FAQ
Welcome to the West Ford Legacy FAQ page. Below you will find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about our museum and exhibits. If you have a question that isn't listed below, please don't hesitate to contact us.
The West Ford Legacy Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage and historical significance of West Ford, an African American man who played a pivotal role in American history.
West Ford, an African American man, rose from enslavement to become a landowner and the founding father of Gum Springs, Virginia—the oldest African American community in Fairfax County. His legacy embodies resilience, determination, and the enduring spirit of African Americans in the face of adversity.
The foundation is committed to supporting genealogical research and educational initiatives aimed at preserving African American history and heritage. It seeks to inspire individuals to connect with and take pride in their heritage while fostering community reconciliation and amplifying the historical narratives of formerly enslaved individuals and other African Americans.
The foundation implements a diverse range of programs and exhibits to promote genealogical research, education, and community engagement. Through strategic partnerships, it collaborates with various organizations to create immersive exhibits, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives.
The Major George William Ford Exhibit stands as a tribute to the indomitable spirit of the African American 9th and 10th Cavalry troops known as the Buffalo Soldiers. It aims to deepen the understanding of these soldiers' remarkable journey during the country's westward migration and celebrate their valor, resilience, and unwavering commitment to duty.
The exhibit offers a comprehensive exploration of the legendary Buffalo Soldiers, providing visitors with insight into every facet of their lives on the western frontier. Through artifacts, documents, displays, and educational programs, it seeks to captivate, educate, and inspire individuals of all ages.
Visitors can expect to be transported into the heart of the American West, where the story of the Buffalo Soldiers unfolds. They will have the opportunity to explore artifacts, documents, and displays that shed light on the soldiers' recruitment, training, deployments, and contributions to American history.
The exhibit is designed for history enthusiasts, students, educators, researchers, and anyone interested in learning about the untold stories of the Buffalo Soldiers and their significant role in shaping American history.
The foundation engages with the community through educational programs, outreach initiatives, and partnerships with schools, libraries, museums, and other organizations. It seeks to foster dialogue, promote historical awareness, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for African American history and heritage.
You can support the foundation's mission by attending exhibits, participating in educational programs, volunteering your time and expertise, making donations, and spreading awareness about the importance of preserving African American history and heritage.
The exhibit features a diverse range of artifacts spanning the Frontier and Spanish American Wars era, including military uniforms, weapons, equipment, personal belongings, documents, and correspondence related to Major George W. Ford's service and the broader history of the Buffalo Soldiers. Examples include cavalry hats, chevrons, bayonets, firearms, canteens, saddlebags, spurs, cartridge belts, tokens, bank drafts, bugles, coats, jackets, gauntlets, rifles, leather goods, belt plates, enlistment certificates, service records, correspondence with prominent figures like Theodore Roosevelt and W.E. Dubois, and portraits of Major George W. Ford himself.
