Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum

The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum was a family business founded in 1792 and operated in this location from 1805 until 1933. It represents one of Alexandria's oldest continuously run businesses that combined retailing, wholesaling, and manufacturing.
Page updated on January 23, 2023 at 2:51 PM

The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum

What is the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum and how did it become a museum? This short video covers the basics.

The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum boasts a vast collection of herbal botanicals, hand-blown glass, and medical equipment.  It also has a spectacular collection of archival materials, including journals, prescription and formula books, ledgers, orders and invoices. The museum is a National Historic Landmark.  

 

The Apothecary

Visitors at the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum

Visit the Apothecary

The museum is open Wednesdays - Fridays 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Sundays 1 - 5 p.m. This page has admission information, tour options, and directions to assist in planning your visit.

An etching of the buildings on S. Fairfax Street from the E.S. Leadbeater letterhead

History of the Apothecary

Learn about the Apothecary, the Stablers, the Leadbeaters, and the Museum.

Leadbeater letterhead with engraving of Wholesale Druggists buildings.

Archival Collection

Search the Museum’s Archival Collection, comprised of the letters, invoices, account books, and ledgers of the apothecary and pharmacy business owned by the Stablers and Leadbeater families from 1792-1933.

More Information

Contact the Museum

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
105-107 South Fairfax Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Phone: 703.746.3852

Contact the Museum (Alex311)  

Mission Statement

The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, one of the oldest pharmacies in the nation, exists today to promote a greater understanding of historic public health issues, inspire people with the values of Quaker founder, Edward Stabler, and engage the visitor in an appreciation of our local and national history by sharing the story of this business and family’s profound effect on the community in such diverse areas as education and the abolition of slavery.

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Programs and Events

Programs & Events at the Apothecary Museum

The Museum offers a number of public programs and special events throughout the year. From Harry Potter's birthday to special behind-the-scenes tours, the Apothecary has something for all ages and interests. 

For current dates of programs & events, check the calendar of events.

Educational Resources

Educational Resources at the Apothecary Museum

The Museum offers a variety on-site programs, from special tours to hands-on activities to lectures, throughout the year. The programs can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your group.

Collections

The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum boasts a vast collection of herbal botanicals, hand-blown glass, medical equipment and archival materials used in this family business, in operation from 1792 until 1933.

The Museum’s Archival Collection is comprised of letters, invoices, account books, and ledgers of the apothecary and pharmacy business owned by the Stabler and Leadbeater families from 1792-1933. 

Rentals and Private Events

Rentals and Private Events at the Apothecary Museum

Meet and entertain where ingenuity and innovation surround you. Hold your small meeting, lecture, or party in the 2nd floor at the Museum to inspire any group.

Mortar and Pestle Society

Mortar & Pestle Society

The Mortar and Pestle Society is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that is the official friends group for the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum. The Society’s support benefits a variety of projects such as object conservation, education programs, and other specific Museum needs.

Volunteering at the Apothecary

Volunteering at the Apothecary Museum

Looking for something different and fun to learn? Interested in the history of medicine and herbs? Enjoy working with the public? Then you'll love volunteering as a tour guide at the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum.