The Arlington Historical Museum
- Saturday 10 AM – 4 PM
- Sunday from 1 – 4 PM
Current Special Exhibits
The Family Tea House (2nd floor through August)
The Ball-Sellers House Timeline celebrating 50 years since Marian Sellers donated this c. 1750 farmhouse. (2nd floor, through October)
From Barriers to Ballots: The Fight for Voting Rights in Virginia (2nd floor though October)
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. The museum 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. (READ MORE: https://arlhist.org/event/from-barriers-to-ballots-event-series/ )
Coming in September
The History of Education in Arlington County, a new permanent exhibit within our replica classroom on the 2nd floor.
All new exhibits as of our refurbished reopening in May 2025 include all of Arlington history from Native Peoples through the 20th Century:
- Indigenous Peoples
- Agrarian Society
- Memorializing the Enslaved
- Civil War
- Transportation
- African Americans
- The Red Light Districts
- World War II
- Urbanization
- Commerce and Business
- Immigration
- 9/11
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 later a successful entrepreneur and civic leader who donated the land 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
Open Saturday from 1 – 4 PM April through October
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)