After almost thirty years in the Plains, the Afro-American Historical Association of Fauquier County has initiated their move into their new home at 135 Main St. in Old Town Warrenton. This move comes after the organization attempted to purchase their last home along with the neighboring building but failed to raise enough funds to place a down payment. The new Warrenton location should meet the needs of the organization and provide an accessible, welcoming space for the public to learn more about an often buried part of history.
Founded in 1997 after its co-founder’s efforts to document their own family’s history, the association dedicates itself to discovering, preserving, and sharing the history of African Americans in Fauquier County. This mission includes the preservation of 1,634 historical artifacts, an extensive collection of genealogical records, and a large library of other historical documents, including multiple online databases, all open to researchers. They also provide interactive experiences for schools and community groups interested in learning more about the role of African Americans in the county’s history. One of the association’s most prominent ongoing projects is “Know Their Names”, which focuses on identifying and documenting the names and lives of enslaved individuals who lived in Fauquier County.
After receiving the keys to the new building on April 3rd, Co-founder and executive director Karen Hughes White and her sister, Angela Davidson began the long process of moving their equipment and collections to their new location before it could open to the public. The organization recently put out a request for volunteers to help pack up their old offices and carry boxes into the new residence. White’s plans for the new space include turning the first floor into an educational area complete with research stations and rotating exhibits from the historical association’s collection. The second floor will act as the library and archive where AAHA staff will handle their collections and locate any requested materials there for researchers downstairs. The building’s two balconies and backyard patio will provide spaces for smaller events like meet and greets while larger events will be held in separate venues.
White hopes to open at the new location on June 14th this summer, just in time for Warrenton’s Juneteenth celebration which is hosted the same day.
Anyone interested in volunteering at the Afro-American Historical Association to help with the move or assist elsewhere should contact them through email at [email protected] with the subject “Relocation Volunteer” along with availability and what you can help with.
