George Mason University

Students gather in front of the Johnson Center at George Mason University under the statue of George Mason. The statue is a barometer for public concerns as it is decorated for events that are meaningful to the campus community. George Mason University (GMU) opened in 1957 as a branch of the University of Virginia in a former elementary school in Bailey's Crossroads. In 1958, the City of Fairfax donated 150 acres in Braddock District for a permanent location, which opened for classes in 1964. The Virginia General Assembly subsequently established GMU as a four-year regional university and in 1972, the school separated from the University of Virginia as an independent member of the state university system. GMU also has campuses in Arlington, Prince William and Loudoun counties as well as the United Arab Emirates.

Photo by Gilbert Donahue

Copyrighted material, not to be reproduced without permission of owner, Gilbert Donahue

Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC): Annandale Campus

The Annandale campus of Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) is part of the multi-campus institution. In 1966, then-Governor Mills Godwin established the community college system in Northern Virginia.

In 2005, NVCC included campuses in Annandale, Arlington/Alexandria, Woodbridge, Manassas and Loudoun with a medical campus in Springfield. Each of the campuses was built on a major road artery for easy student access.

Photo by Gilbert Donahue

Copyrighted material, not to be reproduced without permission of owner, Gilbert Donahue

Terra Centre Elementary School, Burke

Terra Centre Elementary School was built underground for energy efficiency. The school's roof doubles as an athletic field.

Photo by Gilbert Donahue

Copyrighted material, not to be reproduced without permission of owner, Gilbert Donahue

Oral History: Bill Wrench

Bill Wrench came to the Braddock District in 1957 as the Director of the Economic and Industrial Development Committee (later, the Economic Development Authority). Lack of development in the county surprised him then, but his job was to integrate industrial development with residential growth. In 1960, he left the government and opened his own business, an oil distributorship and then a gas station. His family became part of the new Ravensworth Farm subdivision. Bill Wrench looks at roads, gas station management, and what brings people to live in the area.

Oral History: Helen Winter

Helen Winter moved to Annandale in 1969. She comments on the positive effects of immigration on the growth of the community and the development of community spirit over the years. Helen Winter became active in the local civic association and the planning commission. She discusses volunteerism and Annandale revitalization.

Oral History: Valerie Vahouny

Val Vahouny and her family moved to a new home in the original Kings Park development in 1963. Like many families in the 1950s, she and her husband first lived in an apartment until their growing family required more space. She talks about family and community life, daily activities, and celebrations, Valerie Vahouny remembers Braddock Road as a two-lane street with no traffic lights and a half-hour commute into the District of Columbia where her husband worked. She talks about physical growth and neighborhood changes over time.

Oral History: Mayo Stuntz

Mayo Stuntz is a descendant of the Fitzhugh family who came to the area in the 1600s. Born in 1915, he traces his genealogy, childhood, and county history. He talks about growing up in the county and its historic sites. Mayo Stuntz is a founding member of the Fairfax County History Commission and he discusses the work of that body.

Oral History: Donna Soderholm

Donna Soderholm moved to the Braddock District of Fairfax County in 1963. Compared to Chicago, the Virginia suburbs were undeveloped and her husband's commute to downtown DC took only a half hour. Most families in her neighborhood had four or more children who spent most of their free time outdoors playing together. She compares earlier days with the present time.

Oral History: Elizabeth Silliman

Elizabeth Silliman first came to Northern Virginia in 1950, and to the Braddock District of Fairfax County in 1970. She talks about physical changes in the community.

Oral History: Margaret Shutler

Margaret Shutler came to Fairfax County in 1964, the mother of six children and wife of a member of the U.S. Marine Corps ordered to the Pentagon. She talks about bringing up children and changes in household management.