Editors note: This is of series focused on historical tidbits about Prince William County, Va. written by theĀ Prince William County Historic Preservation Division
Fannie Wilkinson Fitzgerald was born in Amelia County, Virginia on July 27, 1930. She was the youngest of eleven children. Her parents Reverend Isaiah and Lavinia Wilkinson instilled in their children a reverence for God, love for their fellow man, and the importance of education.
Fitzgerald attended Virginia Union University where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education in 1952. Her first teaching position was at a two-room school in Amelia County with no cafeteria or indoor plumbing.
After teaching for three years, Fitzgerald relocated in an effort to better her life. She applied for graduate school but was denied entry to Virginia Universities because of the color of her skin. She was however granted a full scholarship to attend Columbia University in New York City where she completed a Masterās in Special Education in 1960.
Before completion of the degree, Fannie was offered a job at Antioch-McCrae school for African-Americans in western Prince William County. After completion, she began teaching at the Jennie Dean School in Manassas.
Fitzgerald was a pioneer during the integration of Prince William County Public Schools. In 1964 she was appointed by the county board of education to transfer from Antioch-McCrae to Fred Lynn Elementary and Middle School in an effort to integrate not only students but teachers as well.
Fitzgerald and three of her peers became known as the Courageous Four, Prince William County Public Schools. Steps such as this lead to a fully integrated school system by September of 1965. When asked about being one of the first teachers to integrate in Prince William County, Fannie replied āChildren are children. It doesnāt matter what color they are.ā
In 1968 Fannie was selected to be the first black elementary supervisor of the integrated schools in Prince William County. From 1971-1988 Fannieās service was to the students of Dale City Elementary School.
She taught 4th Grade and was a learning disabilities specialist. Because of her outstanding work with special needs students, she was placed in a supervisory role of special needs programs for all Prince William County Schools.
Fannie retired in June of 1988 but continued to serve the children of Prince William County as a volunteer and community leader tutoring students and spearheading community events. As a result of Fannie Fitzgeraldās contributions to Prince William County Public Schools, the board of education voted unanimously to name an elementary school after her.
Located on Benita Fitzgerald Drive, a street named for her oldest daughter, an Olympic Gold Medalist, Fannie W. Fitzgerald Elementary School stands as a testament to academic excellence and her service to the community. Fannie suffered several years from the effects of Alzheimerās disease and died on April 7, 2016 at age 85.
Recent Stories
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors has approved an additional $472,000 in federal funding to advance the Ellicott Street Sidewalk Project, a critical initiative to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility in Occoquan. The funding comes through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, bringing the project closer to completion.
The project, which has evolved since its inception, will construct 675 feet of sidewalk along Ellicott Street, connecting Mill Street to Poplar Alley and extending toward Union Street. It also includes Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramps and crossings to address accessibility concerns. The initiative aims to create a safer, more pedestrian-friendly connection between the townās historic and business districts and the planned Occoquan Greenway trail.
āThe Ellicott Street Sidewalk Project is one of several pedestrian improvement efforts weāve pursued over the years,ā said Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta. āThis specific project will create a safer, more contiguous connection to Mill Street and the townās historic and business district.ā
All Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) locations are scheduled to open at 1 p.m on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. This delayed opening is due to ongoing impacts from Winter Storm Blair. Library officials advise that opening times may be adjusted further if weather or road conditions worsen.
The CRRL serves residents in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Westmoreland counties, offering various services beyond traditional book lending. The library system provides access to technology, community events, educational programs, and resources like homework help, job search tools, and genealogical research. Its facilities include multiple branches, mobile libraries, and digital collections that can be accessed online.
Patrons are encouraged to check the library’s website or social media channels for the most up-to-date information on hours and services.Ā
Looking for a musical treat this January? St. Georgeās Episcopal Church in historic downtown Fredericksburg is hosting a free concert on Sunday, January 19, at 3 p.m., featuring local favorite Hazel Run.
This talented folk group, comprised of Linda LaFave, Karen Richardson, and Stuart Whitford, blends Americana, soul, and rock influences to create a sound you wonāt want to miss. While the concert is free, donations are gratefully accepted at the door.
St. Georgeās is known for its beautiful music in a beautiful space, with a concert series that celebrates both local and visiting talent. Youāre warmly invited to enjoy the music and experience the welcoming community at St. Georgeās.
Stafford County Public Schools announced that Nevaeh Lewis of Colonial Forge High School and Emma Siegmund of Rodney Thompson Middle School have been selected for prestigious roles in Virginiaās legislative programs. Lewis will serve as a House of Delegates Page, while Siegmund has been chosen as a Senate Page.Ā These appointments provide hands-on opportunities to learn about government and leadership during the upcoming General Assembly session in Richmond beginning January 8.
Superintendent Dr. Daniel W. Smith praised the students, stating that these roles will help develop leadership skills and inspire civic engagement. Both programs include working with legislators, participating in committee meetings, and engaging in civics and leadership education. Pages will also take part in mock legislative sessions and community service projects.
Siegmund, a high-achieving middle schooler with a 4.0+ GPA, is active in Model United Nations, the National Junior Honors Society, and other academic programs and is the daughter of county school board chair Maureen Siegmund. Lewis, a talented artist and performer, is also deeply involved in her church and community.
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can beāwhether itās managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
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Experience the passion and drama of Pucciniās āThe Girl from the Golden Westā.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra, this performance brings Pucciniās masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
Featuring:
