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City of Alexandria, VA

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  • Live

    Make the most of Alexandria's outstanding quality of life with information and services of interest to residents.

    • Be Prepared

      Are you ready? Find resources and information to help residents, businesses and visitors to prepare for all types of emergencies, and to stay safe.

      • Flooding Preparedness
      • Snow and Ice Control
      • Hurricane Preparedness
      • Emergency Preparedness
      • Public Health Emergency
    • Community Life

      Learn more about pets and animals, schools and libraries, parks and farmers' markets, community gardens, and more.

      • Community Gardens
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Parks
      • Pets
      • Recreation
    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards and Commissions
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • City Academies
      • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus and Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Historic Preservation

      Historic Alexandria is a treasure trove of early structures, artifacts, and records that creates a unique way of life for its citizens and provides enjoyment for thousands of people who visit this special community every year. The City continues to add resources to its collection of local and nationally designated historic districts.

      • Alexandria History
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Historic Alexandria
      • Historic Districts
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • Building & Construction
      • Business Licenses
      • Health Permits
      • Marriage Licenses
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
    • Parking

      Information about parking in the City of Alexandria, including parking options, enforcement, districts and permits.

      • Contest a Parking Ticket
      • Guest Parking Permits
      • Parking Permits
      • Parking Studies
      • Parking in Old Town
      • Pay a Parking Ticket
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Domestic Violence
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Reproductive Health Freedom
      • Sexual Assault
      • Substance Abuse Prevention
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
      • Women's Initiatives
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving and Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Schools & Libraries

      Did you know that ACPS is one of the most diverse school systems in the country? Our students come from more than 80 different countries, speak more than 60 languages, and represent a myriad of ethnic and cultural groups. The Alexandria Library is an educational, user-oriented service institution providing free public access to recorded knowledge and ideas.

      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Library
      • Child Care
      • Higher Learning
      • Out of School Time Programs
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care Assistance
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Resources
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Utilities

      The City of Alexandria does not operate any public utilities. The following companies are the primary providers of their respective service:

      • Cable TV (Comcast / Xfinity)
      • Drinking Water (Virginia American Water)
      • Electricity (Dominion Energy)
      • Natural Gas (Washington Gas)
      • Sewage/Water Treatment (Alex Renew)
      • Wired Telephone (Verizon)
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  • Play

    Whether you live here or are just visiting, Alexandria is a great place to shop, dine, take in the arts, get outdoors, and just have fun.

    • About Alexandria

      If you are looking for small-town charm and big-city amenities, Alexandria is the place to find them. Alexandria has a fascinating history, and many of its historic buildings are still preserved today. The City's many historic homes, churches, businesses, and museums allow residents and visitors alike to experience the past that makes it the charming town it is today.

      • Alexandria's History
      • Demographics & Statistics
      • Maps & GIS
      • Visit Alexandria
    • Arts & Culture

      Through engaging the community, encouraging participation, and facilitating access to arts and culture, the City builds a vibrant community for its residents, workers, and visitors.

      • City Concerts
      • City Events
      • Historic Property Rentals
      • Museums & Historic Sites
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
      • Office of the Arts
    • Entertainment

      Find events and activities, shops and restaurants, concerts and performances, arts and culture, historic attractions, parks and libraries, farmers' markets, and more.

      • City Concerts
      • City Events
      • Office of the Arts
      • Visit Alexandria: Things to Do
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Museums & Historic Sites

      Alexandria is a desirable location to live, work and play. The City owns many of the premier historic sites in Alexandria and it is charged with the conservation, interpretation and promotion of these links to the past.

      • City Museums
      • Historic Sites & Attractions
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront Parks
      • ParkLink Interactive Map
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
    • Visit Alexandria

      Information about visiting Alexandria, including shopping, dining, attractions, accommodations, events listings and more. Plan your visit with an itinerary builder, interactive maps, hotel booking, online restaurant reservations and much more.

      • Group Tours
      • Meet in Alexandria
      • Plan Your Visit
      • Trip Planning Assistance
      • Visitor Center
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  • Services

    We are here to serve you. Browse the topics to the right to learn more about the programs and services we offer.

    • Alex311

      Connect with professional and knowledgeable staff for City service and information requests from every City department.

      • Missed Collection
      • Parking
      • Potholes
      • Street Cleaning
      • Trash & Recycling Containers
      • Trees
      • Yard Waste / Bulky Items Pickup
    • Animals

      What you need to know about animals, pets and wildlife in Alexandria.

      • Animal Adoption
      • Animal Control
      • Dog Parks
    • Buildings & Construction

      The City provides services to residents, businesses, contractors, and visitors needing permits for constructions and other developments.

      • Building Codes
      • City Code
      • Code Administration
      • Green Building
      • Land Use & Zoning
      • Permit Center
      • Permits & Land Use Applications
    • Environment

      "Green" initiatives, air quality, noise, water conservation, mosquito and rodent control.

      • Air Quality
      • Clean Waterways
      • Climate Change
      • Eco-City Alexandria
      • Green Building
      • Mosquito Control
      • Noise Control
      • Rodent Control
      • Stormwater Management
    • Jobs
      • City Government Jobs
      • Alexandria City Public Schools
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Maps & GIS

      Geographic Information Systems (GIS) centrally manages, shares and analyzes information about locations through specialized mapping technology. This information increases transparency, improves many City technology applications and provides critical data to decision makers and the public.

      • Interactive Maps
      • Open Data
      • Standard Maps
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
    • Property & Housing

      The City administers various housing-related programs and services.

      • Housing Master Plan
      • Landlord & Property Manager Resources
      • Maps & GIS
      • Office of Housing
      • Parcel Viewer
      • Real Estate Assessments
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Emergency Mental Health Services
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Reproductive Health Freedom
      • Sexual and Domestic Violence Services
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
      • Women's Initiatives
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving & Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care
      • Children & Families
      • Discrimination & Disabilities
      • Gang & Youth Violence Prevention
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Assistance
      • Human Rights
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Transportation Planning
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  • Business

    Ideally located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Alexandria is nationally recognized as one of the best places to live and do business on the east coast. Learn how we can help you start or relocate your business in Alexandria, and access resources for existing businesses and commuters.

    • Business Resources

      The City provides services and resources to help existing businesses expand within the City and promotes recruiting new businesses in Alexandria.

      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • BIPOC Small Business Program
      • Doing Business with the City
      • New Business Guide
      • Public-Private Partnerships
    • Jobs

      Alexandria offers wide range of job opportunities and services. Work for City government or City Public Schools, find out about an internship opportunity or learn about workforce development and career training options.

      • City Government Jobs
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • APEX Permitting & Land Use System
      • Business Licenses
      • Business Outdoor Program & Permits
      • Health Permits
      • Permit Center
      • Zoning Information
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Business License Tax
      • Business Personal Property Tax
      • Lodging Tax
      • Meal Tax
      • Payments
      • Real Estate Assessment Search
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Sales Tax
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Getting Around
      • Vehicle Registration
      • GO Alex Commuter Resources
      • Parking in Alexandria
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  • Government

    Learn more about Alexandria's accountable, effective, and well-managed government.

    • City Council

      The Alexandria City Council is composed of a Mayor and six Council members who are elected at-large for three-year terms. The Mayor, who is chosen on a separate ballot, presides over meetings of the Council and serves as the ceremonial head of government.

      • City Council Calendar
      • Communicate with City Council
      • Council Assignments
      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Speak at a Meeting
    • Boards & Commissions

      The City of Alexandria has a strong commitment to citizen participation as evidenced by the number of citizen boards and commissions established by City Council. These bodies compose a formal system through which citizens can advise City Council on all major issues affecting the City.

      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Apply for a Board or Commission
      • Boards & Commission Calendar
      • Boards & Commission Vacancies
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Board of Zoning Appeals
      • Planning Commission
      • Park & Recreation Commission
      • Transportation Commission
    • Departments & Agencies

      View a list of City departments, offices and other agencies, and learn about their role in the organization.

      • City Government Departments & Offices
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
      • Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA)
      • Alexandria Transit Company (DASH)
      • Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA)
      • Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • Visit Alexandria (Official Tourism Site)
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Police Department
      • Fire Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Courts
      • Office of Emergency Management
      • Emergency & Customer Communications
      • Community Policing Review Board
    • Elected Officials

      Alexandria voters elect a Mayor and City Council and three local officers, as well as state and federal representatives.

      • City Council
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • Commonwealth's Attorney
      • Sheriff
      • Voting in Alexandria
    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards & Commissions
      • City of Alexandria Academy Programs
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Transparency

      The City government acts with integrity in an open process, and provides timely access to clear, trustworthy information, presented and employed by all parties from the beginning to the end of the process, including the reasoning that leads to and supports the policy conclusion.

      • Operating Budget & Capital Improvement Program
      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Performance Analytics
      • Alexandria's Strategic Plan
      • Race & Social Equity
      • Community Policing Review Board
      • Collective Bargaining
      • City Code
      • Open Data
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  • Projects & Plans

    Much of our work involves creating and improving infrastructure and planning for the future. Learn more about major projects and plans here, and how you can get involved!

    • Arts & Culture

      Information about arts, culture and historic projects in the City.

      • Arts & Culture Master Plan
      • Public Art Implementation Plan
    • Development

      Information about commercial and residential development projects in the City.

      • Landmark/Van Dorn Area Planning
      • North Potomac Yard Implementation / Virginia Tech Innovation Campus
      • Potomac River Generating Station Redevelopment
    • Environmental

      Information about environmental and "green" projects in the City.

      • 500 Block N. Pitt St. Sewer Separation Project
      • Flood Action Alexandria
      • Franklin St. Sewer Relocation Project
      • Holmes Run Trail Repairs
      • Lucky Run Stream Restoration
      • Oronoco Outfall Remediation Project
      • Wheeler Ave. Sanitary Sewer Pipe Relining
      • Windmill Hill Park Project - Phase II
    • Neighborhoods

      Information about neighborhood projects in the City.

      • Alexandria West Planning
      • Duke Street and West Taylor Run Project
      • Eisenhower Avenue Metrorail Station Pedestrian Crossing Improvements
      • King-Callahan-Russell Intersection Improvement Project
      • Mount Vernon Avenue North Complete Streets
    • Parks & Recreation

      Information about parks and recreation projects in the City.

      • Beauregard Street Multi-Use Trail Project
      • Bicycle Parking
      • Eugene Simpson Park Renovation Projects
      • Joseph Hensley Park Renovation
      • Old Cameron Run Trail Project
      • Robinson Terminal South Update: Historic Ship Stabilization
    • Public Facilities

      Information about public facilities projects in the City.

      • Alexandria Waterfront
      • King Street-Old Town Metro Access Improvement Project
      • Municipal Broadband
      • Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project
    • Social Services

      Information about social services projects and plans in the City.

      • Aging and Adult Services
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      • The Partnership to Prevent & End Homelessness
    • Transportation

      Information about transportation projects and plans in and around the City.

      • Adaptive Traffic Signal Control
      • Alexandria Mobility Plan
      • Complete Streets
      • Duke Street in Motion
      • Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project
      • Smart Mobility
      • Traffic Mitigation
      • Vision Zero
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The History of Alexandria Archaeology

The City of Alexandria has funded archaeology in Alexandria since 1973. Learn about the long history of the archaeology program, from its beginnings at Fort Ward in 1961 to today.
Page updated on January 25, 2022 at 1:23 PM

Alexandria Archaeology

  • About Historic Alexandria
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    • Alexandria's History
    • Educational Resources
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    • Stay Connected
    • Support Historic Alexandria
  • Alexandria Archaeology Home Page
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  • Archaeological Process
    • Alexandria Archaeology Bibliography
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  • Archaeology and Alexandria's First People
  • Archaeology and Preservation
    • Archaeological Protection Code
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    • Metal Detecting Code
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  • Archaeology on the Waterfront
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    • Alexandria Archaeology Summer Camp
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Who we are

In this video, City Archaeologist Dr. Eleanor Breen explores the history of the program and introduces us to the protection code that has allowed us to learn so much about our City’s history.

Learn about the highlights in the history of Alexandria Archaeology, from its beginnings in 1961 through the present day, in a Timeline of Archaeology in Alexandria.

Learn about Alexandria Archaeology Awards and Achievements.

Since 2007, the Alexandria Archaeological Commission has presented the Ben Brenman Award for Archaeology to individuals and groups who have demonstrated high quality work, innovation, commitment, or extraordinary efforts in relation to the archaeology of historic Alexandria.

Early Archaeology in Alexandria

Archaeology and Preservation: Community archaeology at Fort Ward, 1960s.
Excavating Fort Ward, circa 1960s.

In 1961, citizens initiated archaeological excavations at Fort Ward, to docu­ment the historical value of the land, which was threatened by development. The archaeological work included excavation of a trench across the earthworks and mapping of the site. This effort led to the City's acquisition of the land containing Fort Ward, one of Alexandria's most significant Civil War sites, and development of a museum and park.

A few years later, a major urban renewal project began in Alexandria. Buildings that lined the 300, 400, and 500 blocks of King Street were torn down, and replaced with the newer buildings and the brick plaza at Market Square seen today. Original plans called for 16 blocks to be demolished, but the historic preservation movement fortunately put an end to that, and many of the old storefronts farther up King Street have been nicely preserved. When the buildings came down, numerous brick-lined wells and privies and early artifacts were visible, and citizens urged the Smithsonian Institution to conduct rescue excavations on these blocks. The Smithsonian planned to send an archaeologist, but he left their employ and they instead sent a technician, Richard Muzzerole, who worked under the supervision of Malcolm Watkins, curator of Ceramics and Glass at the Museum of History and Technology (now the National Museum of American History). Mr. Muzzerole worked with a few volunteers, and eventually set up a lab in the old Torpedo Factory, in the building to the north of what is now the Art Center. The exceptional artifact collections recovered from the King Street wells and privies led to intense interest in archaeology by a larger segment of the community.

The Smithsonian funded the rescue work from 1965 until 1971. A group of Alexandrians called the Committee of 100 continued to fund the rescue work for two more years, by each member pledging $10.00 per month. This group actively sought City Council support to include archaeology as a permanent service of the City government. Council was convinced of the importance of archaeology and historic preservation, and the City of Alexandria took over funding of the project in 1973, funding Mr. Muzzerole and some assistants who worked with the collections. Throughout these years, the display of excavated artifacts, public lectures and the constant sight of rescue excavations taking place under adverse conditions forged a public appreciation of archaeology in Alexandria.

The Beginnings of the City Archaeology Program

Alexandria Archaeological Commission members in the museum, 1980s
Early Alexandria Archaeological Commission Members, 1980s.

In 1975, the City established the Alexandria Archaeological Commission, the first such group in America. This was the first step in professionalizing the practice of archaeology in Alexandria. Pamela Cressey became City Archaeologist in 1977. Since that time, Alexandria Archaeology has grown from a rescue operation in the Old Town area to a City-wide community archaeology program. From these beginnings, Alexandria Archaeology now systematically collects and manages artifacts from archaeological sites and information relating to the history and archaeology of the City, and interprets this wealth of knowledge for public benefit in the Museum. Numerous research projects are undertaken, which include public participation through volunteer work, education in the Museum, and outreach activities.

The Museum

Volunteers work in the Torpedo Factory lab, 1970s
Volunteers work in the Torpedo Factory lab, 1970s.

The Alexandria Archaeology Research Museum (AARM) operated from 1979 to 1981 in the old Torpedo Factory Art Center. Staffed entirely by volunteers, the museum focused on a public laboratory and school tours. Supported by grants from the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), this museum demonstrated public interest in observing the process of archaeology and interacting with archaeologists.

This endeavor led to the development of the Alexandria Archaeology Museum, which opened in 1984 in the newly renovated Torpedo Factory Art Center, alongside 85 studios designed for artist-public interaction. The Museum's glass windows and public laboratory encourage visitors to observe the archaeological process in action.

Volunteers and FOAA

 

Archaeology Volunteer
Volunteer Grace Royal conducts research.

Volunteers have worked in many aspects of archaeology in Alexandria since the beginning. More than 100 volunteers work with staff each year, and one volunteer is still working in the lab after more than 30 years. Volunteers work in all aspects of the program from digging and laboratory work, to education, research, oral history, and editing. In 1986, a group of volunteers formed a 501(c)3 organization, the Friends of Alexandria Archaeology (FOAA). FOAA sponsors events, publishes a newsletter, and supports the Museum in all its work.

Collections Storage Facility

Boxes on compactor shelving in Archaeology Collections Storage Facility
The climate controlled collections facility houses millions of artifacts from Alexandria.

A conservation survey and collections inventory conducted in 1989 culminated in the completion of a climate controlled storage facility in 1990. This project was jointly funded by the City of Alexandria, Institute of Museum Services (IMS) Conservation Project grants, and the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) program for Systematic Collections in Anthropology. Alexandria Archaeology was the first historical archaeology program to receive a grant from NSF. The storage facility is located in another City building, one-and-a-half miles from the Museum.

Another IMS grant awarded in 1990 was used to conduct conservation treatment and to re-house the collection. Additional advances in collections care, including improvements to archival storage and creation of a new relational database for collections cataloguing, were possible with the assistance of continued IMS General Operating Support funding, in a grant program that continued until 2002. The collection was re-inventoried in 2008, with assistance from interns from the George Washington University.

Archaeological Protection Ordinance

The City enacted an Archaeological Protection Ordinance in 1989. This provides for study and preservation of archaeological resources threatened by development. The City archaeologists write scopes of work and oversee private archaeological work on development sites. They also review all construction and demolition permits issued by the City. This process has increased the collections and visibility of Alexan­dria Archaeology, and has brought the Museum to the attention of new segments of the community.

Education and Public Programs

Students take part in the lesson, "Hayti: Uncovering an African American Neighborhood."
Students take part in the lesson, "Hayti: Uncovering an African American Neighborhood." 

With the assistance of Institute of Museum and Library Services and the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Museum has worked extensively with the Alexandria Public Schools, conducting in-service trainings for teachers and working with them to develop instructional materials.

Educational programs include Archaeology Adventure Lessons and public programs such as Family Dig Days.

The Heritage Trail

Alexandria Heritage Trail map.
Map of the Alexandria Heritage Trail

In 1999-2000, Alexandria Archaeology developed the city-wide Alexandria Heritage Trail, where the public can walk and bike through 23 miles and 13,000 years of history. The Trail is designed to spark curiosity, exploration, observation, and appreciation of archaeology, and to instill a sense of community identity and ownership of the past, as walkers or bikers discover prehistoric and historic sites throughout the City. The Museum is the hub of this interpretive trail, providing a base for exploring the City’s archaeology, material culture and cultural landscape. A published guide, Walk and Bike the Alexandria Heritage Trail highlights more than 100 sites. A City bike map produced by the Department of Parks and Recreation, available free of charge, shows the route of the Heritage Trail. The City’s Recreation Department and the Office of Historic Alexandria received a grant from the Virginia Recreational Trails Fund Program that will, in part, provide markers for a portion of the Trail. The National Park Service and Alexandria land developers have also funded signage for the Trail.

Archaeology on the Waterfront

Ship discovered at the Hotel Indigo Site, January 2016
Archaeologists excavate an 18th century ship at the Hotel Indigo Site (44AX229).

As redevelopment takes place along Alexandria's waterfront, archaeologists are exploring the properties undergoing development. Excavations took place in 2015-2016 at the Hotel Indigo Site at 220 S. Union Street and in 2017-2018 at Robinson Terminal South, at 2 Duke Street.  

At the Hotel Indigo Site, Archaeologists uncovered the remains of the hull of a fifty-foot vessel, as well as John Carlyle's 1755 public warehouse. Excavation took place in 2015-2016, and remains of this ship and warehouse are now undergoing conservation.

At Robinson Terminal South archaeologists have located the remains of three 18th century ships, as well as foundations of Hooe's 18th century warehouse and store and the 19th century Pioneer Mill.

Alexandria Archaeology Today

Archaeologists who excavated ship 3 at the Robinson Terminal Site
City staff, contract archaeologists, conservators, and volunteers all helped excavate Ship 3 at the Robinson Terminal South Site (44AX235).

Today, Alexandria Archaeology is recognized throughout the world for its pioneering work in community and urban archaeology. Staff continues their efforts to preserve archaeological resources during the development process, to preserve the collections for future generations, to research the community and its sites and artifacts, and to educate the public through programs, publications, lectures, signage and online resources.

The City of Alexandria and Alexandria Archaeology have received numerous awards in recognition of their leadership in the fields of archaeology and historic preservation.

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