Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

None

Use Restrictions

Consult repository for information.

Preferred Citation

Fairfax County History Commission Records, MSS 09-01, Virginia Room, Fairfax County Public Library

Acquisition Information

This collection has largely been artificially assembled by Virginia Room staff since the 1970s. Files from the Fairfax Historical Landmarks Preservation Commission and the Fairfax County History Commission were originally retained by the Fairfax County Office of Comprehensive Planning. After the establishment of the county’s Archives and Records Management Branch, records were later transferred there in 1992. As early as 1976, History Commissioners simultaneously donated miscellaneous records and documents to the Virginia Room. In February 2008, History Commission records retained at the County Archives were destroyed as per the Library of Virginia’s record retention policy, but records deemed historic were transferred to the Virginia Room. Financial records were added to this collection by Commissioner Elise Murray in August 2015. Files on the Fairfax County History Conference were added by Commissioner Lynne Garvey-Hodge in March 2018. Commissioner Jack Hiller created and maintained files on the commission’s historical makers which were added to this collection in January 2019 by Commissioner Debbie Robison. The collection was organized and processed in 2019 for the Fairfax County History Commission’s 50th anniversary.

Processing Information

Chris Barbuschak, June 2019
EAD generated by Ross Landis, 2019

Historical and Biographical Information

On April 9, 1969, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors appointed the Fairfax County History Commission to advise the county government and promote public interest in matters involving the history of Fairfax County. The History Commission grew out of the Fairfax Historical Landmarks Preservation Commission established by the Board of Supervisors in 1965. The 20-member body maintains and monitors the Fairfax County Inventory of Historic Sites, Historic Overlay Districts, the Historical Marker program, hosts an annual history conference, participates in the Section 106 review process, and works closely with the county’s Department of Planning and Zoning, Architectural Review Board, Park Authority, Cultural Resource Management and Protection programs, and the Virginia Room. The History Commission was largely influential in creating a program to index and microfilm the Fairfax County Circuit Court Records and prompted the creation of the county’s archaeology and records management programs.

Scope and Content

Series 1: Subject Files, 1967-2019, Boxes 1-3

This series is arranged alphabetically by subject. Materials include correspondence, newspaper articles, reports, notes, certificates and resolutions, index cards, charters, photocopies, and rubber stamps. Early records from the History Commission’s first two years are also included.

Series 2: Fairfax Historical Landmarks Preservation Commission, 1967-1971, Boxes 3-4

These files contain records relating to the History Commission’s predecessor, the Fairfax Historical Landmarks Preservation Commission founded in 1965. Included are correspondence, by-laws, resumes, and other records. The Commission also maintained files for local agencies and files for a Commission-sponsored Chain-of-Title research study. The files are arranged alphabetically.

Series 3: Rosters, 1974-2017, Box 4

These files contain rosters and resumes for Fairfax County History Commission members. Also included is a compiled 1969-2017 roster of Fairfax County History Commissioners created by Commissioner Carole Herrick. The files are arranged chronologically.

Series 4: Events, 1980-2019, Boxes 5-6

These files include records for events hosted by the Fairfax County History Commission including the annual history conference and anniversary celebrations. Files include programs, news articles, photographs, video footage on DVD, photographs, correspondence, notes, and event handouts. Files are arranged chronologically by event date.

Series 5: George Washington 250th Celebration Commission, 1976-1982, Box 7

In 1978, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors appointed a George Washington 250th Birthday Celebration Commission to plan activities and to stimulate interest for a year-long celebration to be held in the county in 1982. These files were maintained by the History Commission of which several of its members served on the 250th Commission. Included are calendars, correspondence, memorandum, resolutions, newspaper clippings, programs, speech materials, invitations, and commemorative bronze medallion coins. Files are arranged alphabetically.

Series 6: Publications, 1970-2018, Box 8

The History Commission has printed and sponsored several publications throughout its history. Files in this series include brochures, maps, correspondence, notes, and other materials related to publications. Files are arranged alphabetically.

Series 7: Awards, 1982-1998, Boxes 8-9

These files include records for the History Commission’s awards program. Included are photographs from the Distinguished Service Award ceremonies.

Series 8: Financial Records, 1975-2005, Boxes 9-12

Commissioner Elise Murray maintained most of these financial records as the long-time treasurer of the History Commission. Included are receipts, bank statements, notes, correspondence, cancelled checks, check register, budget materials, and financial records for History Commission publications. Files are arranged alphabetically.

Series 9: Historical Markers, 1991-2019

Sub-series 9-1: Historical Marker Files, 1991-2018, Boxes 13-22
Commissioner Jack Hiller initially created and maintained these files on historical markers, and they were later maintained by Commissioner Debbie Robison. The files are arranged alphabetically and contain photographs, correspondence, dedication programs, news articles, marker text, notes, and research used for the creation of the markers.

Sub-series 9-2: Subject Files, 1992-2015, Boxes 23-24
These subject files contain correspondence, minutes, notes, and other papers relating to historical markers. Also included is a badge Jack Hiller wore as a History Commissioner. Files are arranged alphabetically.

Related Material

Donie Rieger Papers, MSS 06-11, Virginia Room, Fairfax County Public Library

Virginia B. Peters Papers on the Fairfax County History Commission, MSS 06-17, Virginia Room, Fairfax County Public Library

Russell Mortensen papers, Ms 201. Special Collections and Archives. University of Utah, J. Willard Marriott. Salt Lake City, Utah.

Separated Material

Minutes of the Fairfax Historical Landmarks Preservation Committee and Fairfax County History Commission are cataloged in the Virginia Room under VRARE 975.529 F

Index Terms

• County officials and employees - Virginia - Fairfax County
• Fairfax County (Va.) - History
• Fairfax County (Va.) - Officials and employees
• Fairfax County History Commission
• Fairfax Historical Landmarks Preservation Commission
• Historical markers - Virginia - Fairfax County

Adjunct Descriptive Data