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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260509T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260509T170000
DTSTAMP:20260609T195352
CREATED:20260111T145526Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260508T235521Z
UID:20358-1778320800-1778346000@arlhist.org
SUMMARY:Arlington HistoryFest 250
DESCRIPTION:The Arlington VA250 Committee is hosting an Arlington HistoryFest 250\, a free\, one-day outdoor festival commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. It will be held on Saturday\, May 9\, 2026\, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Kenmore Middle School. \n“We’re proud to welcome visitors and residents to experience the living legacy of Arlington’s role in America’s founding\,” said Peter Vaselopulos\, President of the Arlington Historical Society and Chair of the Arlington VA250 Committee. “Arlington HistoryFest 250 will be great fun for the whole family. It kicks off a multi-month commemoration\, connecting our county’s roots to the modern day\, showcasing how Arlington is a place where history lives on.” \nProgramming will feature live reenactments\, musical performances\, and historical storytelling\, hands-on demonstrations\, children’s activities and crafts\, local organizations sharing their history\, and local food vendors. Thousands of attendees from across the Washington\, D.C.\, area are expected\, along with dozens of historical reenactors and over 40 exhibitors. \nThe Virginia State Mobile Museum will also be on site. A hands-on\, interactive\, and immersive “museum on wheels\,” the VA250 Mobile Museum Experience titled “Out of Many\, One” is housed in a quad-expandable tractor trailer that is traveling throughout Virginia. The mobile museum brings key stories of Virginia’s rich history to schools\, museums\, local events\, fairs\, and more\, highlighting every region of the state. \n“Arlington HistoryFest 250 will be a unique opportunity for students to participate in the 250th anniversary of America and see themselves in the national story through immersive experiences\, dynamic storytelling\, and a deeper appreciation of Arlington’s local history\,” said David MacBride\, Principal at Kenmore Middle School. \n“As we commemorate the 250th\, we’re excited to offer new ways for visitors and locals to connect with Arlington’s history and explore the County\,” said Scott Baker\, Marketing Manager at Arlington Convention and Visitors Service. “We are thrilled to support programming that highlights Arlington’s historical significance\, amplifies diverse stories\, and enhances the visitor experience at historic sites across Arlington.” \nAdmission: FREE!\nHere is the HistFest Program \nFor More information: https://arlhist.org/arlington-va250/ \nor email AHS at: info@arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org \n \nOfficial Sponsors:\n \n \nHosted by Kenmore Middle School\n\nPartners:\n     \n \n 
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/arlington-historyfest-250/
LOCATION:Kenmore MIddle School\, 200 S. Carlin Springs Rd\, Arlington\, VA\, 22204\, United States
CATEGORIES:VA250
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260516T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260516T160000
DTSTAMP:20260609T195352
CREATED:20260217T020404Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260217T020404Z
UID:20613-1778938200-1778947200@arlhist.org
SUMMARY:George Washington’s Forest Guided Walking Tour
DESCRIPTION:Walk in the footsteps of George Washington on a guided walking tour with local historian\, Kevin Vincent. In 1775\, George Washington bought 1200-acres of forest in what is now Arlington. After the Revolutionary War\, he returned home and surveyed his property. On the walk you’ll start with a mini tour of the Ball-Sellers House (the oldest building in Arlington built c. 1750)\, visit the survey markers used by Washington in 1785\, see historic springs\, see the site of a mill built by George Washington’s step-grandson\, and more. \n\nThe walk begins at the Ball-Sellers House. It is about a three hour walk encompassing about three miles with a couple hills. There are several places where you can peel off the walk.  So: \n\nWear sturdy shoes\nBring water\nDress for the weather.
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/george-washingtons-forest-guided-walking-tour-2/
LOCATION:Ball-Sellers House\, 5620 3rd Street\, South\, Arlington VA 22204\, VA\, 22312\, United States
CATEGORIES:VA250
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://arlhist.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/map-of-walk-600x516-1.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260518T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260731T170000
DTSTAMP:20260609T195352
CREATED:20260421T133823Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T012214Z
UID:21017-1779091200-1785517200@arlhist.org
SUMMARY:New Exhibit: Who Decides? Governing Arlington Through Time
DESCRIPTION:Explore how Arlington has been governed\, and who has held the power to make decisions\, over time in Who Decides? Governing Arlington Through Time. This exhibit traces the county’s evolving systems of leadership\, from its early days as part of the District of Columbia to its return to Virginia and the development of today’s county board system. \nThrough stories of civic debate\, reform\, and community action\, visitors will discover how Arlingtonians have shaped their government and how questions of representation\, voice\, and power continue to matter today. \n\nThe Arlington Historical Museum is commemorating 250+ years of local history. This exhibit is upstairs on the 2nd floor of the museum. The Museum is open Saturdays 10-4 PM and Sundays 1-4 PM. \n\n\nIt’s FREE!
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/new-exhibit-who-decides-governing-arlington-through-time/
LOCATION:Arlington Historical Museum\, 1805 South Arlington Ridge Road\, Arlington\, 22207\, United States
CATEGORIES:Exhibits,VA250
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260530T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260530T110000
DTSTAMP:20260609T195352
CREATED:20260503T014939Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260524T122708Z
UID:21091-1780135200-1780138800@arlhist.org
SUMMARY:Memorializing the Enslaved of Arlington: Dedication of Hall's Hill/High View Park Stumbling Stones
DESCRIPTION:May 30th is Neighborhood Day and Hall’s Hill/High View Park will commemorate its 160 year history beginning with this very special dedication. \nMemorializing the Enslaved in Arlington\, 1669-1865\nThe Arlington Historical Society and the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington invite you to the unveiling of “Stumbling Stones.” Placed in the sidewalk at the last known sites where they were enslaved\, these bronze markers commemorate the lives of people who helped build our county and our country.  Memorializing the Enslaved in Arlington’s research has revealed over 2750 enslaved people and identified 1050 by name. \nPlease join us for the Dedication Ceremony honoring eight once enslaved individuals\n\nJenny Farr\nSelina\nJames Clark\nInfant of Selina\nJohn Lewis Farr\nWilliam Farr\nWilliam Sprigg\n\nTheir Story\nIn 1850 Bazil Hall—a native of Washington\, DC\, who moved to Virginia after living in San Francisco—bought 327 acres in the North Arlington neighborhood now known as Hall’s Hill. Around the same time\, he purchased an enslaved woman\, Jenny Farr\, and her son\, James Clark. Over the next few years\, Jenny gave birth to three more sons whose father\, Alfred Farr\, was a free Black man who worked as a farm hand for Hall for a time. Their children included William Farr born in 1855\, John Lewis Farr born in 1856\, and Joseph Farr born in 1858. \nThe Halls were cruel enslavers. In 1857\, an altercation between Jenny and Elizabeth Hall escalated into violence. Records show that on December 13\, Jenny pushed Elizabeth Hall into a fire\, fatally injuring her.  A trial ensued and William Sprigg and Selina\, also enslaved by the Halls\, provided testimony. In February 1858\, Alexandria officials hanged Jenny. \nIn 1860\, census records show that William Sprigg\, Selina and her newborn daughter\, as well as Jenny’s four sons\, were enslaved by Bazil Hall. The Civil War brought upheaval and eventually freedom to their lives. In 1861\, rebels raided the farm and burned Hall’s home and outbuildings. What became of Selina and William during this period is unknown\, but the Farr boys remained with Hall throughout the war and returned with him to the plantation afterwards. \nHall continued to use the boys as slaves\, forcing them to cook\, clean\, and labor on the farm. Neighbors reported he beat the children and often left them unfed. The Provost Court\, an arm of the military\, tried Hall for abuse. He was minimally fined and the boys freed from his dominion. \nOf the eight individuals enslaved by Hall\, only Joseph Farr was traceable after emancipation. He moved to Alexandria to be near his father and worked as a laborer. He married and had children\, before fading from the records after 1910. \nJoin us as we celebrate and honor William Sprigg\, Selina and her daughter\, James Clark\, and Jenny\, William\, John Lewis\, and Joseph Farr. Come gain a greater understanding of Arlington’s complicated past. Brief remarks will be offered. \nMemorializing the Enslaved in Arlington seeks to shed light upon these early Americans who contributed so much to the economic\, social\, and cultural development of our county. For more information\, please contact Jessica Kaplan from the Arlington Historical Society at ahsedlink@gmail.com. \nLearn More\n\nWeb: enslavedarl.org \nLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/memorializing-the-enslaved \nInstagram: instagram.com/memorializingtheenslaved \nFacebook: facebook.com/MemorializingtheEnslaved
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/memorializing-the-enslaved-of-arlington-dedication-of-stumbling-stones-2/
LOCATION:Hall’s HIll/High VIew Park Giant Letters HHHVP\, 4998 Langston Boulevard\, Arlington\, VA\, 22207\, United States
CATEGORIES:VA250
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260611T191500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260611T204500
DTSTAMP:20260609T195352
CREATED:20260502T210722Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260515T123233Z
UID:21075-1781205300-1781210700@arlhist.org
SUMMARY:Bridges of Washington\, DC: The Virginia Side
DESCRIPTION:In the late 1700s\, the first bridges\, now completely gone\, connected the new Federal City to the outside world. Throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries\, more and bigger crossings arose to support industry\, allow the expansion of suburbs\, commemorate cultural and civic leaders\, and enhance the aesthetics of the District’s waterfronts and parks. Although the city abandoned civic-minded\, commemorative\, and monumental constructions for utilitarian highway monoliths in the mid-twentieth century\, a recent renaissance has seen a welcome shift to walkability and beauty instead of brute utility. Using the city’s bridges as an index of the times\, our speaker\, author Bob Dover tracks how connecting to Virginia impacted both Virginia and DC from the 1750s to today. \nOur speaker’s book “Bridge of Washington\, D.C: A History and Guide” will be available sale at this event and the author will be happy to sign it. \nAuthor\, Bob Dover\, is a retired geologist and environmental planner who specializing in surface water hydrology. In 2022\, he published “Bridgespotting: A Guide to Bridges that Connect People\, Places\, and Times” which is an exploration of the uses of bridges throughout the US and Europe for tourism\, historic preservation\, and recreation. Realizing that his hometown was one of the few cities that did not already have a book about its bridges\, he spent a couple years exploring\, researching\, and documenting them – and then wrote it! \nThis event immediately follows a brief annual AHS members’ meeting. This event will be in-person and via Zoom. \nPREREGISTER FOR ZOOM ACCESS\nYou can attend this event on Zoom or in-person on the Marymount University Main Campus.  If you want to attend this event virtually\, please CLICK HERE To register. You can also cut and paste this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe5hahdEKOetY34nQ9roXBAFSDf4BhdRF-8xSY-rXoPnYl3iQ/viewform into your own browser and complete it there. Please register by Wednesday\, June 10.  Zoom access information will be sent to you in an email on the morning of the event on Thursday\, June 11. This is the same registration forthe brief members meeting. \nNEW LOCATION\nThis month we will be at the Aurora Hills Community Center located at 735 18th Street\, South in Arlington\, (zip code: 22202). Parking is  free. Free overflow parking is at the parking lot at Virginia Highlands Park (1600 South Hayes Street) connected by a short sidewalk. Pentagon City Metro is your best public transit bet. \nFor more information\, please email: info@arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org.
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/bridges-of-washington-dc-the-virginia-side/
LOCATION:Aurora HIlls Library/Community Center\, 735 18th Street\, South\, Arlington\, VA\, 22202\, United States
CATEGORIES:Geography,VA250
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260616T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260616T193000
DTSTAMP:20260609T195352
CREATED:20260317T144120Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260502T203634Z
UID:20851-1781632800-1781638200@arlhist.org
SUMMARY:History of Slavery on Roosevelt Island Evening Walking Tour
DESCRIPTION:See Theodore Roosevelt Island with a new lens. Walk the places where enslaved people lived and worked on “Mason’s Island” plantation from 1792-1860s. \n\n\n\n\nThis guided walking tour is sponsored by The Memorializing the Enslaved (MEA) Project\, a joint effort of the Arlington Historical Society and the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington. \nThe tour will educate visitors about the history of slavery on\, what is now known as\, Theodore Roosevelt Island. The tour will focus on the island as a plantation and summer home of John Mason and his family. We will learn about the people enslaved by John Mason who built\, planted\, and tended to the land including the gardens and buildings. \nWe will cover approximately 1.5 miles over sometimes-uneven terrain. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear\, bring water\, and dress for the weather. There are bathrooms on the island and we will walk by them at the conclusion of the tour. There is a parking lot on Roosevelt Island. This tour is limited to 25 people. \n\nThe event is free but you must reserve your spot: History of Slavery on Roosevelt Island – Evening Walking Tour Tickets\, Tuesday\, June 16  •  6 PM – 7:30 PM | Eventbrite \nThis event was originally planned for April but was rained out. \n  \n 
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/history-of-slavery-on-roosevelt-island-walking-tour/
LOCATION:Theodore Rosevelt Island Pedestrian Bridge\, Theodore Roosevelt Island\, Washington\, DC\, United States
CATEGORIES:Geography,VA250
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://arlhist.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mason-mansion.webp
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260630T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260630T210000
DTSTAMP:20260609T195352
CREATED:20260521T144429Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260524T122449Z
UID:21221-1782846000-1782853200@arlhist.org
SUMMARY:Projecting History: 1776 at Ballston's Regal Theater
DESCRIPTION:As part of Arlington’s VA250 commemoration activities\, the Arlington Historical Society is partnering with the Ballston Quarter to provide you with the opportunity to see the movie 1776. The one-time only event will take place at the Ballston Regal Cinema on Tuesday evening\, June 30\, at 7 PM. The theater only holds 200 seats\, so space will be limited. Purchase your tickets now by ordering online. Proceeds benefit the Arlington Historical Society. \nClick Here to Order Your Tickets  or visit https://arlhist.org/1776-movie/ \nThe movie 1776 turns the debate over American independence into an engaging blend of music\, humor\, and political drama. Adapted from the 1969 Broadway hit\, the film focuses less on battlefield action and more on the difficult process of building consensus among the thirteen colonies. \n \nDirected by Peter H. Hunt and starring William Daniels as John Adams\, the 1972 movie presents the founders as real people — stubborn\, witty\, ambitious\, and often divided. Adams drives the story with relentless determination\, while Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson provide balance through humor and diplomacy. \nFifty years later\, 1776 stands as one of the most distinctive American historical films ever made — patriotic without being simplistic and educational without losing its charm.
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/projecting-history-1776-at-ballstons-regal-theater/
LOCATION:Ballston Regal Cinema\, 671 North Glebe Rd.\, Arlington\, VA\, 22203\, United States
CATEGORIES:VA250
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260704T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260704T153000
DTSTAMP:20260609T195352
CREATED:20260522T134135Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260524T122353Z
UID:21237-1783170000-1783179000@arlhist.org
SUMMARY:Reading the Declaration of Independence
DESCRIPTION:“We hold these truths to be self-evident…” Back by popular demand again this year is a reading of the Declaration of Independence by YOU! out loud for all to hear at one of the only structures in the county that is still in existence to have hears the Declaration read aloud in 1776: the Ball-Sellers House (c.1750). Lend your voice to read the words that helped start this nation’s “great experiment” in democracy 250 years ago. If you’d like to read a portion of the “Declaration\,” please email: info@arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org and let us know! \nYou can also make protest signs that colonial Virginians could have used as they protested British actions. We’ll have the materials for posters and signs and information about what the colonists were complaining about–and they had a LOT of complaints! Join us for this historic way to celebrate this important date. \nReading the Declaration of Independence starts at 1:00 pm. Making protests signs starts at 1:30 till 3:30. Come for the history\, stay for the free guided tour of this 275-year-old house.
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/reading-the-declaration-of-independence/
LOCATION:Ball-Sellers House\, 5620 3rd Street\, South\, Arlington VA 22204\, VA\, 22312\, United States
CATEGORIES:VA250
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://arlhist.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/180628174143-02-declaration-of-independence-1776.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260712T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260712T160000
DTSTAMP:20260609T195352
CREATED:20260528T174659Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260528T174659Z
UID:21276-1783861200-1783872000@arlhist.org
SUMMARY:We the People Exhibit Opening
DESCRIPTION:Join us for the opening of We the People\, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture’s traveling exhibition exploring the stories of immigrants who have shaped Virginia’s history and identity. The afternoon will feature music by the Morroy Sisters\, Ingrid Morroy (guitar\, vocals) and Judith Morroy (vocals\, percussion)\, immigrants themselves who have made Arlington their home and have performed together since age 11. Blending sibling harmonies with folk\, bluegrass\, calypso\, and music from across the Americas\, the duo brings a lively and fitting soundtrack to this celebration of culture\, community\, and shared history.
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/we-the-people-exhibit-opening/
LOCATION:Arlington Historical Museum\, 1805 South Arlington Ridge Road\, Arlington\, 22207\, United States
CATEGORIES:Exhibits,VA250
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ORGANIZER;CN="Arlington Historical Society":MAILTO:info@arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260723T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260723T210000
DTSTAMP:20260609T195352
CREATED:20260527T212623Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260527T212623Z
UID:21279-1784829600-1784840400@arlhist.org
SUMMARY:Spirit of '76 Party
DESCRIPTION:Celebrate Arlington’s past\, present\, and future at the Arlington Historical Society’s Spirit of ’76 party on July 23! This festive evening will take guests on a journey from 1776 through the Bicentennial and into today with interactive activity stations\, 1970s-inspired fun\, music\, trivia\, and hands-on history experiences. The evening will also feature a special talk on the Bicentennial by historian Mark Benbow. Guests are encouraged to embrace the dress code\, Threads of ’76\, by dressing from their favorite 70’s decade. Tickets include two drink tickets and are available here: https://arlhist.org/spirit-of-76-event/ 
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/spirit-of-76-party/
LOCATION:Arlington Historical Museum\, 1805 South Arlington Ridge Road\, Arlington\, 22207\, United States
CATEGORIES:VA250
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ORGANIZER;CN="Arlington Historical Society":MAILTO:info@arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org
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