The Reston Museum - A Hidden Gem

by Sarah Golden, Staff Writer

Susann Gerstein, a founding member, speaks at Reston Museum's "Hidden Gem" event. Photo by Isadora Guerreiro.

For decades, Lake Anne Plaza has served as the heart of the Reston community. It brings together thousands across Reston in the spring, summer, and fall for the farmers and craft market, the multicultural festival, and, of course, the beloved annual cardboard boat regatta. It’s no wonder, then, that it has enough history and culture to its name to be the natural home of the Reston Museum.

Like Reston itself, the museum has humble beginnings. This was the focus of “Reston’s Hidden Gem” program held at the museum in March. During the event, Susann Gerstein and Shelley Mastran, two of the museum’s original founders, discussed the museum’s journey from an idea to a full-fledged 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The museum’s early years were scrappy—local volunteers passionate about preserving Reston’s history joined forces with the Merchants Association, which provided the funds to kick-start the project. The result was the first iteration of the museum, which opened in 1997 and featured a unique, detailed model of Reston that remains on display today.

Photo by Isadora Guerreiro.

Mastran, former museum board chair, lovingly referred to this time as the museum’s “teenage years,” a period when they struggled with finances, lacked a full-time director to guide their strategy, and had no paid staff. Despite these challenges, they achieved significant successes, such as securing a grant from HUD for renovations and hosting the first-ever Founders Day.

In the years that followed, the museum expanded its offerings to include some of its most popular events, such as the house tour. It also played a crucial role in securing the designation of the Lake Anne District as a Fairfax County Historic District and its placement on the National Register of Historic Places.

The event concluded with Lisa Watts, the museum’s current executive director, discussing its future. Watts emphasized that, unlike other museums that serve solely as monuments to the past, she envisions the Reston Museum as more than that—it’s a movement. The museum seeks to continue educating and inspiring not only through its well-loved programming but also through community-led initiatives. Just like Reston itself, the museum started as an idea—perhaps the next big, impactful community event is just an idea now, waiting to be realized.

Do you have an idea for giving back and celebrating both the history and future of Reston? Email info@restonmuseum.org or send a message via www.restonmuseum.org/contact. If you don’t have an idea but just want to get involved, consider volunteering your time or making a donation; information on both is available at www.restonmuseum.org.

Lastly, be sure to visit the museum. Located at 1639 Washington Plaza, it is open Tuesday-Friday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.