Freedom House Museum

The Freedom House Museum was once part of the headquarters for the largest domestic slave trading firm in the United States, Franklin and Armfield. Through first-person accounts of enslaved men and women and details from the business, encounter the harsh reality of the domestic slave trade and Alexandria's role.

Page updated on Nov 12, 2021 at 4:28 PM

Freedom House Museum

The Museum is closed for renovation until further notice.
1315 Duke Street

Freedom House exterior (credit, R Kennedy for Visit Alexandria)The Freedom House Museum was once part of the headquarters for the largest domestic slave trading firm in the United States, Franklin and Armfield. Enslaved people were brought from the Chesapeake Bay area and forced to the slave markets in Natchez, Mississippi and New Orleans either by foot or ship. 

We invite you to visit the museum in this historic reminder of slavery.


Covid-19 Operational Guidelines

OHA established the following guidelines to ensure consistent operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. All museums are participating in the ALX Promise Gold program. Staff will regularly re-evaluate these guidelines throughout 2021, based on guidance from the CDC, Commonwealth of Virginia, and the Virginia Health Department.

    .

    Historic Structures Report for Freedom House Museum, October 28

    The Historic Structures Report (HSR) for 1315 Duke Street, the Freedom House Museum, was formally presented by SmithGroup on October 28. Watch a video of the presentation, view the presentation slideshow, read the full report or view a summary.

    .

    Plan Your Visit to Freedom House Museum

    The Freedom House Museum is currently closed for renovation. Look for expanded exhibits when we reopen. This page has admission information and directions to assist in planning your visit once the museum reopens.

    .

    Donate to the Freedom House Museum

    Support the preservation and interpretation of Freedom House. Donate now, through The Alexandria Shop.

    .

    History of 1315 Duke Street

    The Franklin and Armfield Slave Pen at 1315 Duke Street was one of the largest slave trading companies in the country and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

    .

    Freedom House in the News

    See news articles from 2018 to present. The City purchased the property in 2020, in order to preserve and interpret this National Historic Landmark and ensure it is open to the public for future generations.

    .

    City of Alexandria Completes Purchase of Freedom House to Preserve Historic Museum

    On March 25, the City of Alexandria completed the purchase of the Freedom House Museum from the Northern Virginia Urban League (NVUL). This purchase will allow the City to preserve and interpret this National Historic Landmark and ensure it is open to the public for future generations.

    Museum Hours

    Museum
    The Museum is closed for renovation until further notice.  

    Closed
    New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas.

    Contact the Museum

    Call the Office of Historic Alexandria at 703.746.4554

    Event Tickets

    To purchase tickets to events at the Freedom House Museum, and to shop online, visit  The Alexandria Shop.  

    Stay Connected

    Follow Historic Alexandria on social media and sign up for eNews.
    City Facebook Page  Twitter Page   Historic Alexandria Instagram Historic Alexandria YouTube Channel


     




    Top