Events for April 4 - January 18

  • 1946 Arlington: The First Crack in the Byrd Machine

    Reinsch Library Auditorium, Marymount University 2807 North Glebe Road, Arlington

    In 1946, after four years of a world war, the citizens of Arlington focused on local challenges, highlighted in the fall by an aggressive County Board campaign from a political newcomer who challenged the local Byrd Machine in Arlington. The story includes a controversy over our governance structure, extreme unhappiness with the school system, and […]

  • 15-Minute History: Two Very Different Local Elections with John Milliken

    Arlington Historical Museum 1805 South Arlington Ridge Road, Arlington, United States

    Join us for a 15-Minute History with local author John Milliken, who will compare two Virginia elections—separated by a generation—to reveal how shifting demographics, economic trends, and legal changes have shaped both the Commonwealth and Arlington over time. FREE! Come for the talk and tour the museum. 2nd floor, Arlington Historical Museum

  • 15-Minute History: 1961 Arlington Transportation Planning with David Pearson

    Arlington Historical Museum 1805 South Arlington Ridge Road, Arlington, United States

    Join David Pearson, former AHS president, to learn about how Arlington County planned transportation in the early 1960s and what we now have as a result. Our speaker will use the maps in the current Map Exhibit on the second floor to explain the first General Land Use Plan (GLUP), show what was built, paths […]

  • A Different Look from a Different View Artist Exhibit: Opening Reception

    Arlington Historical Museum 1805 South Arlington Ridge Road, Arlington, United States

    Experience the vibrant, story-filled work of artist Zane Killgo, an Arlington County visual artist whose bold use of color and mixed media explores community, identity, and the changing urban landscape. Killgo’s paintings and multimedia works reflect the narratives of local neighborhoods in transition, focusing on gentrification, resilience, and the lived experiences of the people who […]

  • Unbroken Genius: The Life and Legacy of Dr. Charles R. Drew

    Reinsch Library Auditorium, Marymount University 2807 North Glebe Road, Arlington

    "Genius Unbroken" is the first comprehensive biography to bring the extraordinary life of Dr. Charles Drew, the "Father of the Blood Bank," into focus. Born into Washington D.C.'s vibrant African American community at the turn of the 20th century, Drew rose on the strength of extraordinary physical and intellectual talents to become a groundbreaking medical […]

  • Zane Killgo Artist Talk: A Different Look from a Different View

    Arlington Historical Museum 1805 South Arlington Ridge Road, Arlington, United States

    Experience the vibrant, story-filled work of artist Zane Killgo, an Arlington County visual artist whose bold use of color and mixed media explores community, identity, and the changing urban landscape. Killgo’s paintings and multimedia works reflect the narratives of local neighborhoods in transition, focusing on gentrification, resilience, and the lived experiences of the people who […]

  • Memorializing the Enslaved in Arlington: What’s It All About?

    Woman's Club of Arlington 700 South Buchana Street, Arlington, VA, United States

    Memorializing the Enslaved in Arlington leaders, Jessica Kaplan (Arlington Historical Society) and Scott Taylor (Director of the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington) will discuss the project, its goals, history, successes, and challenges. Hosted by the Woman's Club of Arlington as part of their celebration of Black History Month. Since the late 1700s, African Americans made […]

  • Commemorative Plans for the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence

    Glencarlyn Library 300 S. Kensington Street, Arlington, VA, United States

    Glencarlyn Library will host Arlington History Society President Peter Vaselopulos for a special presentation about upcoming Arlington County events to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Highlighting what will be a multi-month program of commemoration activities will be Arlington HistoryFest 250, a free, one-day outdoor festival that will take place on Saturday, May […]

  • Feel the Heritage Festival

    Charles Drew Community Center 3500 23rd Street, South, Arlington, VA, United States

    The Arlington Historical Society is participating in the county's Feel the Heritage Festival. This is a vibrant gathering for all ages to celebrate history, culture, and community together! The festival welcomes hundreds each year to learn about the Arlington’s historically African-American neighborhoods while enjoying live entertainment, delicious food and dozens of vendors. This festival brings together […]

  • Butterfield’s Brigade at Mount Olivet Church

    Mt. Olivet. United Methodist Church 1500 North Glebe Road, Arlington, VA, United States

    Completed just before the Civil War, by the end of the conflict's first year Mount Olivet Church's original structure was reduced to its foundations, variously used and abused by the United States Army as – possibly– a hospital, storehouse, picket post, and stable. Cherrydale neighbor and local historian Michael Schaffner will explore the likely actual […]

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