CML Community Historian Presents: Lost Black Communities of Fairfax

Sunday, July 27, 2025 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM EDT

Center for Mason Legacies Community Historian Marion Ransell Dobbins, a seventh-generation Fairfax County resident, will present her newly released book, The Lost Black Communities of Merrifield, The Pines, and Williamstown, in an event hosted by the Burke Historical Society. The program takes place at Pohick Regional Library.

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.

All adults and teens welcome.