African American Historical Marker Deadline Extended By Fairfax County

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — The Fairfax County Historical Marker project is inviting K-12 students to submit topics for new historical markers, as the county seeks to recognize more local Black and African American history.

The deadline for submitting ideas for historical markers has been extended to April 30. Ideas for historical markers are being accepted online. Some submissions may be chosen to be installed as historical markers in Fairfax County.

The Historical Marker project is open to public, private and homeschooled students and youth groups in Fairfax County.

The inaugural project will initially focus on Black and African American events, people or locations of historic significance, similar to the statewide Black History Month Historical Marker Contest launched in 2020.

"These markers should commemorate an event, person or location of historical significance within the county," Fairfax County said.

Fairfax County's historical marker program dates back to 1998. To date, there are 53 historical markers honoring people, places, or events of regional, statewide, or national significance in Fairfax County. Ten of these are from African American communities.

The historical marker project is a collaboration between the Board of Supervisors, Fairfax County Public Schools, and the Fairfax County History Commission and Neighborhood and Community Services.

For more information, visit the Historical Marker website, or email questions to NCSblackhistorycommittee@fairfaxcounty.gov.

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