The Mount Vernon High School Collection, 1944-1994

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:
.25 linear feet
Creator:
Virginia Room Staff
Abstract:
The Mount Vernon High School Collection spans the years 1944-1994 and consists of student newspapers, a student handbook, a graduation program, reunion programs, and a newspaper clipping of the 1952 graduating class.
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

The Mount Vernon High School Collection spans the years 1944-1994 and consists of student newspapers, a student handbook, a graduation program, reunion programs, and a newspaper clipping of the 1952 graduating class. Subjects include Mount Vernon High School and education in Fairfax County, Virginia.

Biographical / historical:

In November 1938, the County School Board of Fairfax County purchased 8.8 acres of land, formerly part of George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate, from George P. Beach. The Public Works Administration (PWA) constructed a two-story colonial revival high school building on the site at a cost of about $100,000. The new school building replaced Lee-Jackson High School. When it opened in January 1940, the faculty and students of Lee-Jackson transferred to the new Mount Vernon High School. Several additions were later added onto the building. In 1973, a $6,593,000 renovation project converted the Walt Whitman Intermediate School (erected in 1961) into the current Mount Vernon High School located at 8515 Old Mount Vernon Road. Mount Vernon High School celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2015 and the county erected an historical marker in front of the original high school building in 2016.

Acquisition information:
Collection assembled by Virginia Room Staff over a period of years. A portion of the collection was donated by Mayo Stuntz. Melanie Quinn, daughter of Lilla Wray Eaton ‘44, donated the 1944 Em Vee Hi newspaper and Class of 1944 reunion ephemera in November 2022.