lives of enslaved individuals who lived and labored in Arlington, honoring their contributions and resilience. Through historical records, artifacts, and personal stories, the project and the exhibit seek to ensure that their voices are acknowledged and remembered as part of Arlington’s complex history.
But that’s not all! The museum shows new views and artifacts of its farming past, its role in the formation of Civil War US Colored Troops, and the defense of Washington. You’ll get a new appreciation of our leading role in the nation’s history of transportation, communications, and businesses as well as a new perspective on where we’ve been and where we are now.
We’ve also opened space on the second floor for use as an education center, community gathering room, and a place to feature revolving exhibits, including those co-curated with community groups! This will be a dynamic part of the museum, where you will be able to attend events on special topics, and view exhibits told in the voices of the groups presenting them. To kick start what the Second Floor can be, AHS, in celebration of the Ball-Sellers House 50th Anniversary, is presenting an illustrated history of this c. 1750 farmhouse highlighting its colonial builders through today as the story of the history of all of Arlington.
Visit us at the Arlington Historical Museum for the big reveal! The museum is in the oldest existing schoolhouse at 1805 S. Arlington Ridge Road. It’s free and parking is free.
