Charlie Clark Center for Local History Blog

Read about Arlington’s Latino Culture.

Read about Smokey Bear and a prominent local artist.

Learn about Stuart Paine and swimming in Arlington County.

Learn about former Arlington County board member, Jay Fisette.

Celebrate Local History Month with Us!

Learn about two Arlington women who advocated for environmental education.

Learn about Paula Strother, a student at Arlington Hall Junior College for Women.

Learn about the Chinn Funeral Service.

Learn about the origins of Inner Ear Studio.

Learn about past snow days in Arlington.

Remembering the first Native American Navy Pilot.

A tribute to a friend of Arlington Public Library.

Read how trick or treating was in Arlington.

Arlington residents marched in the 2nd National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, 1987.

Documenting the history of Virginia cuisine from the 17th century to present day.

The “Airport Drive-In” operated from 1947-1963 just behind National Airport.

Interview with Anthu Lu.

“A plane has just crashed on the football field…”

Learn how hot air balloon reconnaissance began in Arlington.

Orville Wright conducted flight tests for the Army at Ft. Myer in 1908 and 1909.

The Dawson House is the only surviving stone structure in the county dating to the 18th or 19th century

Arlington’s First Female Firefighter

One of Arlington’s lesser known Black communities founded by the Pelham Family

A newly digitized resource for historians and researchers.

1936-1939

Arlington’s Naval Voyage Through the 20th Century.

A Slice of American Architectural History

Some of the country’s oldest federal monuments.

With Local Author and Historian Charlie Clark.

At the young age of 12, Ron Deskins played a crucial role in integrating Virginia public schools.

Green Valley, Dunbar Housing Community and Work at the White House

Intelligence analyst for the United States Army during World War II.

Created by Arlington’s Black residents, to serve their community during segregation.

A lifetime at the center of Arlington’s airport history.

“The Price of a Ticket at the Cost of Your Conscience”

Marionne Walls-Fort discusses Dr. King’s visit to Lomax AME Zion Church.

An iconic institution, capturing and broadcasting the news for more than a half-century.

Politics, Parks and the Law

Shirlington’s cinema through the years.

A Central Landmark of Local Government.

Arlington-based Native American artist and educator.

Images from the Records Related to the September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attacks on the Pentagon collection.

Interview with Neil Bassin

Interview with Dr. Sholom “Doc” Friedman and Karen Widmayer

News Release: Discover Arlington’s history and browse newspaper content online from 1935 to 1978.

Joan Cooper (1940-2014) was an African-American Arlington social and civic activist, community leader, and passionate anti-drug campaigner.

Learn more about our County iconography.

The Arlington Council on Human Relations was to improve the economic, civic, and racial conditions in Arlington County.

May is National Biking Month, and to celebrate, let’s take a look at Arlington’s decades-long history of bicycle enthusiasm!

Civil rights activist, educator, and founder of the Joan Trumpauer Mulholland Foundation.

Interview with Rayfield Barber

Did you know that Arlington was once home to one of the country’s most popular sodas?

Interview with Gregory Bolton

William Augustus Rowe (1834-1907) was a pivotal figure in the early development of the Green Valley community.

Arlington native Roberta Flack is known worldwide for her voice, songwriting, and musical ability.

Nguyen Ngoc Bich (1937-2016) was a pivotal Arlingtonian in commercial and community affairs alike.

Margaret Troxell (1909-2002) was a pioneering local journalist who helped found the Northern Virginia Sun.

A snapshot of today, as well as a gift for the future.

Some of Arlington’s first black legislators include George Lewis Seaton, John B. Syphax, and Alfred William Harris.

Interviews with Lance Newman and Michael Jones

George Melvin Richardson (1913-2015) was an African-American educator, school principal, WW II U.S. Army officer, and civic leader.

Leonard “Doc” Muse (1923-2017), was an African-American pharmacist and social activist, and the owner of Green Valley Pharmacy.

Arlington was home to a racetrack that drew thrill-seekers and daredevils.

Hall’s Hill Volunteer Fire Department

Interviews with Ann Rudd and Andy Lee

“Tireless proponent for fair and affordable housing in Arlington County.”