Celebrate Black History Month With Prince William County

February marks Black History Month and Prince William County Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism is proud to offer a variety of activities and events through our Office of Historic Preservation, as well as the Prince William Arts Council for you to learn more about and honor the triumphs and struggles of African Americans throughout U.S. history.

Prince William Arts Council Events

Open Space Arts in Prince William County will be hosting a free exhibition during February in celebration of Black History Month. The exhibition is open Wednesdays – Sundays and will feature works of artists from across Prince William County. On February 11, 18 and 25, there will also be a performance by professional theatre artist Herb Williams. Tickets required for theatre performance and can be purchased here.

Office of Historic Preservation

Tastes of Home: African American Culture and American Cuisine

Many Southern dishes have their roots in west and central African culture that enslaved workers brought to America. Participants will be able to prepare and taste African and Southern dishes in the historic slave quarter at Ben Lomond. Please wear appropriate shoes and clothing for the weather. Join us on Saturday, February 18 – two sessions available. Advanced registration is required. Class will take place at the Ben Lomond Historic Site.

Who were they? The Enslaved People of Rippon Lodge

Continuing with Rippon Lodge Historic Site’s 275 years of history, come learn about the untold stories of the enslaved population. Tours will focus on the primary documentation found for both the colonial and early Victorian eras. Space is limited. Purchase tickets now here for this event taking place on Saturday, February 18.

Prince William Historic Preservation Lecture Series: The Preserve – Reconstructing an African American Neighborhood in the Bull Run Mountains

Come listen to this lecture from historian and archaeologist Patrick O’Neill who will share his research on local African American communities in the Bull Run Mountains. The free lecture will take place on Thursday, February 23 from 7:00 – 8:30 pm at the Old Manassas Courthouse. No registration required.

Lucasville School Open House

Reconstruction in the wake of the Civil War brought with it new opportunities for African Americans in Prince William County. Four years before they had been barred from learning to read and write by Virginia state law, through that did not stop them from learning on their own or others teaching them despite the severe punishments possible. Now schools would open for the instruction of all who wished to attend.

Join us on February 25 or 26  from 11 am – 4 pm, at the Lucasville School Historic site for this free event as we commemorate African American History Month and visit the reconstructed 19^th century school for a discussion about how people met these challenges and overcame them to help build a better future. No registration required.

Historic Communities of Change: The 8^th annual Prince William/Manassas History Symposium – Saturday, March 25

Prince William County has many different layers to its history, and many individuals have shaped the County’s complex past. Their contributions have also made Prince William the diverse and inclusive community we enjoy today. Come learn about some of the early pioneers in County history, including James “Gentleman Jim” Robinson, and how we still see their impact on modern Prince William County at the 8th Annual Prince William/Manassas History Symposium. Click here to learn more or register for the one-day symposium.