“Coalition for Historic Thoroughfare” with Frank Washington

Join the Afro-American Historical Association (AAHA) of Fauquier County for a presentation on the protection and preservation of local cemeteries and grave sites in honor of National Historic Preservation Month.

In honor of National Historic Preservation Month, AAHA is pleased to host Frank Washington to share a local preservation movement. Frank Washington was born and raised in Thoroughfare, VA.

Frank is a member of the Oakrum Baptist Church where he holds the title of Chairman of The Trustee Board, Youth Director, and Minister of Music. He formed the Coalition To Save Historic Thoroughfare three and a half years ago in an effort to protect historic Slave, Freed Slave and Indigenous grave sites and cemeteries not only in Thoroughfare but throughout Prince William County and the state. Frank also holds a seat on the Prince William County Architectural Board. He has worked closely with Virginia State Senator Danica Roem to help revise the Interment Rights Bill, a second Bill requiring proper printed notifications regarding any sale of properties containing a cemetery, and a third Bill that allows varied forms of identification to help Black families prove their link to historic cemeteries.

The presentation will take place at the AAHA headquarters in The Plains.

PEC, AAHA, Prince William Conservation Alliance, the Coalition to Protect Prince William, and the Southern Environmental Law Center have been assisting the Coalition with outreach, advocacy and research on the history of the cemeteries, properties and family lineage in Thoroughfare.