Preserving the Past

In FY24, Historic Alexandria advanced its core mission by expanding preservation efforts across collections, archives, and historic sites. The African American History Division digitized significant holdings through two IMLS grants, including the Moss Kendrix collection, while also acquiring 82 new items to strengthen the historical record. Archives & Records completed major climate-control upgrades and nearly finished the cataloging of all stored records, alongside digitizing more than 11,000 pages of plans and permits. Collections stewardship deepened with conservation work on the historic fire pumper, datalogger installation at all sites, improved storage capacity, and the online release of the Lewis Cass White collection. Archaeology initiatives, ranging from new exhibits to leadership in community preservation efforts such as Douglass Cemetery, further reinforced Historic Alexandria’s role in stewarding Alexandria’s tangible heritage.

FY24 was marked by major interpretive initiatives and public-facing storytelling that deepened community understanding of Alexandria’s layered history. New exhibits such as Mapping Alexandria: Stories of a Changing City and Lewis Cass White: Preserving the Legacy of Fort Stevens broadened historical narratives, while robust oral history work added 43 interviews and expanded community programs. Historic Alexandria’s reach extended through collaborations like WTOP’s “Dan about Town,” the release of the Contraband book, and national exposure through participation in SXSW.edu to promote the 1939 sit-in story. Education and Museum Operations engaged nearly 94,000 visitors and launched 129 public programs, demonstrating strong interest in accessible, meaningful historical experiences. Planning also began for upcoming major exhibits and commemorations, including the city’s 275th anniversary and the U.S. 250th in 2026.

Historic Alexandria strengthened community relationships and operational capacity throughout FY24. Community engagement thrived through Juneteenth concerts, neighborhood partnerships with Colored Rosemont and Douglass Cemetery communities, and popular programs across museums. Volunteerism remained robust, contributing nearly 6,000 hours, while museum shops generated over $162,000 in revenue. Administration secured important funding, over $85,000 across multiple grants and campaigns, and welcomed 179 new donors, reflecting growing public investment in OHA’s mission. The department also expanded staffing across divisions, improved internal communications, and implemented system alignments that enhanced overall organizational efficiency. Visibility efforts, including participation in citywide events, social media content development, and the expansion of Historic Alexandria’s public programming footprint, ensured that Alexandria’s history remained vibrant and relevant throughout the year.