Podcast

Manassas Monday: Councilwoman Theresa Coates Ellis on Bennett School & Bee Festival

By Potomac Local News

Manassas Monday: Preserving History at the Old Bennett School – Memorial Day Special

May 25, 2026 — On this rainy Memorial Day edition of Manassas Monday, we discuss local news, weather, and a major preservation battle happening right in the heart of Manassas.

We’re joined by Manassas City Councilwoman Teresa Coates Ellis and Colin Turner of the Save Old Bennett School effort. They share why the historic 1909 Bennett School — a grand Romanesque-style building on the Prince William County Judicial Campus — has been named one of Virginia’s Most Endangered Historic Places in 2026.

The building, which served as a school from 1909 to 1969 before becoming county office space, now faces potential demolition as the county moves forward with courthouse and jail expansion plans. Councilwoman Ellis and Colin make the case for preserving this architectural treasure rather than tearing it down or relocating it.

Background Documents & Reports

Learn more and get involved: SaveOldBennettSchool.com

Also Covered in This Episode

  • Manassas secures $26 million for a new airport control tower as the airport prepares for commercial service (now called Washington Manassas Airport)
  • Micron announces production of the world’s most advanced memory chip now underway in Manassas
  • Memorial Day reflections and the much-needed rain helping to end a long regional drought

Upcoming: 6th Annual Manassas Bee Festival

Councilwoman Ellis previews the 6th Annual Manassas Bee Festival, taking place Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Liberia House & Grounds.

More info: ManassasBeeFestival.com

What Do You Think?

Should the Old Bennett School be preserved in place, integrated into the courthouse expansion, or moved? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.

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