Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, the August 8, 2020 City wide remembrance in memory of Benjamin Thomas, who was lynched in Alexandria on this day in 1899, is being conducted virtually on this In Memoriam page.

Build your social justice muscles this summer! As our nation and city come to terms with their legacies of racial injustice, take the 30-Day Challenge to learn, listen, explore, and act to make positive change. Learn about our city’s important African American history to build your base of knowledge. Listen and explore to understand the struggles, triumphs, and legacies of African Americans across the nation and throughout the centuries. Act to bring equity in America and in Alexandria.

Freedom House Museum was awarded a $5,000 grant that will go toward digitizing about 151 folders of archival materials. The Office of Historic Alexandria has a new digital scanner to use for this purpose.

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.

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. 

Museums are beginning to reopen in accordance with the Commonwealth’s Forward Virginia Plan. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and Gadsby's Tavern Museum are now open. Public programs are cancelled until further notice. Refer to the Calendar for the status of Commission and other departmental associated meetings. For additional information about the City of Alexandria’s actions, visit alexandriava.gov/Coronavirus.

City of Alexandria Completes Purchase of Freedom House to Preserve Historic Museum. See more news articles and information about Freedom House, 

8 minutes and 46 seconds
Say His Name
Read a statement from the Director of the Alexandria Black History Museum, following the murder of George Floyd.

Peaceful vigils, protests and other events took place in Alexandria during the first week in June, following the May 25, 2020 death of George Floyd. Recognizing the importance of this moment in history, the Office of Historic Alexandria invites the community to share signs, t-shirts, flyers, photographs, journals, personal stories, and artifacts that document local vigils and protests. 

Although dates of emancipation vary from state to state, June 19th has come to be celebrated throughout the United States as a day to commemorate the end of slavery. This Juneteenth you can celebrate by exploring local history online: enjoy a Juneteenth themed preview of Carlton Funn Collection, learn more about Mr. Funn and his exhibition at browse our collections at learn more about how Alexandria has celebrated in the past.

As we experience this unprecedented time in the history of our town and the world, the Office of Historic Alexandria is embarking on a project to record our City’s response by conducting oral histories and collecting select memories, objects and documents from across the Alexandria community.

Help Historic Alexandria chart a new path for the summer and fall as we seek to bring history to you in new and different ways! Please take a few minutes to answer the following questions. Take the Survey!

Miss visiting your favorite Historic Alexandria sites? Looking for some fun historic activities to share with your kids at home? Let our staff bring history virtually to you!  

Admission is $5 per person. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Plan at least 45 minutes for your visit. The museum is recommended for ages 8+. Please note that the majority of the exhibit is down a flight of stairs in the basement of this historic building. See location, hours, directions, and everything you need to know for your visit.