PUBLIC MEETING

The Fairfax County Park Authority will host an online public meeting to present the findings of a survey of Peake Family Cemetery on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be livestreamed on this page, and community members are encouraged to participate by phone. 

An in-person viewing of the presentation will be held in the Multipurpose Room of the Gum Springs Community Center, located at 8100 Fordson Rd in Alexandria, VA

For those unable to join us on Dec. 11, a recording will be available for viewing online at the conclusion of the meeting. 

PUBLIC COMMENT

The Fairfax County Park Authority invites the public to share their feedback on the proposed interpretation and preservation of the Peake Family Cemetery. Public comments can be submitted online below until 5 p.m. on Jan. 10.

Question title

Submit your comments on the proposed interpretation and preservation of the Peake Family Cemetery.

HELP US PRESERVE OUR HISTORY

Historic cemeteries are some of the most important and unique cultural resources in Fairfax County. They show us how people settled, demographic changes, historic events, public health trends, religious beliefs, and societal norms. These cemeteries also contain folk art ranging from simple to inspirational. However, many cemeteries, especially small family plots and those of marginalized groups like enslaved and free Blacks, Native Americans, the imprisoned, and the poor, are hard to research and locate. These cemeteries are important for scholarship and serve as physical reminders of our complete history.

In addition to site restoration, the Park Authority is planning to update the existing interpretive signs at the cemetery and is requesting assistance from the surrounding community and historical organizations. The archaeology team seeks historic records, photographs, and/or family histories, which may help in identifying unmarked graves and contribute to the interpretive history of the site. Potential burials could include members of the Ford, Javins, Brown, Bigsby and Fisher families. Those who would like to submit materials for review may contact our archaeology team using the form below.

Question title

Share your historic records, photos or family histories using the form below. This system accepts PDF and JPEG files as attachments. There is a file size limit of 100 MB total for all files attached. Be sure to include your name and email address for follow-up by our team.

CONTACT

For questions related to this project or additional information, please contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.