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In Arlington, Virginia, lies a cultural gem created to preserve and celebrate the rich African American history in the Commonwealth.
Since the mid-90s, the聽 has occupied a small space nestled in the county鈥檚 Columbia Pike neighborhood.
Inside the cultural enclave, visitors are given a chronological tour highlighting the experience and tenacity of a people on their 鈥渏ourney to freedom.鈥�
鈥淭his is not about slavery. It鈥檚 about overcoming,鈥� said Scott Taylor, president and director of the museum. 鈥淚t鈥檚 an extraordinary story. It鈥檚 about bravery. It鈥檚 about triumph, and it all happened right here in Arlington.鈥�
Taylor, who grew up in the area, acknowledges the space is smaller than most museums but recognizes that it also creates a unique opportunity.
鈥淭his is a safe haven. People come here, and we can have conversations,” he said. “We talk real talk here, and we鈥檙e able to be strong in the community because we are small. We work inside these walls and outside these walls.”
At the crux of the museum’s teachings are the history of Arlington鈥檚 Freedman鈥檚 Village and its importance in the community, Black Virginians, as well as their fight for equal rights and progress.
鈥淭his is history, and the beautiful thing about history, and especially ours, is that it brings everybody together,鈥� he said.
In the midst of telling that story, homage is paid to four time Grammy-winning , and physician and blood preservationist Dr. Charles Drew, who both called Arlington County home.
Other exhibits touch on integration of public schools, Arlington’s lunch counter sit-ins and the Hall’s Hill community.
The museum is open on Thursdays and Saturdays, and general admission is free.
鈥淐ome in the museum, and I鈥檒l give you a private tour,” Taylor said. “You鈥檙e going to learn some things that you鈥檝e never read anywhere, and it鈥檚 going to be a surprise.”
