Preserving Civil Rights History with the Falls Church Community Since 1997

Today, we all reap the benefits of this almost forgotten battle. Up to the eighth generation of these families still live on Tinner Hill.

The Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation has two, close-in-proximity properties that, remarkably, survive from the post-Civil War period. Both properties are intimately tied to the history of Falls Church and to the struggles of African Americans to attain their rights and freedoms, from the period of Jim Crow through the Civil Rights Movement.

The existence of the two properties presents the City of Falls Church and, in fact, the state and the nation, with a rare opportunity a) to preserve vernacular places not grand in stature but immensely important in the evolution of this freedom-based democracy, b) to acknowledge the importance of these places by making their presence central to the City’s development projects.

African Americans have made numerous significant contributions to Virginia’s history. Many people do not realize that the actions of African Americans living and working in Northern Virginia have greatly influenced the course of history in America. The struggle of African Americans for equal rights and civic equality has been persistent, paving the way for social justice for women, LGBTQ+ individuals, the elderly, the disabled, and many other groups in America. Many are unaware that the civil rights struggle began long before the 1960s and that the efforts of African Americans shaped the political, social, and economic fabric of this nation.

In January 1915, Dr. Edwin Bancroft Henderson called a meeting of local African-American families who lived on or around Tinner Hill to outsmart and outflank the white rulers of this rural area. Over the next 50 years, Tinner and Henderson organized civil rights activities that set a precedent for the rural South. The Hendersons, Tinners, and other brave local citizens of the Tinner Hill area risked their lives and livelihoods to defend the principles of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Beyond fighting against the segregation ordinance, they helped foster a movement that has had far-reaching consequences.

  • Increase African Americans' awareness of the development of Falls Church, Fairfax County, Northern Virginia, the United States through the dissemination of information and the provision of community services.

  • Develop cultural and historical resources of archival value, including, but not limited to, the establishment of a museum, monument, and other interpretive displays.

    READ MORE. >

  • Provide opportunities for growth and development through cultural enrichment, entrepreneurial education, mentoring, counseling, sponsoring clubs, groups, and organizations consistent with our mission.

  • Recognize the achievements of individuals and groups supporting our mission.

  • Encourage constituents and land owners to develop Tinner Hill as a place of historical importance.

    READ MORE. >

  • The Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation is proud to work with partners in our community to develop learning models and educational materials for students and families.

THHF Objectives

Tribute to Congressman Gerry Connolly

The Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation along with the Social Justice Committee of Falls Church and Vicinity, express our sincerest sorrow for the loss of our Congressman, friend, and champion, Representative Gerald (Gerry) E. Connolly. We now pray for strength, peace, and comfort for his family and the residents of the 11th Congressional District.

Congressman Connolly supported the Tinner Hill Foundation from the time that he served as the Fairfax County Providence District Supervisor, Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, and through his 14 years as our representative to the U.S. Congress from Virginia’s 11th Congressional District.

Our fondest memories of Gerry are his buoyant energy and phenomenal gift of gab. When he was the Providence Supervisor, he persuaded the Mayor of Falls Church, David Snyder, to purchase one of the two lots on Tinner Hill where the Historic Site is today, while pushing through funding from Fairfax County. After he encouraged Fairfax County to buy one of the two lots, he pushed Mayor Snyder to push through the funding from Falls Church City to purchase the other lot. The lot in Fairfax County was residential and only $50,000.00 at the time, whereas the lot in Falls Church was zoned commercial and cost $142,000.00. So, we may not have the Historic Site today if not for the superior efforts of Gerry Connolly.

Gerry was a true champion of working people, immigrants, and social justice. In January 2015, he spoke at the dedication of the Tinner Hill Historic Site in 13 degrees weather. When others chose to remain home, Congressman Connolly chose to teach us the necessity for protecting the truth and opening our doors to those who stand on the shoulders of past immigrants who contributed to the greatness of America.

Gerry may have lost his fight with cancer, but he won the cause for justice, decency, and love for our neighbors.