The State of Virginia was home to eight American Presidents, four of whom lived in central Virginia. Many world citizens are aware that Thomas Jefferson lived in the area and James Madison, considered the Father of the Constitution also has a high awareness level. Fewer visitors are aware that James Monroe, fifth president of the United States lived virtually across the road from Jefferson and that together these three gentlemen governed the United States for a continuous period of 25 years.

As the Washingtons, Lees, Jeffersons and Masons settled Virginia, their expanding households always included African Americans who built the mansions, produced the agricultural wealth and otherwise made their gentry lifestyles possible. Today, the plantations and town residences, belonging to their sons and grandsons, dot the Northern Virginia landscape; in Alexandria, Arlington, Mount Vernon and Gunston Hall.

Fewer visitors still are aware that Woodrow Wilson, 28th President of the United States was born in Staunton, Virginia, just a short distance away from Charlottesville. The homes and environments of each of the Presidents are unique and provide interesting contrasts in the lifestyles of these gentlemen.

Even though much of Northern Virginia's early African American heritage was concentrated on plantations near Washington, D.C.; the years after the Civil War saw the influence and impact of African Americans extend way beyond into the countryside and communities. Today, fascinating museums in Loudoun and Fauquier Counties, coupled with the unique history of the Manassas Industrial School, feature an area is replete with African American offerings.

Across the river in Washington, D.C., important African American heritage ranges from the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, the Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives, former headquarters of the Colored Public Schools of Washington and Georgetown, and the Mount Zion United Methodist Church and Heritage Center.

Places to visit:

• Woodrow Wilson House
• Tudor Place
• Historic Fairfax Elementary School/Fairfax Museum and Visitors Center
• Ratcliffe-Allison House
• National Geographic Society/Explorer's Hall
• Textile Museum
• National Cathedral
• National Zoological Park
• Old Stone House
• C & O Canal
• Dumbarton Oaks
• The Manassas Museum
• Manassas Battlefield Park
• Frederick Douglass National Historical Site
• Ratcliffe-Allison House
• Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center
• Tinner Hill Monument
• Manassas Industrial School/Dean Memorial
• Afro-American Historical Association of Fauquier County, The Plains
• Loudoun Museum
• Black Heritage Walking Tour/Old Leesburg
• Howard University
• Benjamin Banneker Park
• Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives
• Mt. Zion United Methodist Church

VA Career Connection......

Virginia's Career Connect - http://www.careerconnect.state.va.us/ Network designed to assist workers, students, individuals seeking employment, and employers with educational, employment, and career-related information.

Virginia Employment Commission - http://www.vec.state.va.us/ State agency providing access to information about job opportunities and the labor.

Didlake, Inc - http://www.didlake.com Organization dedicated to providing employment services to persons with disabilities. Locations throughout Virginia, plus Washington DC.

Ardelle Associates - http://www.ardelle.com Providers of staffing solutions for DC, Maryland and Virginia. Services include: information technology contracts, permanent placement, temporary placement, subcontract services, temp-to-hire, and outsourcing.

Shopping - Major Stores & Malls - Northern Virginia

Shop Lowe's Online Home improvement clearance sales are on. Enter a Zip Code to find online deals for everything from tools to storage. Abercrombie & Fitch Check out merchandise, find a local store, or read reviews. Includes photos, a screen saver and downloadable games. American Eagle Outfitters Offers men's and women's apparel. Browse pictures of merchandise, apply for a credit card, and but items online. Includes a store locator. Ballston Common Mall Arlington-based shopping mall provides map, location, and event calendar. Burlington Coat Factory Offers savings of up to 60% off department store prices on name brand fashions and accessories. Browse catalog or find a nearby store location. Capital Expo Center Facility hosts computer, gift, and boat shows. Find building details, event schedules, sales info, and directions from a variety of locations. Champs Sports Retails sports gear and accessories with several locations in the area. Find basketball, running, and football apparel. Costco Company information and mail order catalog from this warehouse chain. Items for the home, personal needs, food, and wine. Disney Store Videos, books, music, collectibles, clothing, and accessories, available for purchase online. Includes links to Disney theme parks. Drug Emporium Major drugstore offers electronics, vitamins, health care items, and a range of family personal care products. Find a local store. Dulles Town Center Store directory, upcoming events and directions. Highlights merchant specials and programs for students. Eddie Bauer Men's and women's casual and outdoor wear, plus footwear and kit bags. Easy-to-navigate catalog and secure online ordering. ePetStop Find a full-range of products to clean up after your pets. Place orders, receive special offers and read pet owner testimonials. Express Browse clothing, use the sizing guide, find out about employment opportunities, and apply for a credit account. Includes a store locator. Fair Oaks Mall Information includes a store directory, mall and community info. Buy gift certificates online or register to receive e-bulletins. Fair Oaks Shopping Mall Provides map, description, and leasing details. Site designed for potential tenants, and doesn't contain links. Galyans A complete sporting goods store originally started in Indianapolis. Check out products, read about the company, or find a nearby store. Gap, The Catalog has loads of men and women's apparel to buy including bath and body essentials. Find sale items, gift certificates, and a store locator. Guess? Clothing for kids, boys and babies, with an online store locator and catalog excerpts for women's and men's clothes. Hallmark Myriad of card and gift suggestions for any occasion. Features an email reminder service so you'll never forget special occasions. Kmart Discount chain store caters to middle income consumers and their families. Find out about sales, celebrity endorsements, and Internet specials. Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets Outlet mall offers premium stores and brands at discounted prices. Browse a store directory, check out sales, and get directions. Neiman Marcus Find one of the 29 stores throughout the US, specializing in exclusive apparel for men, women, and children. Nextel Check out the cellular phones, read about services available, or locate a nearby store. Includes a ten cents per minute long distance phone plan. Ninewest Previews the latest shoe designs and trends. Includes product info, locations, fun activities, and competitions. Nordstrom Fashion retailer carrying designer and private label merchandise. Request a personal shopper to help you stay in style. North Point Village Center Located at Reston Parkway and Lake Newport Road. Stores include Giant Foods, Blockbuster Video, Baskin Robbins, Starbucks and GNC. Old Town Manassas Shopping Find map and extensive listing of shopping district stores and services. Features addresses, hours, and links. Paul Harris Retailer of women's clothing and accessories. Includes a store locator, online catalog, and financial information. Pier 1 Imports Unusual homewares and rattan furniture from this specialty retailer. Check out the latest sale or find nearby stores. Play It Again Sports Use the store locator to find the closest outlet selling new and used sporting goods. Trade in your old equipment to receive further discounts. Reston Town Center Lists of shops, services, restaurants, and facilities. Features location maps, contacts, and business descriptions. SAM'S Club Online shopping from Wal-Mart's small business division. Goods include stationery, food, and electronics. Sears Browse product inventory, determine store locations, order catalogs, and shop for Craftsman tools and flowers online. Service Merchandise Features a catalog of fine jewelry, home accents and furnishings, and electronic appliances. Review corporate info and upcoming sales. Sharper Image, The Unique assortment of gifts and products including practical and quirky items for use at home, in the car, or outdoors. Spectrum at Reston Town Center, The Retail complex centrally located in the heart of Reston Town Center. Site includes a directory of stores and directions. Springfield Mall Store directory provides shop links and contacts. Explore leasing details, take a cyber tour, or locate the maps and directions. Sunglass Hut Over 2,000 locations in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia region, offering the latest sunglasses. Check out the huge range and find a store. Target 'Expect more, pay less' with one of the largest discount chain stores in the US. Includes FAQs, events, and fashion ideas. Tysons Corner Center Washington area's largest mall provides an interactive store directory, with some links. Find directions, leasing info, and event schedules. Victorias Secret Browse products, shop the online store, request a catalog, or check the status of an account. Use the store locator to find a nearby shop. Virginia Auctioneers Frank E and Donna Blake Bolton outline weekly estate and antique auctions. Includes schedule, contacts, and directions. Wal-Mart Discount store with a wide array of merchandise including electronics, apparel, music, and appliances. Find weekly 'hot buys' for the home.