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When Arlington joins the nation in celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States at the Arlington Historical Society’s HistoryFest on May 9, 2026, one tent will tell a part of the story that rarely makes the official program. “Arlington History from the Black Side,” a live theatrical experience created by historian, author, and fourth-generation Halls Hill resident Wilma Jones, will present four reenacted sessions drawn from primary source archives, bringing to life the Black Arlingtonians whose stories have shaped this community for more than 400 years.The booth, located within the official HistoryFest 250 grounds, will feature three student actors who have performed with Encore Stage and Studio — Wanjiru Ogonji, Riziki Dunbar, and Eduardo Saldaña Córdova — performing four distinct historical sessions throughout the day.
SESSION SCHEDULE
10:30 AM | “A Love Story and Strategic Triumph”
Levi & Sarah Ann Jones (1844)
12:00 PM | “When One Door Closes, Another Opens”
Henry Holmes & William Butler (1860s–1890s)
1:30 PM | “The Ownership Revolution”
Moses Pelham & Moses Jackson (1880s–1900s)
3:00 PM | “Community Cannot Be Destroyed”
Rev. Washington Waller & John B. Syphax (1863–1942)
The event is free and open to the public.
For more information about HistoryFest 250 visit ArlHist.org
For more information about Arlington History from the Black Side visit ArlingtonBlackHistory.com
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Event Venue
Kenmore Middle School, 200 South Carlin Springs Road ,Arlington,VA,United States
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
