In 1801, a wealthy landowner who lived in present-day Arlington County freed his slaves and their descendants. His deed of emancipation would have ripple effects across Northern Virginia—especially for one woman, Julia Roberts, who sued over her long-promised freedom while living near the Barcroft, Arlington Forest, and Buckingham neighborhoods. Her case eventually wound up before […]
The Ball-Sellers House and the Glencarlyn Community Garden celebrate gardening. Free guided tours of the c. 1750 farmhouse from 10 AM - 4 PM. At 1:00 PM: find out what the residents of this 276-year-old home planted in their kitchen garden over the years. Sandy Newton, Lead Gardener at Arlington House and re-enactor at Mt, […]
Join AHS as we help Columbia Pike celebrate its first ever Culture Fest — a high energy, outdoor celebration of culture, music, food, and community on the Pike! The Pike will come alive with a day of performances, music, international food, family friendly activities, and a display of AHS artifacts that shows the Pike’s “United […]
Find out what the residents of this 276-year-old home planted in their kitchen garden through the centuries. Sandy Newton, Lead Gardener at Arlington House and re-enactor at Mt. Vernon will show you what was often planted in colonial and early American gardens, and what gardening was like during the Civil War and Depression era, the […]
An original scripted reenactment brings history alive! Join us for an original performance depicting an 1842 trial - Julia Roberts v. Austin Adams and Anne Harding - in which Julia Roberts, an enslaved woman, sues to win her freedom. This script is based on original documents, notes on the testimony from the 1842 trial, and research […]
Join AHS in exploring Civil War life in Arlington. Meet famed war photographer, Mathew Brady, US Colored Troops and learn where Camp Casey was located and why it was so difficult to pinpoint, see AHS artifacts from US Army camps and forts AND MORE!
An original scripted reenactment brings history alive! Join us for a performance of an original play depicting an 1842 trial - Julia Roberts v. Austin Adams and Anne Harding - in which Julia Roberts, an enslaved woman, sues to win her freedom. This script is based on original documents, notes on the testimony from the 1842 […]
The Arlington Historical Society and the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington invite you to the unveiling of “Stumbling Stones.” These bronze markers commemorate the lives of the enslaved people who helped build our county (and our country) and are placed in the sidewalk at the last known site of their enslavement. Memorializing the Enslaved in […]
Step into Arlington’s classrooms past and present in our newest exhibit exploring the history of public education in the county. From one-room schoolhouses to today’s innovative learning environments, discover how generations of students, teachers, and communities have shaped and been shaped by education in Arlington. Show your school spirit! Wear something from your alma mater […]
Join us for a special dedication for Julia Roberts who will be portrayed by an historical reenactor who will talk about her enslavement and courageous path to freedom. We will also learn about the life of the young boy (his name is unknown) enslaved along with Julia in the Arlington Forest neighborhood. Memorializing the Enslaved […]