As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026, Fairfax County’s historic sites offer special February programs that illuminate the lives, labor, and legacies of Black Americans who shaped both the county and the nation. These events—organized by the Fairfax County Park Authority and partner sites—honor Black History Month while deepening our understanding of the themes central to the 250th commemoration: resilience, community, and the evolving meaning of freedom.
From personal stories of enslavement to the skilled labor that powered early industry, each program provides a powerful local lens on national history. Residents and visitors are invited to explore these stories and discover how Fairfax County’s past contributes to the larger American narrative.
Remembering Metilda: Growing Up Enslaved at Colvin Run Mill
February 1, 2026 | 2:00–3:00 p.m. | $10
Colvin Run Mill, Great Falls
Registration Required
Who was Metilda? At just fourteen years old, she lived and labored at Colvin Run Mill, one of the county’s most important early industrial sites. This educator‑led program explores her experiences and uses historical evidence to discuss the daily lives of enslaved children—their work, their family structures, and their survival in a world defined by inequality.
As America reflects on 250 years of struggle and progress, Metilda’s story highlights the young people whose lives under enslavement shaped the county’s economic foundation.
Black History Month at the Frying Pan Baptist Meetinghouse
February 7 & 21, 2026 | Noon–2:00 p.m. | Free (registration required)
Registration required
The Frying Pan Baptist Meetinghouse—one of the county’s oldest religious sites—opens its doors for two special Black History Month dates. Visitors can explore interpretive signage that recounts the stories of free and enslaved African Americans who lived, worshipped, and built community in the area surrounding the Meetinghouse.
The come‑and‑go format encourages residents to engage with the site at their own pace and reflect on the Meetinghouse’s connection to broader themes of faith, community, and civil society ahead of America250.
Remembrance: Enslaved Lives at Sully Historic Site
February 8 & 21, 2026 | 1:00–2:00 p.m. | $10
Registration required
This guided tour examines the lives of the men, women, and children enslaved at Sully from the late 1700s through the Civil War. Participants walk through original outbuildings, the main house, and the representative quarters that reflect their living conditions.
Sully is nationally recognized on the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, linking the site directly to the larger story of resistance, survival, and the nation’s ongoing pursuit of freedom—core themes of the America250 commemoration.
Enslaved Lives and the Legacy of Slavery at Historic Huntley
February 19, 2026 | 1:00–2:30 p.m. | $12
Registration required
A historian‑led tour of Historic Huntley reveals the complex relationship between the Mason family and slavery, while recovering the stories of the Humphrey family and others enslaved at the property. This program underscores how forced labor sustained some of the region’s most prominent households and how those legacies continue to shape our historical landscape.
Grit & Grain: African American Millers at Colvin Run Mill
February 28, 2026 | 2:00–3:00 p.m. | $10
Registration Required
This program explores the lives and expertise of African American millers whose labor powered 19th‑century grist milling in Fairfax County. By stepping inside the historic mill, visitors gain insight into the technical skill and vital contributions of African Americans to the region’s early economy.
Be Part of Fairfax County’s America250 Story
These February programs highlight the voices and experiences that shaped Fairfax County—and the nation—as we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States. Residents are encouraged to explore these sites, connect with local history, and be part of the county’s ongoing America250 commemoration.