[Archived] This Week in Historic Alexandria - October 20, 2025

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october 20–26, 2025

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FEATURED EVENT

Alexandria Cider Festival 2025 - Tickets on Sale Now!
Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
Saturday, November 22
1 - 5 p.m.
Tickets $50 in advance through November 2, $55 November 3-21, and $25 for designated drivers. Online sales end at 5 p.m. on Friday, November 21. After that, tickets can be purchased at the door for $65.
Purchase tickets. Minimum Age: 21

Celebrate Virginia Cider Week with a special tasting event on the grounds of historic Lloyd House in Old Town Alexandria. Hosted by the Office of Historic Alexandria in partnership with the Virginia Association of Cider Makers, this annual event sold out last year—so don’t miss it! Get your tickets early. Event ticket includes cider tastings, a souvenir glass, live music, tavern games, access to a food truck, and a little history too! While enjoying a selection of Virginia ciders, learn more about the growing Virginia cider industry and its connection to Alexandria history.

Cideries featured include Lost Boy Cider, Ciders from Mars, Blue Bee, Albemarle and more. Food will be available for purchase from Roaming Coyote and Scuttlebutt Bakeshop food trucks.

Live music will be performed by Lindsay, Martin, & Dobbs (traditional Irish music) and Hardtack & Sea Biscuits (mid-19th century music from land and sea on fiddle and banjo).

Dress for the weather - the event is outdoors! Festival open 1 to 5 p.m. Proceeds from the Cider Festival will benefit the Historic Alexandria Museums.

Upcoming Events

View the Historic Alexandria Calendar

Screams & Disease
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco St.
October 24 and 25
Tours are offered every half hour starting at 7 p.m. with the last tour at 8:30 p.m. (7, 7:30, 8, 8:30 p.m.)
$15
Purchase tickets

Step back in time to when the Lee-Fendall House was the Grosvenor Branch Hospital, a Civil War hospital that was in operation from 1863-65. Many were admitted into this house. Many were treated. Many died. Learn what would have taken place in each of the rooms, where amputated limbs would be sent, soldier stories, and more. Do the ghosts of the surgeons, nurses, and soldiers still haunt the house today? Find out yourself this Halloween season.

Tickets are $15 and must be purchased in advance. The tour is limited to 12 participants. Tickets can also be purchased by calling (703) 548-1789 or emailing contact@leefendallhouse.org. No walk-ups.

Enter if you dare.

Alexandria Association Lecture Series
Topic: "The Federal Architecture Wars"
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
Monday, October 20
7:30 p.m., light refreshments at 7 p.m.
$10 at the door for guests, Free for Alexandria Association members
More information.

Catesby Leigh will survey the history of federal architectural patronage, from classical through modernism, and will take a look at current controversies, including the recent proposal for a 90,000 square-foot ballroom addition to the White House.

Catesby Leigh is Founding Chair of the National Civic Art Society and writes about public art and architecture.

Membership information and the Association's calendar are available at: alexandriaassociation.org

What’s New in Alexandria History? AHS Golden Grantees Tell What They Found
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
Wednesday, October 22
7 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m. (light refreshments will be available)
Free. Donations Welcome.
More information.

As part of its 50th Anniversary celebration, the Alexandria Historical Society awarded a series of Golden Grants to individuals and organizations conducting innovative local history research. On October 22, several of these grantees will present their findings, share new insights into Alexandria’s past, and discuss how AHS support helped advance their work.

Projects funded through the Golden Grants ranged from indexing 18th-century documents to uncovering stories from Alexandria’s LGBTQ+ community—illustrating the wide scope and continuing richness of the city’s history. This program offers an exciting opportunity to hear from historians and researchers working on the front lines of discovery and to learn something new about Alexandria’s ever-evolving story.

Current presenters include:
• Hannah Lecomte, Out and About in Northern Virginia Project
• Dr. Benjamin Skolnik (Office of Historic Alexandria), Douglas Cemetery Records Project
• Madeline Feierstein, Historian and Author, Confine & Fortify: The Military Government of Civil War Alexandria

For more information, visit alexandriahistoricalsociety.org or email alexandriahistoricalsociety@gmail.com.

Women of Lee-Fendall
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco St.
Saturday, October 25
11a.m. - Noon
$15
Purchase tickets

This special house tour will take you through the lives of some of the women who lived and worked in the Lee-Fendall House over the years as a private home and even when it became a museum in 1974. Learn about their struggles and achievements as women, wives, educators, workers, mothers, performers, and activists.

Members of Lee-Fendall House are free but must call or email to make a reservation (703) 548-1789 or contact@leefendallhouse.org.

Slip into the Past at Art Safari
Alexandria Archaeology Museum, 105 N Union Street, 3rd floor
Saturday, October 25
12 - 4 p.m.
Free, no registration required

Experiment with 19th-century pottery slip designs, like marbling and dendritic patterns, and apply your own temporary tattoo in the style of transfer printed ceramic, while supplies last. This activity coincides with Art Safari at the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

For the full schedule of events and more information, visit alexandriava.gov/Archaeology.

St. Elizabeths Asylum: Civil War Care at the Hospital for the Insane
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco St.
Saturday, October 25
2-3 p.m.
$15
Purchase tickets

Founded in 1852, St. Elizabeths was the nation’s first federally-funded psychiatric facility. The “Government Hospital for the Insane” in Washington, D.C. quickly transformed into a trauma center for wounded and convalescing soldiers when the Civil War broke-out a decade later. This lecture will analyze the reception of Union, Confederate, and African American troops, as well as their conditions upon admission. As the only federal mental health complex in the country during the Civil War, St. Elizabeths helped define treatment options for those afflicted with the modern diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Attendees will glimpse into the medical treatments of wartime Washington, connecting symptoms to battlefield experiences. Through an inclusion of primary sources and personal narratives, this lecture will explore the impact on psychiatric care in the postbellum years and reflect on the wave of mentally-ill veterans once the war concluded.

Madeline Feierstein is an Alexandria, VA historian specializing in the American Civil War’s hospitals and prisons, with an additional research interest in psychiatric institutions and asylums.

The Curious Case of Patrick Buckley
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 North Fairfax Street
Saturday, October 25
6 - 8 p.m.
$15 admission
Purchase tickets

Step back in time to November 17th, 1912 when the body of local tour guide Patrick Buckley was found on the grounds of the Braddock House. At this walking scavenger hunt around Old Town, you’ll explore Buckley’s tour haunts and retrace the steps he took that tragic night to determine if this was a dreadful accident or a malicious murder. Your group can enjoy a variety of 1912 Halloween Games and activities after you complete your hunt. Time slots are every 10 minutes with the last group leaving at 7:40 p.m. Registration is highly recommended but not required.

Please note that this program will take participants through parts of Old Town Alexandria that have uneven walking surfaces so wearing appropriate shoes is a must. This program will take place rain or shine and is outside so please dress for the weather.

Ben Brenman Awards
Tuesday, October 28
7 p.m.
Alexandria City Council Meeting

The Alexandria Archaeological Commission (AAC) presents awards for those who enhance the City’s archaeological resources.

Douglass Cemetery Stormwater Project and Burial Permit Updates
Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
Wednesday, October 29
7 - 8:30 p.m.
Free

Douglass Cemetery, located at 1421 Wilkes Street, has several preservation issues, including flooding and drainage problems. The City of Alexandria staff from the Office of Historic Alexandria and Department of Project Implementation are working to address these preservation issues. The Social Responsibility Group and the Friends of Douglass Cemetery have dedicated their efforts to raise awareness of the significance of the historic African American cemetery and restore it to its rightful condition.

On October 29, City Staff will present an update on the upcoming stormwater project to mitigate the causes of flooding and implement solutions that are respectful and appropriate to the sensitive nature of the site. Additionally, the City is applying for a Permit for the Excavation of Human Remains with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources in advance of the stormwater construction project.

Questions about the project can be submitted in advance at: historicalexandria@alexandriava.gov.

The presentation will be posted on the project webpage after the meeting.

Poe in Alexandria
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
Wednesday, October 29 and Thursday, October 30
8 p.m.
$25, $20 for Historic Alexandria members and Volunteers
Purchase tickets

Don't miss an unforgettable evening with America’s earliest master of the macabre - Edgar Allan Poe! Actor David Keltz returns to The Lyceum’s lecture hall to re-create Poe’s visit to Virginia in 1849, shortly before his death. This year’s performance will include short stories, poems, musings, and literary criticism. Mr. Keltz’s performance has been lauded by The Poe House and Museum in Baltimore, The Poe Museum in Richmond, and the Poe National Historic Site in Philadelphia. Reservations strongly recommended. Doors at 7:15 p.m., performance begins at 8 p.m. Wine and beer bar will be available before the show (credit and cash accepted).

Halloweddings at Gadsby's Tavern Museum
Halloween themed wedding ceremonies!
Gadsby’s Tavern Ballroom, 138 N. Royal Street
Friday, October 31
$50 Reservation Fee
Spaces are limited. Click here to reserve your spot!

This October 31st, say “I do” in a spooky style! The City of Alexandria is offering Halloween-themed wedding officiant services for couples who want to tie the knot in a fun, festive, and unforgettable way. Whether you’re looking for a lighthearted ceremony or something a little more haunting, our Hallowedding experience is the perfect way to celebrate love with a Halloween twist.

The event takes place in Gadsby ’ s Tavern’ s historic second-floor ballroom, once host to George and Martha Washington. Ceremonies will be performed by Clerk of Court Greg Parks and staff in period costume, with cake, refreshments, and gift bags. A $50 reservation fee is required; we will call within two business days to collect payment. Please note: the ballroom is upstairs with no elevator. For accommodations, call 703-746-4044.

Specialty Tour: Hamilton's BFF & Frenemies
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Saturdays, November 1 and November 8
11 a.m.
$15, $12 Historic Alexandria Members
Purchase tickets.

Inspired by the musical Hamilton, learn how the paths of Washington, Lafayette, Jefferson, Madison, and Burr all intersected with this local tavern. Includes discussion of the issues they faced and how their choices impacted local citizens. Please note the tour involves ascending and descending stairs. Arrive no later than 5 minutes prior to tour time to check in.

Carlyle House Family Fun Day- Dia de los Muertos
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 North Fairfax Street
Saturday, November 1 (first Saturday of the month from April – November)
Noon - 3 p.m.
Free

Come join your friends on the Carlyle House Magnolia Terrace for Family Fun Day on the first Saturday of the month from April-November! From 12-3pm, you can sit in on story time that starts at the top of the hour and participate in crafts and other activities that relate to the theme of the month. This program is for all ages, though some of the crafts might be challenging for guests under four. There is no fee to join this program, but donations are encouraged.

An Afternoon of 18th Century Mocktails
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 North Fairfax Street
Saturday, November 1
1 - 3 p.m.
$25 per person
Purchase tickets.

When colonists came over from England, one of the popular methods of preserving berries was covering them with vinegar and letting them ferment over time eventually becoming shrubs or drinking vinegars. The shrub was then used to flavor water, soda waters, and even became a mixer for cocktails! What goes great with shrub? Cheese! On November 1st explore three different shrub flavors and their paired cheese in the Carlyle gardens. Small bites will be available as palate cleansers. Tickets will also get you a shrub based mocktail, one non-shrub mocktail, and a tour of Carlyle House. Shrub will be available in the museum shop for purchase. Registration is required for this program. This program is non-refundable unless the museum cancels the program.

Having trouble registering? Please call 703-549-2997 or email carlyle@nvrpa.org.

Traditional Music Series Concert at The Lyceum
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St.
Sunday, November 2
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
$28, $12 ages 12-17
Purchase tickets.

Pennsylvania-based House of Hamill is a fixture on festival stages across the US, and have shared their music and stories on the country’s premier folk stages. House of Hamill puts on a show that captivates audiences from the very first note. The band's newest release, “Wildfire,” marks House of Hamill's most compelling work to date.

Upcoming Tables of Conscience Dinners!

Back and better than ever, ACRP will hold book-themed dinners to raise money for the scholarships in the names of Joseph McCoy and Benjamin Thomas. About a week before the dinner, those who reserved spots will receive an email with the name and address of the hosts. Please indicate at registration if you have any food allergies or strong preferences. Hosts will do their best to accommodate guest requests. Register online!

Each reservation requires a $125 donation per person; visit (https://www.alexandriava.gov/historic-alexandria/tables-of-conscience-fundraiser) for additional information on payment. The dinner’s discussion book must be purchased separately from a local bookstore.

November 14 at 6 p.m.

A Long Time Coming: Reckoning with Race in America by Michael Eric Dyson. The Department of Defense was so concerned about Americans finally starting to grapple with racism, that they banned this book. In a collection of letters written to recent victims of racial violence, Dyson exposed the anti-Blackness that infiltrates our culture as well as feed police violence and injustice.

November 15 at 6 p.m.

The Origin of Others by Toni Morrison. This short, impactful book by Toni Morrison draws on a series of lectures she gave at Harvard University about fear of the other. Morrison reflects on the desire to belong and the impact race, fear, borders, and immigration have on this essential human need. She includes her own work when she examines how literature has played a role, both negative and positive, in such constructions.

Help ACRP Share Our Whole History with ACHS Students

The Alexandria Community Remembrance Project (ACRP) still needs funds for the Banned Truth Tour for our Alexandria City High School students. Please consider donating - learn more and donate on ACRP’s campaign page.

Support Historic Alexandria

Your gift fuels preservation, education, and programs that bring Alexandria’s past to life. Donations, special revenue, and grants make it possible to expand educational programs, conserve treasured collections, and support our dedicated staff. Your gift today helps preserve Alexandria’s history for generations to come.

Historic Alexandria Museum Hours

Plan your Visit

Alexandria Archaeology Museum
Tuesdays–Fridays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays, 1 –5 p.m.

Alexandria Black History Museum
Thursdays & Fridays, 11 a.m.– 4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays, 1– 5 p.m.

Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum
Thursdays & Fridays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays, 1 – 5 p.m.

Fort Ward Museum
Thursdays & Fridays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays, 1 – 5 p.m.

Freedom House
Closed to Visitors During Front Door Restoration
Freedom House Museum is temporarily closed to visitors as the exterior restoration is completed. We plan to reopen November 8.

To learn more about the ongoing rehabilitation, visit the Freedom House Rehabilitation Project page. Project updates will be posted regularly on the Freedom House webpage.

Friendship Firehouse Museum
Saturday, November 8, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
Thursdays & Fridays, 11 a.m.– 4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays-Tuesdays, 1– 5 p.m.

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
Wednesdays–Fridays, 11 a.m.– 4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays & Mondays 1 - 5 p.m.

City of Alexandria Federal Government Shutdown - Information and Resources

While the federal government is shut down, the City of Alexandria remains open and is ready to provide help and information to our residents, businesses, and visitors. Learn more at alexandriava.gov/Federalshutdown.

The City’s museums and historic sites; libraries; and parks, recreation, and art centers will stay open on their regular schedules.

Admission to Historic Alexandria museums is always free to all Alexandria residents.  

During the federal government shutdown, Washington, D.C.-area hotel guests and federal government workers can purchase Key to the City Attractions Passes (a $60+ value) for just $20 at the Alexandria Visitor Center (221 King Street). Each pass includes admission to 9 historic sites, plus coupons for 40% off tickets to George Washington’s Mount Vernon, tall ship Providence, and City Cruises’ Potomac Water Taxi. Hotel guests must present a room key or digital reservation confirmation, and federal employees must show a valid government ID.

New Exhibit: “Disease and the Apothecary” – Now open

Explore how epidemics like Smallpox, Yellow Fever, and Influenza shaped Alexandria’s past and how science and public health saved lives. Included with admission. Free for Alexandria residents! The new exhibit is also available online.

Union Navy Exhibition Opens at Fort Ward Museum

A new exhibition, “Aboard Ship with the Jack-Tars of the Union Navy,” opened October 2 at the City of Alexandria’s Fort Ward Museum. The exhibit focuses on the U.S. Navy during the Civil War and is being held in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Navy on October 13, 1775. The exhibition will continue through 2026. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/FortWard.

Explore with Ease – The New Museum Mobility Guide

Historic Alexandria and the Department of Transportation & Environmental Services (T&ES) have launched a colorful, easy-to-use map and guide connecting all of Alexandria’s museums via walking, biking, and transit. The guide also acts as a passport—visit every site and earn a prize! Available at museums, rec centers, public libraries, and more.

2025 Historic Alexandria Holiday Ornament - Available Now in Historic Alexandria museum stores and in our online store!

Celebrate Alexandria’s 19th-century canal history with this beautifully crafted, American-made brass ornament. This year’s design honors the Alexandria Canal, featuring a canal boat exiting Lock No. 4 heading eastward toward the Potomac River, uncovered by archaeologists in the winter of 2025 on N. Pitt Street. The Alexandria Canal was in use from 1843 to 1886. Learn more here.

Visit our website and follow us on social media to discover new things about your hometown. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/Historic. Admission to City of Alexandria museums is complimentary for city residents.

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Nicole Quinn at historicalexandria@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.4554, Virginia Relay 711.

This Week in Alexandria's History

Upcoming Commission and Committee Events

Commissions Supporting Historic Alexandria

October 20 Alexandria Sister City Committee - Dundee and Helsingborg
City Hall, 301 King Street, Sister Cities Room 1101
7 - 8:30 p.m.
October 20 George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee (GWBCC)
Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
7 - 9 p.m.
October 21 Historic Alexandria Resources Commission (HARC)
Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
7-9 p.m.
November 4 Public Records Advisory Commission
Archives and Records Center, 801 South Payne Street
7:30 p.m.
November 10 Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee
City Hall, Sister Cities Room 1101, 301 King Street
7-9 p.m.
November 12 Alexandria Community Remembrance Project (ACRP) Steering Committee
Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street
5:30 p.m.
November 12 Alexandria Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission
Public Records Advisory Committee, Archives and Records Center, 801 South Payne Street
7:30 p.m.
November 19 Alexandria Archaeological Commission
Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
7-9 p.m.

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This Week in Historic Alexandria - October 20, 2025