Alexandria Archaeological Commission Announces Winners of Brenman Archaeology Award
For Immediate Release: October 9, 2024
Media Contact: Eleanor Breen, Alexandria Archaeology Museum, eleanor.breen@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.4399
Alexandria, VA – The Alexandria Archaeological Commission (AAC) is proud to announce the winner of the annual Bernard “Ben” Brenman Archaeology in Alexandria Award. The award was presented by Mayor Wilson on Tuesday, October 8, at the Alexandria City Council meeting. Councilman John Chapman read the proclamation.
The 2024 honoree is Marian Van Landingham. Her over 50-year commitment to activating Alexandria’s historic waterfront with art and archaeology through the Torpedo Factory Art Center took a concrete hulk of a former industrial building and created a home for creators and scientists. She was an early proponent that City archaeology should be on public view for appreciation and engagement as both a laboratory and a museum. The 2024 Brenman Award for Outstanding Visionary Partner highlights Alexandria Archaeology’s public education mission, which enriches the lives of Alexandria residents and visitors for decades passed and decades to come. Honoree Marian Van Landingham received the award virtually.
The Alexandria Archaeological Commission (AAC) established the Brenman Award in 2007 in honor of the late activist and retired U.S. Army colonel, Bernard “Ben” Brenman. Brenman had devoted hims
elf to finding, preserving, and sharing Alexandria’s rich and diverse heritage, and was a founding member of the AAC, serving as its chair for 21 years. The AAC, a City of Alexandria commission, was the first of its kind established in the United States.
The Brenman Award recognizes businesses, organizations, families, professional preservationists, volunteers, students, and other individuals who have demonstrated work or efforts in archaeological investigation, research, site protection, education, public interpretation, open space design, collections, or conservation. A listing of past recipients can be found on the City of Alexandria’s website at alexandriava.gov/archaeology/ben-brenman-award-for-archaeology.
The 15-member AAC is appointed by the City Council and develops goals and priorities for Alexandria’s archaeological heritage. The commission works closely with residents, government agencies, developers, and teachers to promote archaeology in the city.
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About the Office of Historic Alexandria:
The Office of Historic Alexandria preserves and shares the history of the City of Alexandria with eight museums, historic sites, archives, archaeology, tours, exhibits and public programs. Through powerful storytelling and confronting the City’s past, Historic Alexandria enriches the present and inspires the future. We enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors and serves as a partner in the City’s equity and inclusion initiatives. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/Historic.
Alexandria at 275: Connecting to our past to define a brighter future.
Since its 1749 founding, the historic city of Alexandria has played a major role in our nation’s story and reflected its progress toward inclusivity. Learn more about Alexandria’s 275th anniversary and embark on the next chapter in our city’s vibrant history at alexandriava.gov/ALX275.