The Western Fairfax County Survey Photograph Collection, 1976-1986 (bulk 1985-1986)

Access and use

Location of collection:
Fairfax County Public Library
Fairfax County Public Library
City of Fairfax Regional Library
Virginia Room
10360 North Street
Fairfax, VA 22030-2514
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Chris Barbuschak
Phone: (703) 293-2142
Phone: (703) 293-6227 ext. 6 (Virginia Room)
Fax: (703) 293-2155

Summary

Extent:
0.5 linear feet
Creator:
Fairfax County, Virginia, Office of Comprehensive Planning, Heritage Resources Branch
Abstract:
The Western Fairfax County Survey Photograph Collection consists of 35mm negatives featuring 1,516 images dating from 1976-1986.
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

The Western Fairfax County Survey Photograph Collection consists of 35mm negatives featuring 1,516 images dating from 1976-1986. The bulk of the images were photographed during the 1985 grant-funded survey of the western area of Fairfax County and were published in the report co-authored by grant staff Betsy Chittenden and Andrea Heintzelman. Several negatives in this collection both pre-date and post date the survey project. Images depict farms, barns, houses, schools, churches and other historic structures in the Chantilly area of Fairfax County, Virginia. Many of these sites no longer exist and have been overtaken by development.

Biographical / historical:

In early 1985, the Fairfax County Heritage Resources Branch hired two grant staff, Betsy Chittenden, an architectural historian, and Andrea Heintzelman, a survey archaeologist, to assist them with conducting a survey of the western part of Fairfax County. By the end of February 1985, the two had completed the survey’s research design and began working on the physical survey. Upon conclusion of the grant on August 30, 1985, Chittenden and Heintzelman surveyed and photographed 113 structures mostly in the Chantilly, Virginia vicinity and assisted staff with writing the Western Fairfax County Survey Report. The report documented and interpreted the architectural history of the area and made recommendations for preservation strategies and future research suggestions.

Acquisition information:
Collection transferred by the Fairfax County Department of Planning and Development in March 2023.