[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 189 (Tuesday, November 26, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1512]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING THE FAIRFAX COUNTY HISTORY COMMISSION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 26, 2019

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Fairfax County 
History Commission on the occasion of the 15th Annual Fairfax County 
History Conference.
  This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the Fairfax County 
History Commission. Since 1969, the History Commission has worked to 
identify, document, record and preserve the historic past of our 
region. Few areas in the country are as rich in history as ours. 
Indeed, the history of this region is the history of our country. The 
History Conference provides an opportunity to reflect on the 
accomplishments of the past year and to recognize our neighbors who 
have made significant contributions to preserving and promoting our 
local history. Through the dedicated efforts of the History Commission 
and its many volunteers, we are assured that our history will not be 
lost and will be available for future generations.
  This year, several of these dedicated individuals are being honored 
for their commitment to the preservation and education of history. I am 
proud to include their names in the Record:
  Mr. Brian Conley, for his 32 years of passionate and professional 
oversight, management and preservation of Fairfax County's historic 
resources through a variety of positions within the Fairfax County 
Library's Virginia Room, the County Archives and as County Archivist.
  Ms. Joyce Wilkinson, for her efforts in promoting, preserving, 
researching and taking leadership positions to protect the historic 
resources of Fairfax County and in taking the initial leadership role 
as the first Chairperson of the Fairfax County History Commission.
  Mr. Chris Barbuschak, for his efforts in preserving, researching and 
maintaining the history of the National Bank of Fairfax Main Office 
through this property nomination to the Fairfax County Inventory of 
Historic Sites.
  Ms. Sofia Haile and Ms. Rachel Inman, for their exemplary work as 
students of West Springfield High School's Applied History class 
(taught by Brian Heintz), in preserving, researching, documenting, 
analyzing and presenting a complete and thorough database of some 150 
Fairfax County Vietnam War soldiers who were either listed as dead or 
missing in action.
  Last, but certainly not least, it gives me great pleasure to include 
in the Record the name of my friend and colleague, Sharon Bulova, who 
is receiving a Lifetime Achievement award for her tireless efforts to 
preserve and protect the history of Fairfax County. Beginning with her 
efforts as Braddock District Supervisor, this passion has continued 
throughout her term as Chairman. I was proud to work with her on a host 
of these projects, perhaps most importantly, the purchase of the Lorton 
Reformatory and its transformation into the Workhouse Arts Center. 
Future generations will long benefit from her efforts and I thank her 
for her dedication.
  Madam Speaker, I commend the Fairfax County History Commission for 
helping to ensure that the abundance of history that is available to 
our community will persevere far into the future. I congratulate all of 
the honorees and ask my colleagues to join me in thanking each of them 
for the important work they do for the Northern Virginia community.

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