Celebrate Black History Month with Prince William County Parks

(Photo above of Lucasville School Historic Site)

During February, Black History Month, we invite you to learn about Prince William County’s unique and extensive African American history. This history is preserved and interpreted through its surviving buildings and many individuals who have helped shape the County's complex past. Prince William County's Office of Historic Preservation serves as stewards of County-owned historic structures, cultural and natural resources, historic landscapes, and artifacts and works to build community identity alongside its local partners by telling the story of the people of Prince William County. The Office of Historic Preservation's goal is to show the connections between our history, our present, our future, and our growth as a community.

Many enslaved African Americans worked at plantations throughout Prince William County including Rippon Lodge and Ben Lomond. At Brentsville, both enslaved and free African Americans were subjected to a court system that restricted their rights to defend themselves and testify against others because of their race. At Lucasville and the Barnes House, free African Americans after the Civil War built homes and communities to establish a life for themselves as free citizens, where they began to challenge racism and segregation. 

Come learn from our historians about these stories by visiting one of our historic sites year-round or attending one of our special programs in February.

Lucasville School Open House 
Join us on Sunday, February 1 (11 am-3 pm) at Lucasville School Historic Site to kick off African American History Month at Prince William County’s historic sites. Visit the reconstructed 19th-century school used by the community of Lucasville and learn about Prince William’s African American history after the American Civil War. This is a free event, and tickets are not required.

African American History Trail
Previously only online, the updated African American History Trail is more accessible, with wayfinding signs at each of the 20 stops where visitors can not only read about the historical locations, but also listen to the tour which is narrated by Neabsco District Supervisor, Victor Angry, of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors. Serving his country for over 23 years in active duty, Victor S. Angry holds the title as the first African American Command Sergeant Major of the Army National Guard. Now retired from the military, he continues to work in public service as a Dale City Volunteer Firefighter, motivational speaker, leadership development instructor, and County Supervisor representing the Neabsco District.

New Exhibit - The Settlement
The Office of Historic Preservation is proud to announce its new online exhibit—The Settlement, about a historic African American community in Gainesville that formed years after the American Civil War. The work done for the online exhibit has been collaboration between Prince William County’s Planning Office and the Office of Historic Preservation. Just in time for Black History Month, you can view the exhibit here.

Interested in more history? Click here for the full calendar of upcoming Historic Preservation events.

Related links:

Office of Historic Preservation

PWC RecMapper app