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Arlington Historical Society
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Visit

Plan Your Visit

The Arlington Historical Museum is open on Saturday 10-4 and on Sunday from 1- 4 pm. 

The Arlington Historical Museum is located in the historic Hume School, the oldest surviving school building in Arlington County. Designed by noted Washington architect B. Stanley Simmons, the school was named for Frank Hume, a Confederate veteran and civic leader who donated the land for a playground and championed public education in the late 19th century.

Today, the Hume School is home to a dynamic museum that tells the story of Arlington through a range of permanent and rotating exhibits. Highlights include displays on the county’s Indigenous peoples, the Civil War, Arlington’s industrial growth, and the changing population.

Newer exhibits explore immigration in Arlington and honor the lives and labor of enslaved people in the community. A favorite among school groups and families is the history of education exhibit—where visitors can still ring the school bell!

The museum is located at 1805 South Arlington Ridge Road, Arlington, Virginia. Admission is FREE and so is the parking.  (click here for directions)

Stop by, explore Arlington’s history, and don’t forget to ring the bell!

The Ball-Sellers House is open April through October on Saturday from 1- 4 pm.

The Ball-Sellers House is a captivating historical site near the heart of Arlington. Built c. 1750, this farmhouse is one of the oldest structures in the region and offers a unique glimpse into the life and times of the 18th century.  The Ball-Sellers House is not just a museum; it is a living history experience where you can learn about the challenges and triumphs faced by those who lived in this home.

The house is a testament to the region’s rich history and showcases the lifestyle of early American settlers. Visitors can explore the well-preserved structure, which features original architectural elements and period furnishings that transport you back in time. As you walk through the rooms, knowledgeable guides share intriguing stories and insights about the house’s inhabitants and the historical significance of the property. (Click here to see some of the tour: https://youtu.be/mWxAMnXv_Yg )

The colonial style vegetable garden and flower gardens around the grounds also provide a peaceful setting for reflection and enjoyment, making it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts. Whether you’re a history buff, a family looking for an educational outing, or a curious traveler, the Ball-Sellers House promises an enriching experience that captures the spirit of early America.

The museum is open to visitors on Saturdays from 1-4 PM. Plan your visit to make the most of this unique opportunity.

  • Visit on a Saturday to take advantage of the open hours.
  • Join a guided tour for stories of the people who lived here and insights into the house’s history.
  • Check the historical society’s website for any special events or programs. https://arlhist.org/events/

The Ball-Sellers House, is owned and operated by the Arlington Historical Society. The farmhouse was built circa by John and Elizabeth Ball and three generations of the Carlin family owned the house, starting with the Glencarlyn namesake, William Carlin, who was a tailor for George and Martha Washington.

The last private owner was Marian Sellers who lived in the house as a child.  She donated the house to the Society in 1975.  The building is on the National Register of Historic Sites and is designated a Virginia State Historical Landmark.

The Ball-Sellers House is located at 5620 Third Street South, in the Glencarlyn neighborhood of Arlington. (click here for directions)

Arlington Historical Museum and Ball-Sellers House

The goal of the Arlington Historical Society is to strengthen our community by sharing a better understanding of our diverse history.

The Arlington Historical Society conducts research to preserve and disseminate knowledge about Arlington County history, archaeology, material culture, geography, and socio-economic development.

The society does this by:

  • Providing historic resources for the community
  • Maintaining two free-to-the-public” historic properties, the Arlington Historical Museum and the Balls-Sellers House
  • Displaying our extensive artifact collection in our museums or visiting schools and community groups
  • Original historical research and publications
  • Presentations to a wide variety of community groups and civic and service organizations.
  • And more!

If you are interested in a free tour of either (or both!) of our museums for your group or family of any age and size, or if you would like to volunteer with us, please email: info@arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org

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Support

The Arlington Historical Society relies solely on membership dues and donations to support the Arlington Historical Museum and Ball-Sellers House.

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Visit Us

The Arlington Historical Museum
1805 S Arlington Ridge Rd, Arlington, VA 22202
703-892-4204 ext. 800
Open Saturday, Sunday 1-4 pm
Get Directions

The Ball-Sellers House
5620 3rd St S, Arlington, VA 22204
703-577-7042
Open Saturday 1-4 pm
Get Directions

Contact Us

E-mail us: info@arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org
Call us: 703-892-4204 ext. 800

Arlington Historical Society
P.O. Box 100402
Arlington, Virginia 22210-3402

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