Online Exhibition
Reston: Community Building Since 1966
Online exhibit best viewed on a desktop. Artifact labels do not appear on mobile view.
Since Reston's beginning building community and establishing community organizations has been a priortiy.
In March 2020, we celebrated this history by hosting a panel discussion between several community organizations that have been established in Reston for over 40 years. You can watch the program here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoTM60smKmE and view artifacts related to various community organizations from our archives below.
2011.02.011
Program of the first Reston Community Players production.
The Reston Community Players has brought the public a variety of theatrical experiences including classics and original play as well as popular Broadway musicals, dramas, mysteries and comedies. Their first production was in 1966, called “The Greatest Game in Town” and staged at the Reston stable. The inner riding ring was transformed into a theater able to seat 500 people complete with stage sound system lights.
Jane wilhelm
Founder Robert E. Simon, Jr. ensured community building was a priority for Reston by working with individuals who could make it happen. Jane Wilhelm was the director of community and social programs.
2018.03.008
Photograph by Warren Mattox of the groundbreaking of the Walker Nature Center.
The first Nature Center started as “program not place” in 1967. Director Vernon Walker educated Restonians about nature by writing Nature Newsnotes, giving walks, and providing advice.
Ground was broken for a building in 1975. A small, seasonal structure served as the nature center until the one we know today opened in 2009.
View more pages about Reston's History on our website:
