Fairfax County
Back to Top of ListWorkhouse Arts Center
Few stories capture the spirit of America's 250th birthday more powerfully than the fight for women’s rights. Have you ever wondered how women earned the hard-won right to vote? A visit to Workhouse Arts Center offers a powerful window into that history. Today, this former prison turned vibrant arts campus buzzes with creativity as artists create and sell their work, but a century ago these same halls held suffragists imprisoned for demanding a voice in American democracy.
In 1917, suffragists started picketing the Woodrow Wilson White House for the right to vote. They were ultimately arrested and sent to the Lorton Correctional Facility, which in part became the Workhouse Arts Center we know today. The conditions were less than tolerable. In protest, the suffragists launched a hunger strike.
The tension escalated into what is now known as “The Night of Terror.” Suffragist icon Lucy Burns was forced to stand all night with her hands shackled above her head. Lucy's counterpart, Dora Lewis, was knocked unconscious when her head was rammed into an iron bed. Then, upon observing Dora’s plight, the magnificent Alice Cosu had a heart attack and was left untreated until the next day.
When news of what happened got out, the entire nation was up in arms and pressure was put on officials to take action. The 19th Amendment, giving women the right to vote, was introduced in 1918 and ultimately enacted in 1920. Read the full story here: Suffragists at the Workhouse Arts Center.
Aside from the artwork that lines the halls, you’ll also find the Lorton Prison Museum & Lucy Burns Gallery that tells the tale not only of the suffragists held there, but also of other prisoners held at the Lorton Correctional Facility over its 91-year history, including G. Gordon Liddy, Chuck Brown and Norman Mailer.
Turning Point Suffragist Memorial
About a mile from the Workhouse, you’ll find the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial at Occoquan Regional Park. This memorial stands in tribute and tells the story of ALL American suffragists, including the often underrepresented, who earned women the right to vote. There are 19 information stations, replica White House gates and a meditation garden. You can even stand in front of a small section of the ACTUAL White House gates that the Silent Sentinels protested in front of in 1917, on loan from the National Park Service.
Tip: If you are hungry at this point, try the Brickmakers Café in Occoquan Regional Park for a lovely waterfront lunch.
National Museum of the United States Army
About 9 miles from the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial is the National Museum of the United States Army. Front and center in the amazing exhibit "Call to Arms", Anna Maria Lane's story comes to light. The first documented female Soldier from Virginia to fight with the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War, Lane dressed as a man and accompanied her husband on the battlefield. Though her story is often forgotten by history, it is proudly on display in Fairfax County, and a vivid reminder of the contributions women have added to America since it's inception.
Outside of the "Call to Arms" exhibit are also several galleries that feature the real and raw stories of soldiers that have served our country and the families that have supported them. Whether you see yourself in the courageous actions of female soldiers, aspire for the tenacity of the women behind the scenes and off the battlefield, or admire the hearts of those that have supported our most dutiful participants of society, the National Museum of the United States Army features a treasure trove of information on women's history.
Free, timed-entry tickets are now available through the museum’s website at http://www.theNMUSA.org. All tickets must be reserved in advance online, and there is a limit of five tickets per request. For more information, including an interactive map, a list of exhibits, educational programs, a special events calendar and more, please visit http://www.theNMUSA.org.
Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge
Have a particularly strong attachment to America's National Bird? Less than 13 miles away from the National Museum of the United States Army is Mason Neck!
It's strongest champion, Elizabeth Hartwell was a native Virginian who loved the outdoors and the natural beauty of Mason Neck, the peninsula where founding father George Mason built his home, Gunston Hall.
In 1965, she heard of plans to turn the peninsula into a planned community and was immediately concerned about the bald eagles that call the area home. So she started writing letters, testifying at hearings, giving speeches and arranging boat tours of the marshes—anything to get officials listening.
It took years, but in 1969, the Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge was established—the first refuge in America dedicated solely to the preservation of our national symbol, the bald eagle. It was later renamed to honor Mrs. Hartwell. Read the full story here: How Elizabeth Hartwell Helped Save Mason Neck
Today, Mason Neck is a beautiful park with multiple nature trails, sweeping views of the bay, and the bald eagles that call this tract of land their home. It’s located at the end of a long, tree-lined lane on the right. You can’t reach the park without passing Gunston Hall, a worthy stop if you like historic homes and gardens. And there’s another park you’ll pass along the way, Pohick Bay Regional Park.
Washington D.C.
Back to Top of ListNational Portrait Gallery
Visit the National Portrait Gallery for for several exhibits highlighting many of our nation’s great women, including First Lady Michelle Obama and the four female justices that served on the Supreme Court in the early 2000s (O’Connor, Ginsburg, Sotomayor and Kagan). Telling the multifaceted story of the United States through the individuals who have shaped American culture, the National Portrait Gallery is a beautiful and wonderful way to start your D.C. day trip!
Need a little taste of what to expect? The National Portrait Gallery also has several virtual exhibits specifically regarding women's history! So if you want to inspire learning and inquiry through the celebration of women or relive the thrilling feeling of successful suffrage movements gained by the Workhouse Arts Center, definitely check out the Where There Is a Woman, There Is Magic and the Votes for Women virtual exhibitions.
Tudor Place
Less than 3 miles away from the National Portrait Gallery is Tudor Place. This stunning museum preserves the stories of 6 generations of descendants of Martha Washington, and the enslaved and free people who lived and labored there. In the heart of Georgetown, you can take wonderful tours to learn about the trail blazing women of Tudor Place, how they overcame tragedy, and impacted the growth of the Nation!
With a gorgeous garden and various collections to ogle, visiting Tudor Place is well worth a visit, and a perfect addition to our women's history itinerary!
Mount Vernon
About 18 miles away and right across the scenic Potomac River is George Washington's Mount Vernon. Wonderful for your trip back into Fairfax County and quite connected to Tudor Place is Martha Washington's shared home with the first President of the United States. Connected by Martha Washington, both homes also share a powerful legacy of the women who helped preserve one of America’s most historic sites.
Almost lost to time, the story of some very special and forward-thinking ladies is also embedded into the history of one of America's first great homes. More specifically, the founding members of the Mount Vernon Ladies Association stepped up in a to ensure that George Washington's Home wouldn't fall into a state of disarray. If not for them, we would not have access to even a fraction of the wealth of knowledge we currently possess about the Washington family today - and we definitely wouldn't be able to visit and explore the incredible grounds the estate offers on the southern end of Fairfax County. These wonderful women were on on a mission to buy, restore, and ultimately save Mount Vernon. Due to their success, America's First President's Legacy, family, and truth and continue to educate both present and future generations.