Burke Historical Society Lecture Series.

Marion Ransell Dobbins, a seventh generation Fairfax County resident and a Community Historian for the Center for Mason Legacies—George Mason University, will discuss her newly released book entitled, The Lost Black Communities of Merrifield, The Pines, and Williamstown.  Following the Civil War, Black landownership in Fairfax County expanded dramatically.  Merrifield, the Pines and Williamstown emerged as thriving communities established by born-free Blacks, the formerly enslaved and their descendants.  Our speaker, who grew up in those areas of the County, will discuss her new book documenting the history of these neighborhoods and their eventual loss to eminent domain and gentrification.

Adults and teens welcome.