Arlington is gearing up for a momentous celebration as the Arlington Historical Society proposes a multi-day festival to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States next year.
The event is aimed to take place in May at Kenmore Middle School, as shared by the historical society during a recent meeting held by the Arlington County Civic Association.
This festival, which the society describes as a ‘once-in-a-lifetime event,’ will mark the signing of the Declaration of Independence in July 1776.
Peter Vaselopulos, president of the Arlington Historical Society, has emphasized that the celebration is unique and important for the community.
Leading this effort, the Arlington Historical Society has been appointed by the County Board to organize activities for what is being referred to as the semi-sesquicentennial, in recognition of ‘half of 500 years.’
In contrast to the extensive celebrations planned for previous anniversaries, the Arlington government has taken a more understated approach, similar to its strategy leading up to the bicentennial in 1976.
The late Edward Sayle, who chaired the county’s bicentennial committee, had indicated that a modest government role could lead to a positive outcome, stating, “Arlington’s efforts in the commemoration rely on its greatest asset: its citizens. In Arlington, the Bicentennial is not something you watch. It’s something you do!”
This philosophy remains relevant as the 2026 commemoration approaches.
Sean Denniston, the vice president of the historical society, has called upon community members to engage with the planning process by providing feedback.
He remarked, “Spread the word. Tell us what we’re doing right, what we’re doing wrong,” highlighting the importance of community involvement in the celebration.
The goals for the commemoration extend beyond festivities; they also aim to acknowledge the complexities of history, encompassing “the peaks and valleys” that define the past.
The historical society is actively pursuing state grant funding to support several initiatives, including a compilation of narratives from local residents about the individuals and events that shaped Arlington into what it is today.
Additionally, 2026 will be a noteworthy year for the Arlington Historical Society, as it marks the organization’s 70th anniversary.
To commemorate this milestone, the society has recently completed renovations on the Arlington Historical Museum, which reopened in May as a kickoff for the upcoming year’s historic endeavors.
Historically, Arlington was part of Fairfax County until its incorporation into the District of Columbia in 1801, allowing its residents to claim notable figures like George Washington as their own.
On June 10, as part of the area’s kickoff celebration, Washington himself, portrayed by Daniel Cross of George Washington’s Mount Vernon, made an appearance at the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors meeting.
He entered the auditorium with a fife-and-drum procession, drawing attention to the county’s historical ties to the Revolutionary War era.
Fairfax Supervisor Dan Storck highlighted the significance of the region’s connection to the past, noting that Fairfax sent representatives, including Washington and George Mason, to the Continental Congress in 1774, paving the way for colonial unity.
As the Arlington Historical Society and local leaders prepare for a memorable 2026, the community’s involvement promises to play a central role in the celebration.
image source from：arlnow
