Prince William County is rich in African American history, and this month, the county is hosting several events to celebrate Black History Month.  

The Prince William County Black History Committee is hosting an event called “The New Negro Movement — Prince William County Presents African Americans and the Arts,” which will take place on Thursday, Feb. 22, at noon. The public is invited to watch the event via live stream on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@PrinceWilliamCounty/live. 

In addition, Prince William County’s Historic Properties are holding several events throughout the month of February to celebrate Black History Month.

Feb. 10-11
Lucasville School Open House 
10516 Godwin Drive, Manassas, VA
703-365-7895
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Free, donations accepted

Reconstruction in the wake of the Civil War brought with it new opportunities for African Americans in Prince William County.  Four years before, they had been barred from learning to read and write by Virginia state law, though that did not stop them from learning on their own or others teaching them despite the possibility of severe punishments. During Reconstruction, schools opened for free instruction for all who wished to attend. These early schools faced many obstacles, from irregular funding, teacher shortages, political threats and even open violence.  Visit the Lucasville School to visit the reconstructed 19th century school for a discussion about how people met these challenges and overcame them to help build a better future. Call 703-365-7895 for more information.

Feb. 17
Tastes of Home: African American Culture and American Cuisine
Ben Lomond Historic Site
10321 Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

$20 registration, advanced registration required

Many Southern dishes have their roots in west and central African culture that enslaved workers brought to America. Participants at the event will be able to prepare and taste African and Southern dishes in the historic slave quarter at Ben Lomond. Please wear appropriate shoes and clothing for the weather. Call 703-367-7872 for more information and visit https://pwcparks.info/hptickets to purchase tickets.

Feb. 22
Prince William Historic Preservation Lecture Series: Freedom’s Words Ringing Hallow by Larry Howard 
Old Manassas Courthouse, 9248 Lee Ave., Manassas
7-8:30 p.m.

Free, $5 suggested donation 

Historian Larry Howard will examine the perspectives of enslaved or formerly enslaved Virginians to determine their perspectives on the political ideas of America’s Founding Fathers.
Call 703-367-7872 for information.

Feb. 24
Prince William County African American History and Culture Bus Tour 
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Road, Bristow
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

$70 per person, lunch is included,reservations required

Join local historians on a day-long tour exploring the unique and powerful stories behind the African American history of Prince William County. Visitors will travel the county, exploring the 1800s all the way through the 1960s, stopping at many special, sometimes forgotten, sites to learn about the lifestyle, challenges and the power of education in the African American community. Sites will include Prince William Forest Park, Brentsville Courthouse, and much more! Advanced registration is required. Call 703-365-7895 for more information or visit https://pwcparks.info/hptickets to purchase tickets.

Feb. 17
Black History Month Craft
Potomac Community Library, 2021 Opitz Blvd., Woodbridge
10:30-11:30 a.m.

Join the Potomac Community Library to create art inspired by Alma Woodsey Thomas, a Washington D.C. African American teacher and artist who is recognized as a major painter of the 20^th Century.  

More information about these events and other programming is available on the county’s website at pwcva.gov/department/historic-preservation/historic-preservation-events.