Reston Museum Reflects Community's Spirit

The spirit and unique history of Reston can be explored in a storefront museum nestled, naturally, in a place that symbolizes the dynamic community--the historic Lake Anne Plaza. The museum has been there for 13 years, changing along with Reston itself.

"The Reston Museum is important to the community to show people how the past developed the Reston community, to show what's happening today here in Reston, and to hold discussions on what the future will be," said Lynn Lillienthal, chairman of the Reston Historic Trust, which operates the museum. "We're a place where people can gather, learn, volunteer and be part of the community."

The museum was completely remodeled in September 2009. The result is a clean and well-ordered space and a mingling of old and new exhibits. Displays rotate regularly to illustrate the heart, history and character of Reston. Information comes in a variety of mediums – including 3D models, paintings, photos and educational videos.

Among the oldest displays is a large and detailed vertical model of Reston.  It stands over 10 feet high, and consists of little dark green tufts to serve as trees, big blue patches as grand bodies of water, and winding gray lines for the many roads of Reston.

  Tiny white squares stand in for the city's unique architecture.  This model has been recently cleaned and updated; it is one of the only older peices, and it finds its complementary addition in the watershed display, a new 3-D model explaining the effect urbanization has on Reston streams and what the Reston Association  is doing to restore these streams and the wildlife they protect.

The newer structures also include a huge 12-panel multimedia exhibit of Reston's history.  The panels trace Reston from its conceptual roots, courtesy of Reston founder Robert E. Simon Jr., up to the recent plans for the Silver Line Metro, which is currently under construction and slated to open in 2013 .

The journey from concept to concrete suburbia is further outlined by a new educational video exhibit located on the far right side of the museum.  Beginning its narrative in 1961, the video showcases Simon's vision for an "urbanized surburbia," a way of life that captured the vibrancy and energy of the city and balanced it with the peaceful harmonies of residential life.  In a testament to Simon's ingenuity and architectural sensibility,  the video recognizes Lake Anne Village's Italian influences, for it was modeled after the city of Portofino.

The new panels and displays also illustrate, with photos and maps, the people and livelihood of Reston.

The museum houses a rotating display of paintings, usually by Reston residents.

The museum's current  watercolors are works from Pat MacIntyre, a Reston artist and art instructor, whose paintings are  remarkably detailed and expressively colored, with floating pastels and dreamy, misted lighting.

The Reston Musum is a special place because it provides "information to a wide array of visitors," says David Slater, a museum volunteer.

Some of those visitors already live in Reston, but there are many who come from afar to learn more about Reston.  Recent visitors include graduate students, tourists, and even architects from other countries. Recently, Slater gave a tour to 22 Japanese engineers who were visiting to learn about Reston's architecture and implement the techniques in their own rapidly growing country.

The museum also is a great place to conduct research. Looking for documents, newspaper clips, photos and other pieces illustrating Reston's history? They are all at the museum and available to the public.

The museum also houses a small gift shop. This is a place to purchase all things Reston – T-shirts, mugs, bumper stickers and books about the community.
As Reston continues to move into the future, so will the Reston Museum.

"We are exited about the things we will tackle this year," says Lillienthal. That includes regular nature walks that showcase Reston wildlife and streams, and the Reston Home Tour.

The next nature walk  will be held on Sunday, Sept.19, and the home tour will be held Saturday, Oct. 16.

 There are also plans to build  a complete Reston Town Center 3-D model soon, a tribute to the hopeful and boundless future of the community.