I am lucky to be one of the history keepers in Falls Church. Learning from other local historians is a favorite pastime, and I love to share the stories. Our community is home to some knowledgeable people like Nikki and Ed Henderson who have breathaking stories of the Tinner Hill community. Church members at Columbia Baptist Church, Galloway United Methodist Church, and The Falls Church researched and created archives about of their history. Our librarians, Cherry Hill Farmhouse team, teachers, and members of the Falls Church Historic Commission are well-versed in the stories of Falls Church. The Falls Church News-Press has published well-researched interviews and articles. Some parts of our history are noble; others are ugly. Now is the time to tell the stories, claim them as our own, learn from the sins of the past, and vow to create a better anti-racist future.
In response to a community petition that asks to shine a light on the history of the founding of the City and its schools, I’m working with all of those historians, and others to create a presentation on the City’s history. We will be ready later this summer. I am hopeful that a discussion of the injustices of the past will spur us to take real action in how we live today. As these stories of the past are gathered in one place, we can tell the stories with exhibits, murals, classes, archives, tours. We can also take principled action with improved policies and practices that make our community stronger and better.
In the meantime, while the historians are working on the presentation, you have homework to do to learn more about the history of Falls Church.
Read the Tinner HIll Heritage Foundation website and these articles from Falls Church News-Press about the integration of Falls Church City Public Schools.
Meeting John A. Johnson: Unsung Hero In Falls Church’s 1950s Struggle to Integrate Its Schools Sept 25, 2005
M.E. Costner Leads First Class of Black Students Following Approval By Falls Church School Board October 6, 2005
Watch these videos about the Tinner Hill neighborhood and community.
The story of Mary Ellen Henderson and the James Lee School from the dedication of Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School.
The story of the founder of black basketball EB Henderson upon his induction into the National Basketball Hall of Fame.
Watch the play Tinner Hill in Black & White., based on letters, newspaper articles, diaries and memories.
Take a walk
Visit Tinner Hill neighborhood and walk the up the sidewalk along S. Washington St. next to Target to read the history engraved in the stones, culminating in the Memorial Arch.
Visit the Tinner Hill Historic Park on the other side of S. Washington St.
Walk past Henderson House and read the signs.
Walk through Falls Church and see all the historic markers.
If you are a history keeper with family stories, artifacts or information to share, please reach out to me if you would like to incorporate what you know about Falls Church into our community story.