Tour one of the virtual exhibits below to learn more about Arlington’s black heritage.
  Arlington House  

Freedman’s Village

  

The Gray Family

  
 

Built as a shrine to George Washington, this elegant plantation symbolized America’s ambivalence toward slavery.
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The federal government established this community in 1863. Located on the grounds of Arlington, the former Custis-Lee plantation, it was intended to help former slaves adjust to life after emancipation.
coming soon

 

A slave at Arlington, Selena Gray’s actions during the Civil War helped make her one of the first African American historic preservationists. Her descendants made additional contributions in this area.
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George Washington Parke Custis’s and Robert E. Lee’s Views on Slavery

Brown vs. The Board of Education
in Arlington, Virginia

  

The Syphax Family
  The treatment of slaves varied from place to place and from owner to owner. Comparing the attitudes of Arlington’s masters reveals some of the disparities that existed within the “peculiar institution.”
learn more  		  In January of 1959 the Virginia Supreme court and a three judge federal tribunal ruled that Virginia's policy of Massive Resistance was unconstitutional.
learn more  		    Freed in 1826, the Syphaxes continued to live on the grounds of Arlington until late in the 19th century. Members of this family held a variety of leadership positions in the African American community.
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The online exhibits included here were created by students in "Introduction to Public History," a class taught at Marymount University in Fall 2002.
Student researchers: Ron Andreola, Marc Bontempo, Robin Lillis, Seth Prophett, Shawna Reed, Amanda Wolfe, and Kelly Zams
Editor: Shawna Reed, Director: Dr. Margaret M. Mulrooney