Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum

Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum
Citizens of Alexandria first formed the Lyceum Company in 1838 as part of a larger lyceum movement in America. Communities, especially in the Northeast and Midwest, established lyceums to promote education locally. They took the name “lyceum” from the temple dedicated to Apollo Lyceus where Aristotle founded the Peripatetic school of philosophy in 334 BCE. In Alexandria, men, women, and children attended lectures, participated in debates, and attended various entertainments at Lyceum Hall.
During the Civil War, the building served as a military hospital, quarters for troops, and a meeting space. After the war, it was a private residence, office building, home of the chamber of commerce, and the first U.S. Bicentennial Center. Today, as the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, the site offers exhibitions, public programs, a museum store, and facility rentals.
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Visit Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum
Exhibits and Collections
Performances at The Lyceum

For two decades before the Civil War, The Lyceum was the intellectual and cultural center of Alexandria. Today, The Lyceum again serves the community as a center for historical education and cultural activities. In that role, a number of well-regarded performing arts and historical organizations hold concerts and lectures at The Lyceum. For tickets and more information about these events, follow the Event Links provided on the calendar.
More Information
Contact the Museum
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum
201 S. Washington Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Phone: 703.746.4994
Mission Statement
The mission of Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum is to actively preserve and interpret this historic landmark and its collections, thereby inspiring public use and enjoyment of local history.
Social Media
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Educational Resources
Educational Resources at the Alexandria History Museum
The museum offers a variety programs for students, children, and families throughout the year. The programs can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your group.
Scout Programs at the Alexandria History Museum
Scout Programs at the Alexandria History Museum
Our museum offers a variety of programs for Girl and Boy Scouts. Boy and Girl Scout troops may reserve a school program or enjoy a self-guided visit to the museum during regular museum hours. We offer an annual program "Her Story: Women in Action" for younger Girl Scouts during March as well as volunteer opportunities for older Girl Scouts.
Rentals and Private Events
In its continuing role as a venue for all sorts of community activities, Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum's Lecture Hall is available to you for weddings, meetings, receptions, recitals, concerts and lectures.
Volunteering
Volunteering at Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum
The staff of Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum is small, yet we offer many activities and programs that enable the public to enjoy Alexandria's history. Many of these activities are volunteer-staffed. Can you help us? Most of our volunteer opportunities take place during our weekday opening hours. Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator about opportunities available on other days.