Published on September 29, 2016
"A Guide to the African American Heritage of Arlington County, Virginia" is now in print and available online from the County's Historic Preservation Program. The new booklet was made possible in part by a $3,000 matching grant from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. The lavishly illustrated, full-color, 64-page work is a much-expanded version of the original guide published in 2001 as part of the County's bicentennial celebration. The original booklet was in such demand that print copies ran out several years ago.
The updated publication, written and designed by County historic preservation planner John Liebertz, features captivating new information about African American historic neighborhoods, sites, buildings and people. Rare historic photographs, maps, letters and first-hand personal accounts highlight both the courage and trials of African American Arlingtonians. "African American history in Arlington is interwoven into the overall fabric of the County," Liebertz says. "This new booklet captures many of the contributions African Americans have made to the development and advancement of our community. The Historic Preservation Program looks forward to expanding upon this research and exploring more of the cultural heritage and diversity of Arlington County."
The guide can be downloaded as a free pdf. Free print copies are available while supplies last at:
Reference copies may be viewed at all Arlington Public Library locations.