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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250929T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250929T163000
DTSTAMP:20260403T185746
CREATED:20250820T204055Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250829T130455Z
UID:19405-1759158000-1759163400@arlhist.org
SUMMARY:Webinar: Memorializing the Enslaved of Arlington
DESCRIPTION:The lives of Margaret Hyson and her children George and Charlotte – three people enslaved in what is now the Yorktown neighborhood in the 1800s – had previously been unknown. But now\, this family’s story will be told to a broader community. Through a partnership between the Arlington Historical Society and the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington\, stumbling stones\, six-inch round bronze plaques\, engraved with their names and dates of their births and deaths\, have been embedded into the sidewalks near the locations where they were enslaved. Many more stumbling stones will be installed throughout the county. Currently\, the names of 1\,100 enslaved individuals have been identified. \nJoin us as Jessica Kaplan of the Arlington Historical Society tells us about the origin of this initiative\, the research being done\, the work of Arlington Tech students to recreate some of the plaques\, the response of the community and where to find already embedded stumbling stones.   \nAdvance registration is not required\, and this free event is open to all. You may be prompted to enter your name and email address before being admitted to the webinar. Please know that we do not share your information\, and we adhere to the library’s privacy policy: https://encorelearning.net/privacy-policy/  \n  \nThis is an Encore Learning Presents event\, co-sponsored with the Arlington Public Library.  Connect to the presentation online via Zoom:  \n https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84268052749 \nOr dial in by phone (for audio only): 301-715-8592Meeting ID: 842 6805 2749 \nThis event does not require registration. Simply connect to Zoom just before the event begins. We look forward to seeing you all online! Please email questions to info@encorelearning.net.
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/webinar-memorializing-the-enslaved-of-arlington/
CATEGORIES:VA250
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250928T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250928T180000
DTSTAMP:20260403T185746
CREATED:20250828T005506Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250918T233458Z
UID:19454-1759071600-1759082400@arlhist.org
SUMMARY:Mt. Olivet Cemetery Tour
DESCRIPTION:The cemetery of the oldest church in the county is a museum with no walls. Each of the interred has a story and AHS is partnering with Mt. Olivert United Methodist Church to portray key figures buried in the cemetery. This tour is an opportunity to pause and reflect on the rich history of Arlington\, the perseverance of our forebears\, and the preserved beauty of this piece of land. Learn about the tussle over land that the church resolved\, the role the church played during the Civil War\, and key people who were some of Arlington’s early residents\, from enslavers to heroes and entrepreneurs. \nThis event begins with an overview of the history of the church\, an introduction to role of slavery in the county\, and the Civil War and its impact on the church. Light refreshments will be served during the presentation\, courtesy Mt. Olivet Church. \nThen go into the cemetery and meet some of the interred. AHS and Mt. Olivet volunteers will portray some of those who are buried in the cemetery and introduce you to some well known and not-so-well-known Arlingtonians. Tombstone rubbings and scavenger hunt for the children makes this a perfect family Sunday afternoon outing. \n 
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/mt-olivet-cemetery-tour/
LOCATION:Mt. Olivet. United Methodist Church\, 1500 North Glebe Road\, Arlington\, VA\, 22207\, United States
CATEGORIES:VA250
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/avif:https://arlhist.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/mt.-olivet-cemetery-gate.avif
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250928T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250928T143000
DTSTAMP:20260403T185746
CREATED:20250828T004534Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250914T161653Z
UID:19449-1759068000-1759069800@arlhist.org
SUMMARY:15-Minute History: Vice on the Virginia Shore
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a brief talk by the author of “Shootout at Jackson City\,” George Axiotis\, as he describes what life was like living outside the law in Rosslyn and Jackson City at the turn of the previous century\, how it came to an end\, and what its legacy is in our county today. Stop in for his talk and tour the newly refurbished exhibits throughout the Arlington Historical Museum.
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/15-minute-history-vice-on-the-virginia-shore/
LOCATION:Arlington Historical Museum\, 1805 South Arlington Ridge Road\, Arlington\, 22207\, United States
CATEGORIES:VA250
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://arlhist.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Color-Wendelin-painting-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250927T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250927T180000
DTSTAMP:20260403T185746
CREATED:20250830T000953Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250918T192011Z
UID:19478-1758970800-1758996000@arlhist.org
SUMMARY:AHS is at Clarendon Day
DESCRIPTION:AHS is helping Clarendon celebrate its history at Clarendon Day. Come by our table and get a free “Souvenir Guide from the 1915 Northern VIrginia Exposition.” Stay for a story or two about Clarendon and Arlington history\, plus a tabletop exhibit of artifacts and a history trivia quiz. \nClarendon Day is touted as Arlington’s most widely attended street festival\, with over 20\,000 visitors expected to enjoy this highly anticipated\, free\, family-friendly\, day-long event! \nClarendon Day is held in Clarendon Metro park and the adjacent 8 blocks! \n\nDriving? Use 3100 Wilson Blvd\, Arlington\, VA 22201 for your GPS address\nTaking Metro? You can’t miss us once you come up the stairs!\n\nClarendon Day Parking: Park for free from 10 AM – 9 PM in the Mason Square Van Metre Garage\, located behind campus on Founders Way off of Kirkwood Drive. \nThis full-day celebration takes over the heart of Clarendon with live music on multiple stages\, a vibrant beer and wine garden\, delicious offerings from local restaurants and food trucks\, a dedicated KidsZone with family-friendly activities\, and dozens of vendors featuring Arlington’s best artists\, makers\, and small businesses. Thousands of residents and visitors gather each year to enjoy great food\, entertainment\, shopping\, and community spirit—all in one of Arlington’s most walkable neighborhoods. Don’t miss this showcase of local flavor\, creativity\, and fun for all ages! \n 
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/ahs-is-at-clarendon-day/
LOCATION:Clarendon Metro Park\, 3100 Wilson Boulevard\, Arlington\, VA\, 22201\, United States
CATEGORIES:VA250
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://arlhist.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/event-logo.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250913T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250913T143000
DTSTAMP:20260403T185746
CREATED:20250828T003907Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250829T130711Z
UID:19446-1757772000-1757773800@arlhist.org
SUMMARY:15-Minute History: Spotlight on Irene Young and Women's Suffrage
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a brief talk about Irene Ottillie Young\, an owner of the house who was also a suffragist and fought for the right to vote for women. Annette Benbow\, director of the Ball-Sellers House\, will talk about why Mrs. Young was unique\, her role as a suffragist\, and how we know about her.  Stop in for the talk and stay for a tour of the oldest structure in the county. \n 
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/15-minute-spotlight-history-irene-young-and-womens-suffrage/
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/2025/08/1913-0303-Official_Program_Woman_Suffrage_Procession.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250911T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250911T203000
DTSTAMP:20260403T185746
CREATED:20250827T174014Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250831T235955Z
UID:19429-1757617200-1757622600@arlhist.org
SUMMARY:The Metro and Its Impact on Arlington
DESCRIPTION:Join us as we welcome author and historian Dr. Zachary Schrag for a discussion of the development of the Metro and its impact on Arlington. He is the author of “The Great Society Subway: A History of the Washington Metro.” \nDr. Schrag scrutinizes the project from its earliest days and will focus on Arlington\, its general planning\, routes\, station architecture\, funding decisions\, land-use impacts\, and the behavior of Metro riders. The story of the Great Society Subway sheds light on the development of metropolitan Washington\, postwar urban policy\, and Arlington economy and housing. \nMany rely on the Washington Metro\, the 130-mile rapid transit system DC and its inner suburbs. In the first comprehensive history of the Metro\, Dr. Schrag tells the story of the Great Society Subway from its earliest rumblings to the present day. Unlike the pre–World War II rail systems of New York\, Chicago\, and Philadelphia\, the Metro was built at a time when most American families already owned cars\, and when most American cities had dedicated themselves to freeways\, not subways. Why did the nation’s capital take a different path? What were the consequences of that decision? \nUsing extensive archival research as well as oral history\, Dr. Schrag argues that the Metro can be understood only in the political context from which it was born: the Great Society liberalism of the Kennedy\, Johnson\, and Nixon administrations. The Metro emerged from a period when Americans believed in public investments suited to the grandeur and dignity of the world’s richest nation. The Metro was built not merely to move commuters\, but in the words of Lyndon Johnson\, to create “a place where the city of man serves not only the needs of the body and the demands of commerce but the desire for beauty and the hunger for community.” \nDr. Zachary Schrag is a professor of history at George Mason University and specializes in the study of cities\, technology\, and public policy in the US. He is the author of four books and multiple articles in scholarly journals including the Journal of Policy History\, the Journal of Urban History\, Rethinking History\, Technology and Culture\, and Washington History. His essays have appeared in the American Historian\, the Journal of American History\, Politico\, Slate\, the Washington Monthly\, and the Washington Post. \nHis book “The Great Society Subway: A History of the Washington Metro” will be on sale at the event or you can buy yours early at the museum store or at the AHS online store (allow for shipping time!)  \nThis event will be in-person and via Zoom. \nPREREGISTER FOR ZOOM ACCESS. You 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://forms.gle/URdta4eVxpdra2LU8 into your own browser and complete it there. Please register by Wednesday\, September 10.  Zoom access information will be sent to you in an email on the morning of the event on Thursday\, September 11. \nDRIVING DIRECTIONS and FREE PARKING: Attendees planning to attend the event in-person should enter the Marymount University campus at the library gate on N. 26th Street. From Glebe Road going north\, take a right onto 26th Street. Pass the intersection with Yorktown Road and then enter the campus through the next gate on your left. The library is to your left as you enter the campus. Free garage parking is just past the library at the bottom of the small incline. (Handicapped parking is immediately to your right as you enter through the gate onto campus.) \n\nIf the university has lowered the garage gates\, push the button and let them know you’re here for an Arlington Historical Society event in the library. To leave\, push the button and they’ll raise the gate.\n\nThis event is one of the monthly series of free public programs sponsored by the Arlington Historical Society. This event is hosted courtesy of the Marymount University politics program’s American Heritage Initiative. For more information\, please email: info@arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org.
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/the-metro-and-arlington/
LOCATION:Reinsch Library Auditorium\, Marymount University\, 2807 North Glebe Road\, Arlington
CATEGORIES:VA250
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://arlhist.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/NoVA-SUn-headline.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Arlington Historical Society":MAILTO:info@arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250828T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250828T190000
DTSTAMP:20260403T185746
CREATED:20250725T012139Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250814T124532Z
UID:18912-1756396800-1756407600@arlhist.org
SUMMARY:The Arlington Historical Society is at the Mason Square Welcome Fair
DESCRIPTION:The Arlington Historical Society is joining George Mason University for the Fall 2025 Welcome Fair. We’ll be helping to build a stronger community by sharing info on our diverse history and encouraging incoming freshmen to GMU of ways they can become more involved in their community. \nWe’ll be encouraging volunteerism\, letting the students know about upcoming events\, feeding the dreams of history majors who wonder what they could do with their major\, and encouraging everyone who loves to learn about the stories and people who have made their community what it is today. \n 
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/the-arlington-historical-society-is-at-the-mason-square-welcome-fair/
LOCATION:Mason Square\, 3351 Fairfax Drive (Van Metre Hall)\, Arlington\, VA\, 22201\, United States
CATEGORIES:VA250
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://arlhist.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/George-Mason-University.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250824T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250824T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T185746
CREATED:20250725T130017Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250814T131126Z
UID:18921-1756051200-1756054800@arlhist.org
SUMMARY:Memorializing the Enslaved of Arlington: Dedication of Stumbling Stones
DESCRIPTION:Join us as we commemorate the lives of Con and Killemasce\, who were enslaved by John Hurst in the 1760s. \nSince the late 1700s\, African Americans made important contributions to the development of Arlington County. Until recently\, histories of Arlington often excluded or misrepresented their stories. \nMemorializing the Enslaved in Arlington (MEA)\, a project sponsored by the Arlington Historical Society and the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington\, brings our county’s African American history to light. Research into local records uncovers the brutal truth of enslavement in Arlington and the human cost for all involved. Most importantly\, it reveals the fortitude and resilience of the local enslaved community. \nMEA honors the lives and contributions of Arlington’s once enslaved people by placing memorial plaques throughout the county at sites of enslavement. \nLearn more about this project and its findings at: https://arlhist.org/enslavement/
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/memorializing-the-enslaved-of-arlington-dedication-of-stumbling-stones/
LOCATION:516 North Livingston Street\, 516 North Livingston Street\, Arlington\, VA\, 22203\, United States
CATEGORIES:VA250
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://arlhist.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/f20bcf5d80b26a5d7ed579caf2e55ac3b43a9d09.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="Arlington Historical Society":MAILTO:info@arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250821T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250821T183000
DTSTAMP:20260403T185746
CREATED:20250722T193437Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250818T203257Z
UID:18802-1755801000-1755801000@arlhist.org
SUMMARY:Around the Hearth: An Original Play about the Ball-Sellers House
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a reading of an original play about the oldest structure in the county\, the Ball-Sellers House\, a farmhouse built around 1750. Washington Liberty grads\, Layla Johnson and Matteo Hope researched\, written\, produced\, and directed this play in 2024 for their high school and now will produce it at the Ball-Sellers House to help celebrate our 50th year since the house was donated to the Arlington Historical Society by Marian Sellers. \nThis play depicts scenes from the lives of the residents of the house from the Ball family to the Powell family.  If you saw it at WLHS in 2024\, it has been revised with a few new scenes. There is no better location for this play than at the Ball-Sellers House. Bring your chair or blanket and prepare for a fabulous night out under the wisteria watching history unfold in front of you. \nLight summer refreshments provided.  The cost is free but donations are always welcome.
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/around-the-hearth-an-original-play-about-the-ball-sellers-house/
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/2025/07/Hearth.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Arlington Historical Society":MAILTO:info@arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250820
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251004
DTSTAMP:20260403T185746
CREATED:20250829T202049Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250926T182255Z
UID:19472-1755648000-1759535999@arlhist.org
SUMMARY:Deadline: October 3 Contest Entries Commemorating Arlington's Role in America's 250-Year Journey
DESCRIPTION:As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary of our Declaration of Independence from Great Britain\, we reflect on the stories and places that have shaped its history. Arlington\, a community with deep roots in the American narrative\, has witnessed some significant moments that contributed to the story of our nation. \nFor this contest\, identify what you believe is the most significant historical event that took place in Arlington and how it is linked to America’s 250-year journey. Explain why this event stands out as an Arlington story\, its impact on the county and our nation\, and how it reflects our nation’s struggles\, achievements\, and/or values.  \nYou may present your event in one of the following ways: \n\nAn essay\nA poem\nA video \nA design of a new memorial about the event\n\nGrade 8-12 students who live in Arlington are eligible to participate in this contest. \nStudent products will be judged by an Arlington Historical Society review committee using the following criteria: \n\nProduct should reflect research using multiple sources and a bibliography of sources used for the product should be included\nProduct should be submitted digitally and must include a cover sheet with student name\, grade\, school\, and product title. A video submission must include this information at the beginning of the video.\n\nThe deadline for submission is Friday\, October 3rd by 10:00 pm.  Products received after this date will not be considered.  Submit to AHSedlink@gmail.com \nAWARDS include the following prizes: \n\n1st Place: $1\,000. The 1st place winner will be featured in the 2026 Arlington Historical Magazine and/or on the AHS website and invited as a guest to the October 14th AHS Annual Banquet.\n2nd Place:  $500\n3rd Place: $250\nHonorable Mention: $100\n\nQuestions regarding the essay should be sent to apscathy@gmail.com. \nWe hope you take this opportunity to explore the ways in which Arlington’s history intertwines with the broader tapestry of the United States.
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/student-history-contest/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://arlhist.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/535993153_1373894530991531_7848942402873843975_n.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250815T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250816T190000
DTSTAMP:20260403T185746
CREATED:20250725T005850Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250814T235401Z
UID:18906-1755273600-1755370800@arlhist.org
SUMMARY:The Arlington Historical Society is at the County Fair
DESCRIPTION:The Arlington Historical Society is at the Arlington County Fair. We have an indoor booth from Friday at 4 pm through Sunday at 7 pm. Stop by and say hello and talk about history!\n\nSee artifacts from the AHS collection\nPlay the Arlington Chrono Game and try to put local history events in the order they occurred\nSee Then and Now images and try to guess where these historic building were (or still are!)\nLearn about Upcoming AHS events\nFind out about Memorializing the Enslaved of Arlington\, the joint project with the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington\, to learn where stumbling stones are or will be placed.\nFind your home on an 1865 map\nAnd more!\n\nIndoor booths are open:Friday\, August 15:  4 – 10 PMSaturday\, August 16: 11 AM – 9 PMSunday\, August 17:  11 AM – 7 PM
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/the-arlington-historical-society-is-at-the-county-fair/
LOCATION:Thomas Jefferson Community Center\, 3501 Second Street\, South\, Arlington\, VA\, 22204\, United States
CATEGORIES:VA250
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://arlhist.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ACF-Logo-Full-Color.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250809T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250809T160000
DTSTAMP:20260403T185746
CREATED:20250720T002346Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250815T002941Z
UID:18766-1754744400-1754755200@arlhist.org
SUMMARY:Neighbors in Arms:  The Fairfax Muster
DESCRIPTION:Join us at the Ball-Sellers House as we rediscover how\, 250 years ago\, the Fairfax militia prepared to fight the British. \n\nHistory Spotlight at 2:00. Local historian Kevin Vincent will give a brief talk about the muster\, who from what is now Arlington would have served in it\, what they were called to do\, and what its historical significance is to the founding of our country.\nReenactors will show you how the militia would have dressed\, lived\, and prepared to protect Virginia against British attack.\nMeet the muster clerk and sign up for duty protecting Alexandria and the county against the British crown.\nCamp followers\, the wives\, mothers\, and sisters\, who followed the militia will show you the tools they used and the conditions they worked under to help feed\, clothe\, and take care of the men.\n\nWhen the Assembly of Virginia met in July 1775\, after being disbanded in 1774 by Governor Lord Dunmore\, the first law Virginians passed was “An Ordinance for Raising and Embodying a Sufficient Force for the Defense and Protection of the Colony.” It authorized forming Continental regiments\, minute men battalions\, and the county militia. The law made militia duty mandatory for all free men\, hired servants\, and apprentices between the ages of 16 and 50. In each county the Committee of Safety was to commission officers\, a Colonel\, a Lieutenant Colonel\, and a Major to lead the men. Once formed\, the commissioned officers would name a Captain\, a Lieutenant\, and an Ensign. Government officials\, clergymen\, and professors were exempt from militia duty. The Fairfax militia included men from what is now Arlington and protected all of Northern Virginia.
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/neighbors-in-arms-the-fairfax-muster/
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/2025/07/Cowpens-reenactors-scaled-1-1280x848-Copy.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250802
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251201
DTSTAMP:20260403T185746
CREATED:20250723T130253Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251027T220243Z
UID:18837-1754092800-1764547199@arlhist.org
SUMMARY:From Barriers to Ballots Exhibit and 15-Minute History Series
DESCRIPTION: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. \nArlington Historical Society Events\nVisit the Arlington Historical Museum’s voting rights temporary exhibition “From Barriers to Ballots” at our recently reopened and revitalized museum. The exhibit features artifacts and documents about Arlington’s voting history including ballot boxes used when the Hume School was a polling place and a poll tax receipt–when you had to pay to be able to vote. We also have information panels describing historic voting barriers in Arlington. We also encourage you to use the ballot boxes to let us know what you think voting means today. (Saturdays 10-4 and Sundays 1-4 1805 South Arlington Ridge Road\, Arlington) \n\nSaturday: August 2\, 2 PM: 15 Minute History Spotlight: A Brief history of Voting in Arlington with Dr. Mark Benbow discusses how voting has changed starting with being a part of DC until 1847\, who voted and who could not\, voting in the county during the Civil War\, and during the Jim Crow era. Finally\, he’ll outline changes made during the Civil Rights era and the changes caused by the Voting Rights Act in 1965 \,  (2nd floor of the Arlington Historical Museum\, 1805 South Arlington Ridge Road\, Arlington)\nSunday\, August 10\, 2 PM 15-Minute History Spotlight: Voting Today with Vice-Chair of Arlington’s Electoral Board Richard Samp as he discusses the process for voting in Arlington County elections today and how you can get involved. (2nd Floor\, Arlington Historical Museum\, 1805 South Arlington Ridge Road\, Arlington)\nSaturday\, September 13\, 2 PM; 15-Minute History Spotlight: Irene Young and Women’s Suffrage with Annette Benbow\, director of the Ball-Sellers House. Irene Young was a suffragist who participated in the 1913 Woman’s Suffrage Procession and lived to tell about it. Her experience highlights the opposition to allowing women to vote. (Ball-Sellers House\, 5620 3rd Street\, South\, Arlington)\n\nEvents in the “From Barriers to Ballots” Community Series:\n\nTuesday\, 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)\nSaturday\, 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)\n\nExhibits are on view during regular opening hours from August 1 to November 4\, 2025 at the following locations\n\nBozman Government Center\, 2100 Clarendon Boulevard\, Arlington\nArlington Central Library\nArlington Historical Museum Saturday\, 10-4\, Sunday 1-4\nBlack Heritage Museum of Arlington\, Thursday\, Opens at 3 PM\nSherwood Regional Library (Aug 1-31)\, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane\, Alexandria\nCity of Fairfax (Sep 1-Nov 4) Regional Library\, 10360 North Street\, Fairfax\n\nOur exhibition partners include: \n\nThe Arlington Public Library\, Charlie Clark Center for Local History\nThe Black Heritage Museum of Arlington\nThe League of Women Voters of Arlington and Alexandria City\nThe NAACP Arlington Branch
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/from-barriers-to-ballots-exhibit-15-min-history-series/
LOCATION:Arlington Historical Museum\, 1805 South Arlington Ridge Road\, Arlington\, 22207\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://arlhist.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Logo-from-Library.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250727T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250727T143000
DTSTAMP:20260403T185746
CREATED:20250626T231451Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T231532Z
UID:17776-1753624800-1753626600@arlhist.org
SUMMARY:15-Minute History Spotlight: The Family Tea House
DESCRIPTION:Join us on Sunday\, July 27 when high school student and AHS volunteer\, Caroline Tso\, will discuss her new exhibit at the Arlington Historical Museum\, “The Family Tea House: Where Culture and Cuisine Met in Arlington.” This young historian from Woodson High School will talk about the restaurant\, the first Chinese restaurant in the county\, it’s place in history\, and what she found out about it. \nThis initially began as a project to celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Ms. Tso was interested in the history of Asian Americans in Arlington and found advertisements for Chinese restaurants from the late 1940s and 1950s. She grew curious about how these restaurants started in Arlington and how they differed from\, yet were similar to\, the numerous Chinese restaurants we have today\, decades later. \nThis is one of a new series of brief talks at the Arlington Historical Museum on select Sundays each month. Come to the talk and learn history you won’t learn in school\, then stay to tour all the new exhibits at the re-envisioned museum.
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/15-minute-history-spotlight-the-family-tea-house/
LOCATION:Arlington Historical Museum\, 1805 South Arlington Ridge Road\, Arlington\, 22207\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://arlhist.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/tea-house-ad-Arl-Citizen-19570201.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Arlington Historical Society":MAILTO:info@arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250726T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250726T160000
DTSTAMP:20260403T185746
CREATED:20250624T005921Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250624T012418Z
UID:17250-1753538400-1753545600@arlhist.org
SUMMARY:What's Buried in Your Dirt?
DESCRIPTION:Have you unearthed something in your garden or your lawn or somewhere else in Arlington and wonder what it is? Bring it to the Ball-Sellers House on July 26 from 2-4 PM and Tim Landis will tell you what it is. Landis began as a metal detector-ist as a kid and now he boasts an extensive collection of the thousands of things he’s found in and around Arlington and Northern Virginia. He’ll identify anything anyone brings to him that they found buried somewhere in Arlington. He’ll apply his decades of experience and knowledge to identify bits of metal\, ceramics\, pottery\, glassware of any type\, even plastics\, because he’s found it all first as a kid growing up in Arlington\, and now with permission from some builders. Each unearthed artifact helps everyone understand more about Arlington’s history. \nSo bring your “find” and your curiosity to learn more about what it is\, what it is not\, and its role in Arlington history. Then stay for a free guided tour of this c.1750 farmhouse.
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/whats-buried-in-your-dirt/
LOCATION:Ball-Sellers House\, 5620 3rd Street\, South\, Arlington VA 22204\, VA\, 22312\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://arlhist.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/WP_20161105_15_04_38_Pro.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Arlington Historical Society":MAILTO:info@arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250713T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250713T143000
DTSTAMP:20260403T185746
CREATED:20250624T000619Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250814T235850Z
UID:17239-1752415200-1752417000@arlhist.org
SUMMARY:15-Minute History Spotlight: Camp Casey 
DESCRIPTION:Join us on Sunday\, July 13 at 2 PM at the Arlington Historical Museum to uncover the powerful story of Camp Casey—a Civil War training ground for newly freed Black men who joined the US Army during the Civil War in the new US Colored Troop (USCT) Regiments. Michael Schaffner\, a reenactor with the USCT\, has spent the last several years hunting through military and government records to locate this uniquely Arlington site. \nLocated near today’s Pentagon\, Camp Casey was more than just a military post—it was a symbol of freedom\, hope\, and change during a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. Hear the story and what we know about it and then see the artifacts related to it–all in the Arlington Historical Museum. \nThis is one of a new series of brief talks at the Arlington Historical Museum on select Sundays each month. Come to the talk and learn history you won’t learn in school\, then stay to tour all the new exhibits at the re-envisioned museum. Come rediscover the hidden stories that helped shape Arlington.
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/15-minute-history-spotlight-camp-casey/
LOCATION:Arlington Historical Museum\, 1805 South Arlington Ridge Road\, Arlington\, 22207\, United States
CATEGORIES:VA250
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://arlhist.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Map.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Arlington Historical Society":MAILTO:info@arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250710T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250710T203000
DTSTAMP:20260403T185746
CREATED:20250612T134711Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250627T003602Z
UID:16420-1752174000-1752179400@arlhist.org
SUMMARY:The Power of Place: Built by the People Themselves
DESCRIPTION:In her discussion of the “Power of Place: Suburbanization\, Segregation\, and Community Development in Arlington\,” Dr. Lindsey Bestebreurtje will help us explore segregation and racialized zoning and planning laws in Arlington to see how these policies impacted the County’s growth during the 20th Century. She’ll investigate the race-based policies of early boosters at the dawn of Arlington’s suburban growth\, and continue into discussions of restrictive covenants\, planning laws\, and how Arlington’s communities – both Black and white – grew together and in opposition. The majority of this research comes from Bestebreurtje’s book Built by the People Themselves: African American Community Development in Arlington from the Civil War through Civil Rights (USC Press\, 2024). \nDr. Lindsey Bestebreurtje is a historian of African American community development and the built environment in the 19th and 20th century American South. She holds a Ph.D. in History and a Masters in Museum Studies from George Mason University. For the last 15 years she has worked at various public history sites\, including the Historic American Landscape Survey\, the Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media\, and the National Park Service. Bestebreurtje has worked as a Curatorial Assistant at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture since 2015. Dr. Bestebreurtje also serves on the Arlington Historical Society’s Advisory Board. \nThis event will be in-person and via Zoom. AHS will have the book for sale so attendees can buy it and have the author sign it. If you do not plan to attend in person\, you can buy the book on the AHS website: https://arlhist.org/product/book-built-by-the-people-themselves/ \nPREREGISTER FOR ZOOM ACCESS. You 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/1FAIpQLSdHop4BcGF7GbbnShuHNO4DGYiB1WyNQqL8zxITWK5Zp3lBfg/viewform into your own browser and complete it there. Please register by Wednesday\, July 9.  Zoom access information will be sent to you in an email on the morning of the event on Thursday\, July 10. \nDRIVING DIRECTIONS and FREE PARKING: Attendees planning to attend the event in-person should enter the Marymount University campus at the library gate on N. 26th Street. From Glebe Road going north\, take a right onto 26th Street. Pass the intersection with Yorktown Road and then enter the campus through the next gate on your left. The library is to your left as you enter the campus. Free garage parking is just past the library at the bottom of the small incline. (Handicapped parking is immediately to your right as you enter through the gate onto campus.) \n\nIf the university has lowered the garage gates\, push the button and let them know you’re here for an Arlington Historical Society event in the library. To leave\, push the button and they’ll raise the gate.\n\nThis event is one of the monthly series of free public programs sponsored by the Arlington Historical Society. This event is hosted courtesy of the Marymount University politics program’s American Heritage Initiative. For more information\, please email: info@arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org.
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/built-by-the-people-themselves/
LOCATION:Reinsch Library Auditorium\, Marymount University\, 2807 North Glebe Road\, Arlington
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://arlhist.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/book-cover-Copy.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Arlington Historical Society":MAILTO:info@arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250704T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250704T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T185746
CREATED:20250606T125151Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250612T125847Z
UID:16164-1751634000-1751648400@arlhist.org
SUMMARY:Reading the Declaration of Independence and Making Revolutionary Protest Signs
DESCRIPTION:“We hold these truths to be self-evident…” help read the Declaration of Independence out loud for all to hear at one of the only structures in the county that is still in existence to hear the document read aloud in 1776: the Ball-Sellers House (c.1750). Lend your voice and/or that of your family to read the words that helped start this nation’s “great experiment” in democracy. 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 the king’s 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 1:00 till 3:30.  Come for the history\, stay for the free guided tour of this 275-year-old house. \n  \n 
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/declaration-of-independence/
LOCATION:Ball-Sellers House\, 5620 3rd Street\, South\, Arlington VA 22204\, VA\, 22312\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://arlhist.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/180628174143-02-declaration-of-independence-1776.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Arlington Historical Society":MAILTO:info@arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250628T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250628T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T185746
CREATED:20250526T015820Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250526T015820Z
UID:15339-1751119200-1751122800@arlhist.org
SUMMARY:Cheesy History at the Ball-Sellers House
DESCRIPTION:The Ball-Sellers House is celebrating 50 years of ownership of this c.1750 farmhouse when Marian Sellers donated it to the Arlington Historical Society. We have so much history to share\, we’re launching a new mini history series called “15 Minute History” twice a month on select Saturdays at 2:00 pm. \nOn June 28 come and see a reenactment demonstration of how the Ball girls would have made cheese. Sandy Newton will demonstrate the steps it took to make the cheese we now take for granted at our grocery store. Sandy has worked at Mount Vernon for 32 years as a guide\, farm supervisor\, and character interpreter. She knows! how 18th century farms worked and what they were able to produce. \nWe’re also open for FREE guided tours from 1-4.  Step back in time with us! All ages welcome!
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/cheesy-history-at-the-ball-sellers-house/
LOCATION:Ball-Sellers House\, 5620 3rd Street\, South\, Arlington VA 22204\, VA\, 22312\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://arlhist.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Snap13.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Arlington Historical Society":MAILTO:info@arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250622T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250622T143000
DTSTAMP:20260403T185746
CREATED:20250612T011554Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250618T183759Z
UID:16385-1750600800-1750602600@arlhist.org
SUMMARY:The Secret Trip of the Declaration of Independence: 15 Minute History at the Museum
DESCRIPTION:Did you know that the Declaration of Independence was once hidden in Arlington? Join us for a 15-minute history talk at the Arlington Historical Museum on Sunday\, June 22 at 2PM to uncover the fascinating story of how the nation’s founding document found safety during the War of 1812 here in what became Arlington County. \nOur county is loaded with history! Come and rediscover it where it happened. Our newly redone museum has so much history\, we’re starting a series of brief talks at the Arlington Historical Museum on select Sundays each month. They’re free and fun and you’ll learn some fascinating tidbits to WOW your friends and family! Then continue touring the museum (on both floors!) on your self-guided tour of the rest of Arlington’s history. History is for everyone! \n#America250 #ArlingtonVA #DeclarationOfIndependence #LocalHistory #FourthofJuly #CivicSpirit #ArlingtonHistory #VA250
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/the-secret-trip-of-the-declaration-of-independence-15-minute-history-at-the-museum/
LOCATION:Arlington Historical Museum\, 1805 South Arlington Ridge Road\, Arlington\, 22207\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://arlhist.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Picture1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Arlington Historical Society":MAILTO:info@arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250619T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250619T190000
DTSTAMP:20260403T185746
CREATED:20250516T195716Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250619T164005Z
UID:14897-1750348800-1750359600@arlhist.org
SUMMARY:LOCATION CHANGE DUE TO WEATHER Juneteenth Community Day
DESCRIPTION:THIS EVENT HAS BEEN MOVED INDOORS TO WAKEFIELD HIGH SCHOOL DUE TO WEATHER FORECASTS \nHonor and celebrate the strength\, determination\, resilience and integrity of those who weathered in the pursuit of liberation and freedom! \nYou’re invited to the Annual Juneteenth Community Day! \nThis family-friendly event commemorates the emancipation of Africans who were enslaved and honors African American culture and heritage. Join us to honor and celebrate the strength\, determination\, resilience\, and integrity of those who weathered in the pursuit of liberation and freedom! \nJune 19th will be a day of celebration and reflection at Metropolitan Park as we commemorate Juneteenth\, a pivotal moment in American history. This in-person event will feature live music\, cultural performances\, delicious food\, and activities for all ages. \nKickoff will start promptly at 4:00 pm!! Don’t miss our special guest speakers and more at 4:30!!! Please consider using public transportation. Be sure to register and invite a friend! \nLet’s honor the past\, celebrate the present\, and look toward a brighter future together. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate freedom! \nAHS will bring artifacts info on African American local history from enslavement to  empowerment! Plus\, information on upcoming local history events and how to preserve your family’s history. \nAdmission: Free and open to the public. Rain or Shine! \nPlease sign up to reserve your spot: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-juneteenth-community-day-tickets-1348280797159 \nHost: Challenging Racism www.challengingracism.org  \nCo-Hosts: \n\nArlington Coalition of Black Clergy\nArlington Historical Society: https://arlhist.org/\nBlack Heritage Museum of Arlington: https://arlingtonblackheritage.org/\nNAACP Arlington Branch: https://www.arlingtonnaacp.com/\n\nCommunity Sponsors: Arlington Community Foundation: https://www.arlcf.org/ \nMedia Sponsor: WHUT: https://www.whut.org/
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/juneteenth-community-day/
LOCATION:Wakefield High School\, 1325 S\, Dinwiddie Street\, Arlington\, VA\, 22207\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://arlhist.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/event-6229757195066781748.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250614T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250614T143000
DTSTAMP:20260403T185746
CREATED:20250526T012507Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250815T002518Z
UID:15336-1749909600-1749911400@arlhist.org
SUMMARY:Who Were the Enslaved People at the Ball-Sellers House?
DESCRIPTION:The Ball-Sellers House is celebrating 50 years of ownership of this c.1750 farmhouse when Marian Sellers donated it to the Arlington Historical Society. We have so much history to share\, we’re launching a new mini history series called “15 Minute History” twice a month on select Saturdays at 2:00 pm. \nOn June 14\, come and hear about the least known residents of this 275 year old farmhouse: the three known enslaved people. Jessica Kaplan research lead for the Memorializing the Enslaved in Arlington project will talk about who they were and what we know. This joint project between the Arlington historical Society and the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington laid the first “stumbling stones” at the Ball-Sellers House to honor their memory. Find out what we now know. Also! free tours of the house from 1-4. All ages welcome! \nAll mini events will begin at 2:00 at the Ball-Sellers House located at 5620 3rd Street\, South\, in Arlington
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/who-were-the-enslaved-people-at-the-ball-sellers-house/
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/2025/05/IMG_8258-wTOP-Copy.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Arlington Historical Society":MAILTO:info@arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250612T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250612T210000
DTSTAMP:20260403T185746
CREATED:20250416T133255Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250515T021150Z
UID:14085-1749754800-1749762000@arlhist.org
SUMMARY:Can’t You Hear Me Calling: Tales and Tunes from Arlington’s Bluegrass History
DESCRIPTION:Although now an international phenomenon\, Bluegrass music would have never reached such popularity without the musical community that formed in the DC area. Local bands\, radio stations\, and music venues\, reverberated these melodies round the whole world. Join Zack Youcha\, Andrew Acosta\, Randy Barrett\, Michael Jaworek\, and Don Rusnak on a musical exploration of Arlington’s Bluegrass history. Through song and conversation\, they will demonstrate and discuss Arlington’s important contributions to the cultural explosion of a beloved American genre.  Due to the performance nature of this event\, this will be an IN-HOUSE ONLY event and not available on Zoom. \nRandy Barrett is president of Bluegrass Country radio\, America’s oldest bluegrass\, old time and Americana station (formerly operated by WAMU FM). Streaming worldwide\, it offers a unique blend of musical offerings old and new curated by expert deejays from a library of more than 100\,000 recordings. He is also a musician\, songwriter\, luthier and co-author\, with Ben Eldridge\, of the celebrated book On Banjo: Recollections\, Licks and Solos. \n Michael Jaworek has been a concert promoter for over 50 years\, presenting pop/jazz/blues/world beat music\, as well as dance companies.  His activities currently are focused in the Washington DC/Baltimore MD markets\, where he is promoter for The Birchmere along with other venues.  He has been nominated many times as “Nightclub Talent Buyer of the Year” by Pollstar Magazine\, the publication of record for the concert promotion industry.  Mr. Jaworek was also a co-founder of the Washington Area Music Awards.  He has been a NARAS member & served on the Wash DC Board of Governors for philanthropy of NARAS.  He has received the International Talent Buyers Association “Club Buyer of the Year” Award. \nAndrew Acosta is a Falls Church native. Born in 1952\, he formed his first band The Dusters in 1975 with the encouragement of local bluegrass bandleader Benny and Vallie Cain. He attended college at VCU and Clinch Valley College (now UVA Wise) where he soaked up the deep musical traditions of southwest Virginia. In 1999\, he formed The New Old Time String Band with banjoist Pat MacCauley\, then added fiddle player Roy ‘Speedy’ Tolliver. They performed extensively in northern Virginia and also the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage and The Smithsonian Folk Life Festival in 2007\, which is also the year the legendary Arlington bluegrass guitarist John Kaparakis joined the group. Andrew still resides in Falls Chuch\, performs often\, has produced four CD’s and is very thankful for the many blessings music has brought into his life. \nDon Rusnak is a lifelong banjo player\, steeped in the history and lore of Arlington and Alexandria. After moving here as a kid\, Don leapt into the Bluegrass and Country music scenes\, becoming a regular performer\, as well as a banjo maker and repairman. Through the community that developed around his instrument shop\, Vintage Music\, Don founded the Capital Area Bluegrass and Oldtime Music Association (CABOMA) in 1978. It is still thriving and open to the public. \nZack Youcha is the executive director of Music is Culture\, a non-profit record label and publishing company supporting the preservation of traditional music worldwide. His own work preserving the songs of his Sephardic ancestors led to collaborations with museums\, universities\, archives\, and governments around the world. He wrote an article for the Arlington Historical Magazine’s 2024 edition titled: “From the Seldom Scene to the Seldom Heard of: An Interview about Arlington Bluegrass with CABOMA Founder\, Don Rusnack” that inspired this presentation. You can find an ongoing publication of his research through the Jewish Music Research Centre. \n     \nThis is an in-person event only. Zoom is not being offered due to the performative nature of this event. \nDRIVING DIRECTIONS and FREE PARKING: Attendees planning to attend the event in-person should enter the Marymount University campus at the library gate on N. 26th Street. From Glebe Road going north\, take a right onto 26th Street. Pass the intersection with Yorktown Road and then enter the campus through the next gate on your left. The library is to your left as you enter the campus. Free garage parking is just past the library at the bottom of the small incline. (Handicapped parking is immediately to your right as you enter through the gate onto campus.) \n\nIf the university has lowered the garage gates\, push the button and let them know you’re here for an Arlington Historical Society event in the library. To leave\, push the button and they’ll raise the gate.\n\nThis event is one of the monthly series of free public programs sponsored by the Arlington Historical Society. This event is hosted courtesy of the Marymount University politics program’s American Heritage Initiative. For more information\, please email: info@arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org. \n 
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/cant-you-hear-me-calling/
LOCATION:Reinsch Library Auditorium\, Marymount University\, 2807 North Glebe Road\, Arlington
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://arlhist.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/famous-bluegrass-music.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Arlington Historical Society":MAILTO:info@arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250608T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250608T160000
DTSTAMP:20260403T185746
CREATED:20250516T022839Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250516T201725Z
UID:14833-1749384000-1749398400@arlhist.org
SUMMARY:Living History at Fort C.F. Smith Park
DESCRIPTION:The Union Army has come to Arlington and set up camp at Fort C.F. Smith Park. Join us for a day of living history that will include drilling activities\, specialized fort tours and more. Come learn about Civil War life in Arlington County and beyond at this free event. Cancelled if raining.\n\n\nThe Arlington Historical Society will show artifacts and talk about what life was like for some of the thousands of US Army troops stationed in and around Arlington to protect the Capital City from potential Confederate attack.\nMatthew Brady\, the renowned Civil War photographer who had a studio in Arlington\, will be there to take your picture like he did thousands of US Army troops in Arlington (Re-enacted by AHS President\, Peter Vaselopulos).\nAnd MORE!\n\nFort C.F. Smith is the best preserved Civil War fort in Arlington and one of the best preserved of all the Washington defenses. Between 1863 and 1865\, Fort C. F. Smith was built to bolster  defenses of the nation’s capital. It was called the Fort McDowell\, but in June 1863\, it was named to honor Major General Charles Ferguson Smith who had died in battle.\n\n\nDrilling Activities\nSpecialized Fort Tours\nCivil War Artifacts!\nRe-enactors!\nHistorians!\nHooray!
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/living-history-at-fort-c-f-smith-park/
LOCATION:Fort C.F. Smith\, 2411 24th Street\, North\, Arlington\, VA\, 22207\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://arlhist.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/CXropped-Flyer.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250607T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250607T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T185746
CREATED:20250527T203746Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T134511Z
UID:15440-1749312000-1749315600@arlhist.org
SUMMARY:Memorializing the Enslaved of Arlington: Columbia Pike
DESCRIPTION: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).  The markers are placed in the sidewalk at the last known location where these enslaved people lived. Memorializing the Enslaved in Arlington’s research has revealed over 2750 enslaved people and identified 1045 by name. \nPlease join us for the Dedication Ceremony honoring two once enslaved individuals: \n\nThornton Check: Born ca. 1823\, Died August 12\, 1889\nDaniel Check: Born ca. 1826\n\nTheir Story  \nBrothers\, Thornton and Daniel Check\, were enslaved by Bazil Williams whose large farm straddled Columbia Pike in what is today the Foxcroft Heights – Arlington View areas of Arlington.  Two additional brothers\, Jackson and Lewis\, were also enslaved by Williams. Thornton was born around 1820 and Daniel ca. 1826. Their mother’s name is unknown; their father was Emanual Check. \nBazil Williams\, bought land along Columbia Pike beginning in 1816. His farm grew and by 1830 he enslaved 11 people. At his death in 1854\, Williams enslaved roughly 23 individuals.  He freed all but three in his will and gave them each $20 to help them move to Liberia or the Western United States. None of them resettled in Liberia. \nThornton was married to Julia Check\, a woman enslaved at neighboring Arlington House. They had two daughters\, Catherine and Susan and a son\, Henry. In 1864\, Thornton enlisted in the 117th US Colored Troops and was discharged a year later. In 1878\, he entered the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers near Dayton\, OH\, where he died in 1889. He was buried at the Soldiers Home Cemetery. \nDaniel Check was born around 1826 in Virginia. He lived in both Arlington and Washington\, DC after gaining his freedom in 1855. In 1873\, he married Henrietta Baker\, and they had one known daughter\, Mary H. Check. Daniel’s date of death is unknown\, but entries in District of Columbia directories point to his having lived there continuously until 1899. \nJoin us as we celebrate and honor Thornton and Daniel and 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. \n 
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/memorializing-the-enslaved-of-arlington-columbia-pike/
LOCATION:1515 Columbia Pike\, 1515 Columbia Pike\, Arlington\, 22204\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://arlhist.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/f20bcf5d80b26a5d7ed579caf2e55ac3b43a9d09.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250531T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250531T143000
DTSTAMP:20260403T185746
CREATED:20250522T132550Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250526T020508Z
UID:15276-1748700000-1748701800@arlhist.org
SUMMARY:From Fleece to Cloth: Reenactment at Ball-Sellers House
DESCRIPTION:The Ball-Sellers House is celebrating 50 years of ownership of this c.1750 farmhouse–Marian Sellers donated it to the Arlington Historical Society for $10. We have so much history to share\, we’re launching a new mini history series called “15 Minute History” twice a month on select Saturdays at 2:00 pm. \nOn May 31\, come and see a demonstration of how colonial Virginia women turned sheep’s wool into cloth. Reenactor Sandy Newton will show you how our colonial forebears who lived in THIS house would have turned sheep’s wool into material for all sorts of things used in the house. She’ll show you wool carding and spinning and even help you make a take home “bouncy ball” of felted wool. Also: take a free guided tour of the house from 1-4 pm. \nAll ages welcome! \nAll mini events will begin at 2:00 at the Ball-Sellers House located at 5620 3rd Street\, South\, in Arlington
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/mini-history-at-ball-sellers-house-from-fleece-to-cloth/
LOCATION:Ball-Sellers House\, 5620 3rd Street\, South\, Arlington VA 22204\, VA\, 22312\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://arlhist.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Sandy-Newton-Copy.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Arlington Historical Society":MAILTO:info@arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250531T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250531T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T185746
CREATED:20250516T020731Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250516T020731Z
UID:14827-1748685600-1748696400@arlhist.org
SUMMARY:Drew Day at Dr. Charles Drew Elementary
DESCRIPTION:The Arlington Historical Society is proud to be helping to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Charles R. Drew. We’ll have a table\, artifacts\, a quiz\, and lots of info on the man who became known as the Father of the Blood Bank. Find out how an Arlington elementary school appreciates its namesake. \nVisit our table and say\, “HI!”
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/drew-day-at-dr-charles-drew-elementary/
LOCATION:Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary School\, 3500 23rd Street\, South\, Arlington\, VA\, 22206\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://arlhist.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Drew-stamp.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250517T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250517T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T185746
CREATED:20250331T175817Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250501T003207Z
UID:13956-1747486800-1747490400@arlhist.org
SUMMARY:Dedication of Eagle Scout Project Ball-Sellers House Benches
DESCRIPTION:Join us as we dedicate one of the four new wooden benches designed and built by Connor Jones as his Eagle Scout project. He conducted historical research and coordinated with the Ball-Sellers House to identify an appropriate style for the colonial era in which the house was built (c.1750). Then he planned\, led\, and managed a team of scouts from Arlington’s Scout Troop 647 to build and install four benches. He also refurbished two older benches that look so good\, we dare you to guess which ones are old and which are the new ones! He also designed and built a new kitchen table for inside the museum. The six benches are installed around the Ball-Sellers House property for visitors to enjoy during tours\, special events\, or just to appreciate the history of the site. \nThe dedication ceremony is open and free to the public to appreciate the work of this young man. We will serve refreshments and hear brief remarks by the Scout leader and AHS officials. \nWe will be dedicating one of the benches to a historic figure in Connor’s family\, Ralph Jones (1625-1692) from Plymouth Massachusetts. This ancestor\, one of the first European children born in the colonial America\, inspired Connor’s interest in history and drew him to the Ball-Sellers House to complete his Eagle Scout Project for a historic site. (Photo at right is Connor Jones and his dad and assistant\, Bill with three of the four new benches.) \nCome for the dedication and stay for the free tours of the c. 1750 farmhouse.
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/dedication-of-eagle-scout-project-ball-sellers-house-benches/
LOCATION:Ball-Sellers House\, 5620 3rd Street\, South\, Arlington VA 22204\, VA\, 22312\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://arlhist.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/20250328_163643.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Arlington Historical Society":MAILTO:info@arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250510T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250510T153000
DTSTAMP:20260403T185746
CREATED:20250331T171043Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250331T171043Z
UID:13954-1746882000-1746891000@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 tour of the Ball-Sellers House (the oldest building in Arlington)\, 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.\n\n  \n\n\n\n\n Add to calendar
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/george-washingtons-forest-guided-walking-tour/
LOCATION:Ball-Sellers House\, 5620 3rd Street\, South\, Arlington VA 22204\, VA\, 22312\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://arlhist.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/map-of-walk.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Arlington Historical Society":MAILTO:info@arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250508T191500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250508T204500
DTSTAMP:20260403T185746
CREATED:20250328T192002Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250329T011433Z
UID:13934-1746731700-1746737100@arlhist.org
SUMMARY:Early Days of the Civil War Defenses of Washington: From Fort Sumter to First Bull Run
DESCRIPTION:Arlington was key to the defenses of Washington during the Civil War. Bryan Cheeseboro will describe the threats to the Capital City that spurred building the ring of defenses—inside DC and in Virginia. The Civil War Defenses of Washington (CWDW) were composed of 68 forts and 93 batteries. But this was the strength of the defenses by the end of the war. How did the CWDW begin? Where was the first fort built and when was it completed? How many forts were built in the first few months of the war? Was a Confederate attack on the city\, like the British had done in the War of 1812\, really possible?  He’ll explain where the forts were built and the fear and danger to the Capital City after the abysmal US Army defeat at the Battle of First Bull Run. \nBryan Cheeseboro is a historian of the American Civil War and a reenactor with Company B\, 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. He has been featured on American Battlefield Trust’s Zoom Goes the History series and Antietam Live! programs.  He has written for the Emerging Civil War blog.  His presentations to the Rock Creek\, DC Civil War Round Table include the programs “Outside of Lincoln’s White House: Civil War Men and Women of the DC Metro Area;” “The Grand Reviews of the Civil War;” and the “1st United States Colored Infantry.”  He is also a former board member of the Alliance to Preserve the Civil War Defenses of Washington.  He is currently a Park Ranger with the National Park Service.  His site is the Civil War Defenses of Washington.  \nPREREGISTER FOR ZOOM ACCESS. You 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: https://forms.gle/UGEVTB3hCpfViSc98  You can also cut and paste this link: https://forms.gle/UGEVTB3hCpfViSc98 into your own browser and complete it there. Please register by Wednesday\, May 7.  Zoom access information will be sent to you on the morning of the event on Thursday\, May 8. This presentation immediately follows a brief AHS members’ meeting. \nDRIVING DIRECTIONS and FREE PARKING: Attendees planning to attend the event in-person should enter the Marymount University campus at the library gate on N. 26th Street. From Glebe Road going north\, take a right onto 26th Street. Pass the intersection with Yorktown Road and then enter the campus through the next gate on your left. The library is to your left as you enter the campus. Free garage parking is just past the library at the bottom of the small incline. (Handicapped parking is immediately to your right as you enter through the gate onto campus.) \n\nIf the university has lowered the garage gates\, push the button and let them know you’re here for an Arlington Historical Society event in the library. To leave\, push the button and they’ll raise the gate.\n\nThis event is one of the monthly series of free public programs sponsored by the Arlington Historical Society. This event is hosted courtesy of the Marymount University politics program’s American Heritage Initiative. For more information\, please email: info@arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org. \n 
URL:https://arlhist.org/event/early-days-of-the-civil-war-defenses/
LOCATION:Reinsch Library Auditorium\, Marymount University\, 2807 North Glebe Road\, Arlington
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://arlhist.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/event-6128566148311881653.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Arlington Historical Society":MAILTO:info@arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org
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END:VCALENDAR