Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Contact: Karen Vasquez 703-228-0896 (voice) 703-228-4743(TTY)
Arlington to Participate in Jamestown 2007 Events
Local Events Will Commemorate Arlington’s Ties to Jamestown and Virginia’s 400th Birthday
Arlington, VA – Arlington will participate in a number of events as part of the Jamestown 2007 commemoration, which lasts through the summer of 2007. The Jamestown 2007 commemoration marks the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown, the first permanent settlement in North America. Arlington is one of the few communities in Virginia with a direct link to Jamestown. In 1608, Captain John Smith sailed up the Potomac River and mapped the area, which is now the Arlington shore, noting the Native American villages.
Arlington Day – May 30
Arlington events will begin at the Godspeed Landing Party at Alexandria’s historic waterfront with an official Arlington Day on May 30, 2006. A full-sized replica of the Godspeed ship will make its first landing in Alexandria, one of six landing points along the east coast. The event will include ship tours, live music, family entertainment, children's shows, interactive exhibits, a virtual sail, cultural and historical displays and more.
A fourth-grade student from Barcroft Elementary school was recently selected as a finalist for her entry in the Jamestown 2007 cachet design contest. A cachet is a logo or design that is placed on letterheads and, in this case, the envelope for mailing to commemorate an event or important date in history. Eighteen finalists were named in the Jamestown 2007 commemorative cachet historic art contest and more than 4,100 Virginia public, private and home-schooled students and teachers submitted designs for consideration depicting the story of Jamestown. Designs will be displayed at the World Philatelic Exhibition in Washington D.C. from May 27 – June 3, 2006.
Other Arlington Events Throughout the Year
- A Small Ships event on the Potomac River near Potomac Overlook Park, focusing on the role of the Potomac in our history, such as Captain John Smith’s journeys on the river, its importance as a trade route, and its use by Indian tribes.
- An Oral History Project.
- An “All Arlington Reads a Recommended Book about Jamestown” program.
- A Heritage Community Calendar with key dates for all history-related projects/events.
In October 2005, the Arlington County Board appointed the Arlington Committee on Jamestown 2007 to make plans for the commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown. The Committee is part of the Jamestown 2007/Virginia 2007 Community Program, one of 150 programs across Virginia. Committee goals include an increase in tourism, expansion of economic development, renewed awareness of Virginia history, and the highlighting and showcasing of local historical and cultural assets.
Arlington, Va., is a world-class residential, business and tourist location that was originally part of the "10 miles square" parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation's Capital. It is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, occupying slightly less than 26 square miles. Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality schools and enlightened land use, and received the Environmental Protection Agency's highest award for "Smart Growth" in 2002. Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world - including the Pentagon - Arlington stands out as one of America's preeminent places to live, visit and do business.