Arlington Historical Society

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Arlington Historical Society Our mission: strengthen our community through a better understanding of its diverse history. Built in 1891, it is the oldest school building in Arlington. Free.

The Arlington Historical Society's goal is to help strengthen our community through a better understanding of our history. We do that in many ways: a key one is to promote awareness of Arlington history through our two museums, monthly public presentations, and community outreach. The Arlington Historical Museum is located at 1805 South Arlington Ridge Road at the former Hume School. You can walk through Arlington history on a self-guided tour from Native Americans through 9/11. The museum is open every Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 pm. The Ball Sellers House Museum is at 5620 3rd Street South in Arlington. You can step back through time to see how middle-class farmers lived in the Colonial era. Knowledgeable docents provide interactive free tours to the public of this home built in the 1750s. It is open Saturdays 1:00-4:00 from April through October. We welcome group tours at both our museums during regular hours or at your convenience and can tailor the experience to your interests. Please contact us for more information.

Sunday, Oct 18 @ 2 PM15 Minute History: Men, Myths, Markers & Maps – Drawing the Boundaries of Washington, D.C.Arlington...
10/15/2026

Sunday, Oct 18 @ 2 PM
15 Minute History: Men, Myths, Markers & Maps – Drawing the Boundaries of Washington, D.C.
Arlington Historical Museum, 1805 South Arlington Ridge Rd (FREE)
How did a few surveyors, some astronomical calculations, and a series of stone markers define the nation’s new capital?

Join David Pearson for a fascinating 15 Minute History exploring the people and process behind the original survey of the District of Columbia. Learn about Benjamin Banneker and Andrew Ellicott, their roles in the landmark 1791 survey, and the boundary stones placed to mark the new federal district, including those still standing in and around Arlington today.

Along the way, David will separate fact from folklore, explore some of the myths that have grown around Banneker and the survey, and reveal what early maps and surviving boundary stones can tell us about the creation of Washington, D.C.

Come discover the men, the myths, the markers and the maps behind the lines that shaped our nation’s capital.

Last Saturday, LOMAX African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church celebrated its 160th anniversary with a Gala Banquet. This...
10/15/2026

Last Saturday, LOMAX African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church celebrated its 160th anniversary with a Gala Banquet. This was just part of the multi-event celebration!

Thank you for inviting the Arlington Historical Society to attend. It was fabulous to see so many people honoring the history and legacy (and future!) of this historic church.

This church's history represents much in our nation's history. Here's just a few examples:
-- Civil War US Colored Troops were members when they came home from the war.
-- The church had at least two former members of the US Army 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only Black and multi-ethnic WAC unit sent overseas during World War II, and a movie was made about it in 2024
-- Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke from the parking lot the night before he spoke at the March on Washington in 1963.

Living History: Civil War Cooking Thursday, October 15 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pmArlington Central LibraryAHS President Peter...
10/15/2026

Living History: Civil War Cooking 
Thursday, October 15 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Arlington Central Library
AHS President Peter Vaselopulos (a Civil War reenactor) will spotlight military food during the Civil War. Captain James M. Sanderson, a Federal officer from New York, wrote the groundbreaking cookbook “Campfires and Camp Cooking: Culinary Hints for the Soldier” to educate newly minted “Cook Majors” and improve the quality of food provided to soldiers. Learn about his impact on the quality and safety of food prepared in military camps (including Arlington) and on the battlefield.

REGISTRATION RECOMMENDED: https:// arlingtonva.libcal.com/event/17239053
By registering you will receive event updates. This event will take place in the Bluemont Room of Central Library

An Evening of History Under the Stars!Fri, 10/16 from 6-9David M. Brown Planetarium1426 N. Quincy St.Did you know Arling...
10/14/2026

An Evening of History Under the Stars!
Fri, 10/16 from 6-9
David M. Brown Planetarium
1426 N. Quincy St.
Did you know Arlington has its OWN planetarium?

Join the Arlington Historical Society (AHS) and the Friends of Arlington’s Planetarium (FOAP) for an Evening of History Under the Stars, a joint fundraiser for both organizations where the past and the night sky share the spotlight.

For $25 you’ll enjoy:
-- A full dome planetarium show and skytalk on the sky we see and what it would have looked like 250 years ago
-- Historical displays
-- A special meteorite collection
-- A presentation on the history of Arlington’s planetarium including its namesake, Yorktown grad, astronaut David M. Brown
-- Stargazing on the plaza (weather permitting)
-- Reception with refreshments
Please click here for tickets through the Friends of the Planetarium: https://events.humanitix.com/history-under-the-stars?

Donations ARE always welcome! All proceeds will be split evenly between the Friends of the Planetarium and the Arlington Historical Society to continue to educate our community. Parking is free.

Living History: Civil War Cooking Thursday, October 15 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pmArlington Central LibraryAHS President Peter...
10/14/2026

Living History: Civil War Cooking 
Thursday, October 15 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Arlington Central Library
AHS President Peter Vaselopulos and Civil War reenactor will spotlight military food during the Civil War. Captain James M. Sanderson, a Federal officer from New York, wrote the groundbreaking cookbook “Campfires and Camp Cooking: Culinary Hints for the Soldier” to educate newly minted “Cook Majors” and improve the quality of food provided to soldiers. Learn about his impact on the quality and safety of food prepared in military camps (including Arlington) and on the battlefield.

REGISTRATION RECOMMENDED: https:// arlingtonva.libcal.com/event/17239053
By registering you will receive event updates. This event will take place in the Bluemont Room of Central Library

An Evening of History Under the Stars!Fri, 10/16 from 6-9David M. Brown Planetarium, 1426 N. Quincy St.Join the Arlingto...
10/13/2026

An Evening of History Under the Stars!
Fri, 10/16 from 6-9
David M. Brown Planetarium, 1426 N. Quincy St.
Join the Arlington Historical Society (AHS) and the Friends of Arlington’s Planetarium (FOAP) for an Evening of History Under the Stars, a joint fundraiser for both organizations where the past and the night sky share the spotlight.

For $25 you’ll enjoy:
-- A full dome planetarium show and skytalk on the sky we see and what it would have looked like 250 years ago
-- Historical displays
-- A special meteorite collection
-- A presentation on the history of Arlington’s planetarium including its namesake, Yorktown grad, astronaut David M. Brown
-- Stargazing on the plaza (weather permitting)
-- Reception with refreshments
Please click here for tickets through the Friends of the Planetarium: https://events.humanitix.com/history-under-the-stars?

Donations ARE always welcome! All proceeds will be split evenly between the Friends of the Planetarium and the Arlington Historical Society to continue to educate our community. Parking is free.

An Evening of History Under the Stars!Fri, 10/16 from 6-9David M. Brown Planetarium1426 N. Quincy St.Did you know Arling...
10/12/2026

An Evening of History Under the Stars!
Fri, 10/16 from 6-9
David M. Brown Planetarium
1426 N. Quincy St.
Did you know Arlington has its OWN planetarium?

Join the Arlington Historical Society (AHS) and the Friends of Arlington’s Planetarium (FOAP) for an Evening of History Under the Stars, a joint fundraiser for both organizations where the past and the night sky share the spotlight.

For $25 you’ll enjoy:
-- A full dome planetarium show and skytalk on the sky we see and what it would have looked like 250 years ago
-- Historical displays
-- A special meteorite collection
-- A presentation on the history of Arlington’s planetarium including its namesake, Yorktown grad, astronaut David M. Brown
-- Stargazing on the plaza (weather permitting)
-- Reception with refreshments
Please click here for tickets through the Friends of the Planetarium: https://events.humanitix.com/history-under-the-stars?

Donations ARE always welcome! All proceeds will be split evenly between the Friends of the Planetarium and the Arlington Historical Society to continue to educate our community. Parking is free.

Historical marker at Joyce Motors site nears final approvalBy Scott McCaffrey for ArlNowA marker noting the history of C...
10/11/2026

Historical marker at Joyce Motors site nears final approval
By Scott McCaffrey for ArlNow
A marker noting the history of Clarendon’s former Joyce Motors site will be back before the Historical Affairs and Landmark Review Board (HALRB) later this month.

HALRB members on Sept. 16 proposed a variety of design and wording changes to the sign, which will be placed near the intersection of 10th Street N. and N. Irving Street.

From 1950-70, the site was home to a Texaco dealership. It was then purchased by the family that owned Joyce Motors and continued operating until late 2025, when it closed to make way for redevelopment. READ MORE: https://www.arlnow.com/2026/10/09/historical-marker-at-joyce-motors-site-nears-final-approval/?utm_source=arlnow.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=arlnow-afternoon-update-for-oct-9-2026

TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE! Join the Arlington Historical Society (AHS) and the Friends of Arlington’s Planetarium (FOAP) for...
10/09/2026

TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE! Join the Arlington Historical Society (AHS) and the Friends of Arlington’s Planetarium (FOAP) for an Evening of History Under the Stars, a joint fundraiser for both organizations where the past and the night sky share the spotlight.

For a mere $25 you’ll enjoy:
-- A full dome planetarium show and skytalk on the sky we see and what it would have looked like 250 years ago
-- Historical displays
-- A special meteorite collection
-- A presentation on the history of Arlington’s planetarium including its namesake, Yorktown grad, astronaut David M. Brown
-- Stargazing on the plaza (weather permitting)
-- Reception and refreshments

Please click here for tickets through the Friends of the Planetarium: https://events.humanitix.com/history-under-the-stars?

Donations ARE always welcome! All proceeds will be split evenly between the Friends of the Planetarium and the Arlington Historical Society to continue to educate our community. Parking is free.

Address

1805 S Arlington Ridge Road
Arlington, VA
22202

Opening Hours

Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 1pm - 4pm

Telephone

+17038924204

Website

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