Freeman Store Joins National Register of Historic Places [Photos + Video]

Vienna's Freeman Store and Museum is known for its role in the region's past, as a polling place for 1861's secession vote and, as the conflict began, a Civil War infirmary and living quarters for troops.

But as the building was dedicated as a national historic place Saturday, officials also urged residents and volunteers to also see the structure — which would go on to become an iconic general store before transforming into a museum — as an important connection to the future.

"Without this building being here today, we wouldn't have that connection to the future. We wouldn't have the little league kids that come by and say, 'This is our town, this is where memories are made' ... this is a town that has given us so many generations of wonderful memories and will continue to do so," State Del. Mark Keam (D-35th) said during an afternoon dedication ceremony.

"This building has been before us and will be here after us but as it sustains itself let us remember how important history for us and the pride we have in the Town of Vienna," he continued.

For more on the Freeman Store's history, click here.

With an old Vienna fire truck and the town's community band nearby, officials celebrated the building's new membership on the National Park Service National Register of Historic Places.

Mayor Jane Seeman and members of the Vienna Town Council were on hand as a new plaque was unveiled next to the building's white wooden door, along with Fairfax County Sups. Cathy Hudgins (Hunter Mill) and Chair Sharon Bulova (At-large), State Dels. Mark Keam (D-35th) and Barbara Comstock (R- State Sen. Chap Petersen (D-34th) and U.S. Rep Gerry Connolly (D-11th).

Earning the recognition was the legacy project Vienna's commemoration of the Civil War Sesquicentennial from 2011-2015, one that began more than two years ago.

It's also a Virginia Historic Landmark.

Much like the store is known for its role in the Civil War, the Town of Vienna is known for its strong, tight-knit community. And "the reason why it has a sense of community is because it has a sense of history," Petersen said, noting the decades of volunteers and officials that made Saturday's recognition possible.

"No place has a sense of self if it doesn't have a sense of history," Connolly added.

Along with an old-fashioned picnic on the Freeman Store lawn, residents also visited the Virginia Civil War 150 HistoryMobile, which took up a good half of the Caboose parking lot.

For photos and videos from the event, click through the media player above.

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