Politics & Government

Elizabeth David Site Opened on Mason Neck

Honors former Neck resident

Elizabeth David was Fairfax County's first preservation planner and, before she died in 2002, she helped create the county's historic preservation and archaeology program. One of David's favorite spots was an area along the bike trail on Mason Neck just north of the High Point Road entrance to Mason Neck State Park.  In addition to being nestled among the most tranquil of settings, the location is also a valued archaeological site.

Last Sunday afternoon, several dozen friends and residents of Mason Neck gathered at the site to pay tribute to David's passion and to recognize its importance.

Mount Vernon District Supervisor Gerry Hyland was on hand to mark the unveiling of a interpretive trailside display bearing David's name with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Find out what's happening in Lortonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

County archaeologist Mike Johnson, who started studying the site shortly after David's death, wrote the text for the display, which manages within the space of four extremely informative panels to convey the historical, ecological and archaeological importance of Mason Neck. Artifacts found at the location date back at least 13,000 years.

The design for the display was completed by Mason Neck residents Gerry and Sallie Lyons of Lyonshare Studios, LLC.

Find out what's happening in Lortonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

After the ribbon cutting attendees were all smiles. To Mason Neck resident Gary Knipling's the display is perfect. "It pulls together all the things that make Mason Neck great, " he said. "It's in a beautiful setting and it truly honors Liz David."

The ceremony then moved to the new addition of the Elizabeth Hartwell Visitors Center in Mason Neck State Park where speakers and lecturers informed a standing room only audience of the David Site's significance in greater detail. Among the speakers was Paul Inashima, who was the archaeologist in charge of the excavation.

Each speaker noted the cooperation of the many groups, both public and private, who helped bring the site to fruition. Included were the Friends of Fairfax County Archaeology and Cultural Resources (FOFA), The Mason Neck Citizens Association (MNCA), Mason Neck State Park, and the Fairfax County Park Association.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here