Born in Roanoke, Virginia, Martha Pennino (1918-2004) was called the "Mother of Fairfax" for her long service to the county. She was one of the longest-serving members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, spending 24 years on the board. She was first elected in November 1967, representing what was then the Centreville District. She served as vice chairman for a total of 17 years.

In 1985, Pennino won the Tom Bradley Regional Leadership Award. In giving her this honor, the National Association of Regional Councils cited her efforts in developing the first energy policy for a metropolitan area, the first area car pool program, and a fair share housing program. In 1986, Washingtonian magazine named her Washingtonian of the Year. Prior to joining the board, Pennino was elected to three terms on the Vienna Town Council, serving as vice mayor during one of those terms. Additionally, Pennino took a leadership role in developing the planned community of Reston, as well as embracing low-cost housing adjacent to her office.

The Martha Pennino Collection contains materials relating to planning ad zoning in Fairfax County, Virginia (correspondence, memoranda, legal documents), service awards given to Ms. Pennino by various government entities, photogrphs of Fairfax County events in which Ms. Pennino participated, and materials relating to Reston, Virginia. Total volume of the collection is 2 cubic feet or 3 linear feet.

Browse the Martha Pennino Collection

For additional information on the Marth Pennino Collection, please consult the SC&A staff. The SC&A staff is always willing to assist researchers. SC&A has a reading room, providing a quiet haven for serious research. Most materials may be photocopied, either by the researcher or by staff, depending on the nature of the item. Telephone or mail requests for photocopies and photographs are handled for a fee on a prepaid basis. Tours can be arranged for small groups, and speakers are available upon request.