The Arlington Historical Society is calling on local writers to bring key aspects of the county’s history to life as the nation’s 250th birthday approaches next year.
The new writing project, “250 by 2026,” aims to round up 250 stories that may not be in the public consciousness.
“Arlington has a wide history. Do we really know all the history? Do we really know all the stories?” society president Peter Vaselopulos asked at a recent kickoff event at the Arlington Historical Museum.
Society leaders have detailed various areas where the historical record is thin, and they’re encouraging writers to help fill in the gaps.
Themes include economic history, sports history, art and music, neighborhood evolution, immigrant narratives and scandals or controversies.
The society has a head start in getting to the 250 total. About 180 articles on local history already are posted on its website, although not all will necessarily make the cut for the final 250.
Prospective researchers can take previous articles and update them with new findings, officials said.
There’s no minimum or maximum length, although a suggested range for most articles is 300 to 500 words.
“You’ve got to put [the tale] in contest: who, what, where, when, why,” said Vaselopulos, a retired journalist. “Vivid descriptions and good anecdotes keep the reader interested.”
Submissions are being sought by March. In addition to being posted online, they are likely to be incorporated into a print publication aimed for release during a May 2026 community history fair being organized as part of the 250th-anniversary activities.
In a related but separate initiative, the historical society is hosting a competition for students to get involved in the anniversary commemoration.
The competition seeks student essays, poems, videos or designs for a new memorial to mark the nation’s 250-year journey through a local lens.
Arlington youth in grades 8-12 can participate. The submission deadline is Oct. 3, with a top prize of $1,000 and additional cash awards from $100 to $500.
The submission by the first-place recipient in the student competition will be included in the 2026 Arlington Historical Magazine. The winner also will be invited as a guest to the society’s annual banquet.
The County Board has designated the historical society as the official lead in local commemorations of the nation’s birth. It is operating in coordination with the statewide effort to mark the anniversary.
