Davis-Younger said she wanted the museum to embody the city’s motto of “historic heart, modern beat” by including a comprehensive history of the city while serving as a so-called "third space" for residents and visitors. A "third space," or "third place," is a sociology term that refers to a place separate from home and work and is important for community building.
“We want people to come and enjoy it. We want people to know our history,” Davis-Younger said.
One of the exhibits in the museum features a timeline that marks significant milestones in the city’s history, with the most recent being Davis-Younger being the first Black woman elected as mayor.
“It’s more representative of all the people of the city now. It looks more like the city actually is ... everyone is represented there, and everyone is welcome,” she added.
The project was created to feature an inclusive history of the city as well as utilize the physical structure to be used as a third space.
What began as a small collection of artifacts donated by local residents now showcases a more in-depth history of Manassas and the surrounding region, officials said. The project’s design was made to honor the museum’s existing structure and historic context while opening the previously inward-facing building to utilize the city and surrounding public park.
