The Willard Store
The exhibit focuses on Willard ’ s residents , their way of life , educational institutions , and places of worship . Read accounts from current residents who can recall life in the area before leaving their homes .
“ Commemorating the Willard community at Dulles International Airport is a testament to our commitment to honoring the history and contributions of the diverse community we serve ,” said Tanisha Lewis , the Airports Authority vice president for Diversity , Inclusion , and Social Impact . “ This reflects the inclusive spirit of The Airports Authority .”
ABINGDON PLANTATION HISTORIC SITE
Reagan continues to honor the unique Black historical significance of the Abingdon Site . It is situated near the airport ’ s center within a 1.6-acre parcel of green space between existing Garage 1 and 2 parking facilities .
Stop by this site , which contains the structural remains of the 18th- 19th-century plantation ’ s main house and kitchen / laundry rooms , preserved in an interpretive park setting . Historical records indicate the residence was constructed between 1741 and 1746 .
AT DULLES AND REAGAN
BY PATRICIA M . SZPEKOWSKI
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority ( Airports Authority ) honors the past legacies of Washington Dulles International ( Dulles ) and Ronald Reagan Washington National ( Reagan ) Airport sites . Both airports sit on historically significant land . Dulles sits on land that was a thriving Black community . Reagan sits on a former plantation that included slaves . Special commemorations are on display at both airports .
VILLAGE OF WILLARD
View the historical exhibit of the Village of Willard , the vibrant African American community previously set on the site of the airport ’ s land at Dulles , located on the ticketing level of its main terminal . The display recognizes the airport land ’ s roots . It also chronicles the history of this community , which was ensconced into the fabric of this site for over 100 years from 1850 until 1958 , when President Dwight D . Eisenhower selected it for the new Dulles International Airport .
The area features historical information and graphics describing life at Abingdon , including the prominent landowners . While the initial presentations contained information on archaeological artifacts associated with the site ’ s enslaved population , there was not enough focus on the slavery aspect of the plantation ’ s history . Since then , the Airports Authority — collaborating with local historians — developed additional signs focusing on the history and lives of the underrepresented group .
The new interpretive signage includes the stories of Charlotte , an enslaved seamstress who was gifted in the art of dressmaking , so much so that she invoked the ire of a prominent white woman who accused Charlotte of stealing a dress she redesigned into a modern style .
We also meet Peter Hardiman , an enslaved groom and stable manager whose talent in horse care led him to be “ on loan ” to Mount Vernon , serving George Washington , where he helped breed donkeys and mules . Peter ’ s eldest son , Wilson , also worked with horses and was one of two grooms in Washington ’ s funeral procession , leading Washington ’ s horses from the mansion to the tomb .
Since opening in 1998 , the Abingdon Site has allowed airport visitors to learn more about the historic site and its fascinating occupants in a pleasant and easily accessible park-like setting .
Visit the Dulles exhibit and the Abingdon Site at Reagan to become acquainted with their historical significance .
FLYWASHINGTON . COM 12 SPRING 2024