An apt title for the autumn season in Arlington might be the “Anniversaries and Awards Season.” To put it another way, it is a time of “remembering and honoring” for many of our civic institutions. To start with one anniversary example, let’s go back to 1956. That year, many Arlington citizens interested in preserving County history created the Arlington Historical Society (AHS). Beginning with over 50 charter members, within a year AHS published the Arlington Historical Magazine, with seven well-researched articles (my favorite is “The History of the Potomac Bridges”). This annual magazine continues to produce a remarkable amount of history, and the good news is that it is accessible online. To commemorate its 70th year of existence, AHS recently held a 70th Anniversary event at Mario’s Pizza, which got its own start in the same era (1957). Mario’s is one of Arlington’s oldest eateries, known for its Square Sicilian Pizza, and for being open late for the night owls in Arlington. 

To continue with the anniversary theme, let’s go back to 1866, and the establishment of two local churches that are still in existence: Lomax African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Zion Church, and Mount Zion Baptist Church. Their histories are intertwined with the creation of Freedmen’s Village at the end of the Civil War, in the area located on the grounds of the Arlington Plantation owned by Mary Custis Lee. Freedmen’s Village evolved from a temporary refugee camp into a thriving, self-sustaining community with its own schools, churches, and industry, before the federal government closed it down in the late 19th century. That closure displaced the residents and their churches, including the AME and Baptist churches of Lomax AME Zion Church, and Mount Zion Baptist Church, both of which are now located in the Green Valley neighborhood. Both churches have held many events this year to celebrate their 160th year of existence.  

Taking the time machine from 1866 to 1966, this year marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Arlington Chorale, which got its start in 1966 as the Metropolitan Chorus (as with many local organizations, there has been a name change along the way). The Arlington Chorale is a multi-generational chorus featuring local singers from a diverse range of professions and musical backgrounds, with performances throughout the year (often held at Westover Baptist Church), performing not only well-known masterpieces, but also new works. 

In addition to organizational anniversaries, this is also a time of remembering and honoring. I was intrigued by recent news from Yorktown High School, noting that nine alumni were inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame and Inspiration on September 18. I was intrigued by the title – adding “and Inspiration” provides a bit of a unique perspective. Yorktown initiated their Hall of Fame in 2004, with new inductees added every four years. Their website provides an informative summary of all the inductees over the years. Check it out – there are some famous names (Katie Couric) and many recognizable names, such as Captain David M. Brown, Navy aviator, and NASA astronaut who died in the 2003 Space Shuttle Columbia disaster (the County planetarium is named in his honor). And there are plenty of other names that may not be recognizable, but whose accomplishments are noteworthy. 

While surfing the internet for information about our other high schools, I noticed that Wakefield High School created their Hall of Fame in 2003, to honor alumni and staff who made significant contributions to society or brought recognition to the school. Their inductions take place every odd-numbered year, so perhaps I can write about their new class of inductees next year (and about our other high schools as well). 

One final note: the Arlington Community Foundation hosts its “Spirit 2026 Celebration” with an awards luncheon scheduled for November 12, which will include a very special remembrance. The 33rd annual Spirit of Community Award will honor the late Honorable William Newman, Jr., lifelong Arlingtonian, local attorney and Circuit Court judge, and founder of the Arlington Community Foundation.