Celebrate Black History Month with Prince William County Parks
Prince William County has a unique and extensive African American history that 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. Their contributions have made Prince William County the diverse and inclusive community we enjoy today.
We invite you to learn about these stories by visiting one of our historic sites year-round or attending one of the following special programs in February, Black History Month.
Brentsville Black History Month Tours
Stop by Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre on Saturday, February 8, from 11 am – 3 pm, for a day of special tours focused on the stories of the county’s African American residents with a focus on the era from 1822 to 1893. Brentsville was the site of tragedy and joy for the county’s African American community. Hear some of the stories from the area about the enslaved people in central Prince William County, free blacks, African American Civil War veterans, the joy of emancipation, the lingering legacy of Reconstruction, and the beginning of the Jim Crow era. Tours are approximately 45 to 60 minutes. $5 fee. Purchase tickets here.
Tastes of Home: African American Culture and American Cuisine
Many Southern dishes have roots in West and Central African culture, which 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. Advanced registration is required. Join us on Saturday, February 15, 11 am – 3 pm. Click here to purchase tickets.
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.
Prince William County has many different layers to its history, and many individuals have helped shape the County's complex past. Their contributions have made Prince William County the diverse and inclusive community we enjoy today. We invite you to explore the history, arts, culture and contributions of Black Americans along the newly updated Prince William County African American History Trail.
Learn more about and access the updated African American History Trail through the link here.
Related links:
Office of Historic Preservation
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