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”

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/Nauck 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.”

Take a look at how voting in Arlington has changed over the years.

“He provided free medical services to the most disadvantaged in Arlington…”

A tireless advocate for progress in Arlington County.

How has Arlington changed over the past 100 years?

Interview with Ruth Levin

Interview with Delores C. Downing

Tennessee became the 36th state to secure ratify the amendment.

Celebrate the people and events that led up to this historic moment.

A unique example of public art in Rosslyn.

Journalist, activist, and suffragist who led an anti-lynching crusade in the 1890s.

Arlington’s history of dedicated community members have been combatting racism and prejudice in Arlington and beyond for decades.

The 2020 census is currently underway – but what did the census look like in the past?

Interview with Arlington activist Dr. Lilli Vincenz.

If you live in Arlington County, you have the Post Office to thank for the name of your street.

Nannie Helen Burroughs was a leading educator, feminist and suffragist in the Washington, D.C., area throughout the early 20th century.

Send Your Materials, Help Tell Arlington’s Story of the Pandemic.

The Center for Local History has a wide variety of digitized materials that are an excellent resource for local research.

A key figure in the development of modern public health.

One of the most dramatic buildings to grace the County’s landscape.

She blazed a path for female authors and thinkers to follow.

An enduring symbol of humanitarianism for her work during the American Civil War

The Consumer Brewery building was located above the site of the old Aqueduct Bridge.

Interview with Roye Lowry

Dorothy Hamm (1919-2004) worked tirelessly to bring equality to Arlington County.

Donation Received from one of Arlington’s Oldest Black Churches

Sending love through the mail, for a penny.

March 5 through April 2 at Central Library.

Interview with Ann Brock.