The Historic Alexandria Foundation was incorporated in 1954 “to preserve, protect and restore structures of historic and architectural interest in and associated with the City of Alexandria, Virginia, to preserve antiquities and generally to foster and promote interest in Alexandria’s heritage.” The Foundation has many important programs, including plaquing historic homes, providing grants for historic preservation, providing information and legal assistance for the donation of easements, and providing assistance to homeowners in caring for their historic properties. The Foundation depends upon volunteers to carry out many of its activities.

The Plaquing program was initiated during the era of Federal urban renewal programs, which threatened demolition of the oldest parts of the city. In addition to the bronze plaques, intense lobbying by the Historic Alexandria Foundation and the Old Town Civic Association served to limit the advance of Urban Renewal destruction in the 1960s to three blocks along King Street, and today historic homes and shops are being restored instead of demolished.

The program continues today, with additional structures judged on their merits for inclusion within the ranks of plaqued houses. If you think your house merits a bronze plaque, contact the Historic Alexandria Foundation to learn more about this program.