Capturing Our Past Through Heritage Tours
By Marcia Bradford 
In the years preceding and following the American Revolution, before Washington, D.C. was selected as the site of the nation's capital, many 18th century leaders like George Washington and George Mason gathered at estates in Fairfax County, Va. Today, many groups that want that U.S. Capital experience meet in Fairfax County, according to Daniel Mobley, CAE, of Visit Fairfax. "Because we are adjacent to Washington, D.C., Fairfax County is the perfect home base for visitors."
Recently, Heritage Tourism has become a popular draw for groups visiting Fairfax County, Mobley said, explaining that Visit Fairfax now offers special itineraries such as an African American Heritage Tour. "We are proud that so many of the region's most significant African American history and heritage sites call Fairfax County home."
The tour offers a new perspective on several of the country's most well known sights and also introduces travelers to several lesser-known places of historic significance.
For example, on the tour is Mount Vernon, George Washington's estate, where groups can learn about the lives and contributions of the slaves who built and operated the plantation. A Slave Memorial, located about 50 yards from George Washington's tomb, honors their sacrifices, contributions and accomplishments.
Additionally, the recently completed Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center provides visitors with an interactive, multi-sensory walk-through of Washington's life from his days as a surveyor to his death at age 67. For groups that want to hold events at Mount Vernon, The Mount Vernon Inn Complex includes a reception space, sunken garden, verandah and 200-seat auditorium.
George Mason's Gunston Hall Plantation also opens visitors' eyes to the servant practices during the Revolutionary era. While Mason, a framer of the Constitution, was a critic of slavery, he owned almost 100 slaves, most of whom worked the 5,600-acre plantation along the Potomac River. Recreated slave quarters are located on site and nearby is a community established in the late 19th century by freed African Americans.
For meetings, the contemporary Ann Mason Room offers space for meetings, staff retreats or social functions and has a capacity of 175 people. Additionally, the grounds can accommodate tented parties for up to 1,000 people. Gunston Hall has on-site catering.
A lesser-known site of great interest on the African American Heritage Tour is Gum Springs, which is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year. Also known as The Capital of African American History, Gum Springs was founded near Mount Vernon in 1833 by West Ford, a freed slave of George Washington. Over the years, the settlement along the Potomac River thrived as a place where many freed and runaway slaves were reunited with their families and built an independent community with a bustling economy. Today, more than 500 of the 2,500 residents are direct descendants of the original families. The Gum Springs Museum and Cultural Center features photo exhibits and hosts special events throughout the year.
In February, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va., features an African-American Pioneers in Aviation Family Day to pay tribute to the contributions of African Americans in aviation and space exploration. In 2008, many of the surviving Tuskegee Airmen, the country's first black military airmen, who served in World War II, were honored at a special ceremony. According to Frank McNally, public affairs specialist, the center is available for events of all sizes. Groups can celebrate an event in the enormous vaulted aviation hanger, host dinners around the SR-71 Blackbird—the world's fastest airplane—and be awed by the Space Shuttle Enterprise. The Hazy Center has a capacity of 2,000 for seated dinners and up to 5,000 for receptions.
By taking a short trip into Washington, D.C., by car or via the Metro, groups can also access a number of other cultural attractions on the African American Heritage Tour. Examples include the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art and the historic U Street neighborhood, which is currently undergoing a 21st century renaissance and was once home to many artists and celebrities like Duke Ellington. To get a true taste of the neighborhood, visitors should have lunch at Ben's Chili Bowl, which has thrived for more than 40 years and is one of Bill Cosby's favorite restaurants.
The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture is scheduled to open in 2015.
Other tours include "From 18th Century to Outer Space," "Only in the Capital Region" and the most recent, "Best of the Region on One Tank of Gas."
