may 25–31, 2026

What's New

FEATURED EVENT

Specialty Tour: Women in Medicine
The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 South Fairfax Street
Friday, May 29
5 - 6 p.m. 
$15 per person, Historic Alexandria Members: $12/person
Purchase tickets

Join us on Friday, May 29, for a specialty tour exploring the remarkable contributions of women in medicine.

While men often take the spotlight, women have always shaped the practice of medicine. This tour will explore many objects in the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum used by women from the late 18th through early 20th centuries, as well as the women's influence on medicine in Alexandria and the wider world during this period. The tour is from 5 -6 p.m. Please arrive between 4:30-4:50 p.m. to check-in as the doors will be locked and the museum will be closed to the public when the tour begins. Please note the tour involves ascending and descending stairs.

Historic Alexandria announces extended Saturday hours at the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum beginning June 6. Every Saturday in June and July, the museum will remain open until 7 p.m., giving visitors additional time to explore one of Alexandria’s most unique historic sites.

Also coming this summer is the Apothecary Museum’s Specialty Tour: Poisons at the Apothecary, offered June 21, July 5, and July 12 from 5:30–6:30 p.m. Explore the sinister side of medicine during this one-hour guided tour examining historic poisons, their uses at the Apothecary, and what modern science tells us today. Recommended for adults. Please arrive a few minutes early to check in. Tickets are $15 per person and $12 for Historic Alexandria members. Advance purchase is recommended, as space is limited for this specialty tour. 

Upcoming Events

View the Historic Alexandria Calendar                                                                                                                                                      

Yoga on the Magnolia Terrace
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Tuesdays & Thursdays: 6 p.m.
Saturdays: 9 a.m. & 10:15 a.m. 
$10 a class
Purchase Tickets

Join our friends at Carlyle House for an hour-long gentle flow Yoga Class on Carlyle House’s Magnolia Terrace. Please bring water, a towel, and a yoga mat. Wear comfortable yoga wear. Class may be canceled due to inclement weather, you will receive an email if class is canceled. Tickets are non-refundable unless class is cancelled by the museum.
 

Lecture: Shipwreck on the Potomac: Disaster in Pursuit of Lincoln’s Killer
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street
Wednesday, May 27
7 p.m. 
Admission is $5 for non-members and free for members. 
Learn more

The Alexandria Historical Society will host author Karen E. Stone for a lecture on her book, Shipwreck on the Potomac: Disaster in Pursuit of Lincoln’s Killer. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and light refreshments will be available. 

Stone’s talk will explore the little-remembered Black Diamond disaster of April 1865, a tragic Potomac River collision that occurred during the pursuit of John Wilkes Booth following Lincoln’s assassination.

The Alexandria Historical Society promotes the history of Alexandria, Virginia, through lectures, tours, publications, and public programs that connect the community with the city’s past. 
 

Clara Barton & The Missing Soldiers Office
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco Street
Saturday, May 30
2 - 3 p.m. 
$15 per person, Historic Alexandria Members: $12/person
Purchase tickets

Madeleine Thompson will be highlighting the remarkable discovery of the Missing Soldiers Office, operated from 1865-1868 by Clara Barton.

This discussion will explore Barton’s life, her pivotal role during the Civil War, her efforts in identifying missing soldiers, and the impact of her work on humanitarian efforts. Additionally, Madeleine will shed light on the preservation process that brought this once-forgotten site to its current life as a museum.

Madeleine Thompson is the Site Administrator of the Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office Museum, part of the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, in Washington, D.C.
 

Alexandria To Hold 82nd Anniversary D-Day Commemoration
John Carlyle Square, 300 John Carlyle St. 
Sunday, May 31
1 - 4 p.m. 
Free

The City of Alexandria will once again honor the heroes of D-Day with two special events marking the 82nd anniversary of the Allied invasion of Normandy. Hosted by the Alexandria–Caen Sister City Committee, the 16th Annual D-Day Commemoration and a special lecture by Rear Admiral Samuel Cox, U.S. Navy (Ret.), Director of the Naval History and Heritage Command.

The event has moved from Market Square due to ongoing construction at City Hall.

This free, family-friendly event will bring the spirit of the 1940s to life with:

• World War II reenactors and historical displays
• Live 1940s jazz music and swing dancing
• Children’s activities and educational exhibits
• A commemorative ceremony featuring special guests and local officials, including representatives from the U.S. Armed services and Allied countries
   

Traditional Concert Series at The Lyceum - Caitlin Warbelow and Chris Ranney
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street
Monday, June 1
7 - 9 p.m. 
$35/$15 ages 12-17 
Purchase tickets

Fiddler Caitlin Warbelow and pianist and accordionist Chris Ranney in concert at the Historic Lyceum.

Caitlin Warbelow hails from a family of entrepreneurs and bush pilots in Alaska and for the last seven years served as the violinist/fiddler in the original Broadway cast of the Tony Award-winning and Grammy Award-nominated musical, Come From Away. When not on Broadway, Caitlin performs and tours as a solo artist and with numerous ensembles, including Grammy Award-nominated Cherish the Ladies, Riverdance’s Heartbeat of Home, Sting’s Broadway musical "The Last Ship", The Alt, Mick Moloney and the Green Fields of America, Michael Londra & Celtic Fire, Trinity Dance Company, and the Cathie Ryan Band, among many others.

Chris Ranney grew up in the state of Washington and has studied piano since age six. His skills as a pianist, musical director, and conductor have led him to perform on stages all over the United States, including seven years as the Associate Conductor and Musical Director of the Tony Award-winning and Grammy Award-nominated Broadway musical “Come From Away” in New York City. Chris has performed at festivals around the US, including the O’Flaherty Irish Music Retreat, the Alaska Folk Festival, and the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival, among others.

For more information about Traditional Music at The Lyceum, including upcoming concerts, visit https://www.alexandriava.gov/Lyceum.
 

Lecture: Operations Tiger and Neptune - D-Day at Sea 
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street
Thursday, June 4
7 p.m. 
Admission is $15 per person and $10 for Historic Alexandria members. 
Purchase Tickets 

The lecture, "Operation Tiger and Neptune - D-Day at Sea" by Rear Admiral Samuel Cox, US Navy (Ret.) and Director of the Naval History and Heritage Command, will explore the strategic, historical, and human dimensions of D-Day and the Allied campaign in Normandy. A brief reception with refreshments will follow the lecture. Sponsored by the Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee.
 

Tavern Games Night: Annual Pride Month Edition
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 134 N. Royal Street
Friday, June 5
7- 9 p.m. 
Admission is $10 per person 
Purchase Tickets 

Join us for our Game Night series. Each Friday evening features tavern games, with a brief themed presentation and pub trivia around 7:30 p.m. Cash bar available during the event. Please note this event takes place up one flight of stairs in the historic Ballroom of Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. 
 

Lecture & Book Signing: The Black Belt of Virginia 
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 134 N. Royal Street
Saturday, June 6
11 a.m. - Noon
Free
Reserve Your Free Tickets

Join author Jeff Bennett as he lectures on his new book "The Black Belt of Virginia." Learn about the unique and often-overlooked history and contributions of Black people in the Commonwealth. Book signing to follow.
 

Carlyle House Family Fun Day: Book Bonanza 
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Saturday, June 6
Noon - 3 p.m.
Free

Read and craft with your friends on the Carlyle House front lawn for Family Fun Day on the first Saturday of the month from March-November! From Noon-3 (unless otherwise noted), you can sit in on story time and participate in crafts and other activities that relate to the theme of the month. Please note that there is no Family Fun Day in July. This program is for all ages, though some of the crafts might be challenging for guests under 4. There is no fee to join this program, but donations are encouraged.

City of Alexandria to Host Sails on the Potomac and ALX Jazz Fest, June 12-14

Sails on the Potomac is a free community event from June 12 to 14. You can view and tour historic tall ships, including the Gazela, Kalmar Nyckel, Providence, and Sultana. Join us for family activities, art, and history as we recognize Alexandria’s role in the birth of our nation. 

Ship Tours and Tickets 

You can tour the ships for free while they are docked in Alexandria. Everyone, (including children) needs a free timed ticket. Reserve your tickets online in advance at alexandriava.gov/Sails250.  

A walk-up line will be available, but entry is not guaranteed without a ticket. 

Experience ALX Jazz Fest During Sails on the Potomac 

As part of Sails on the Potomac, the annual ALX Jazz Fest will celebrate its 48th year! Three days of music kicks off on Friday, June 12 at noon.  Admission to the Festival is free!

Celebrate three days of live music at the Alexandria Waterfront as the ALX Jazz Fest expands for its 48th year as part of Sails on the Potomac. 

Evening Activities

Each evening of the festival, visitors will have the opportunity to purchase tickets for a special reception on the Kalmar Nyckel. These exclusive events give after-hours access to the ships, opportunities to meet the captain, and enjoy an evening overlooking the water. Purchase Tickets.

Historic Alexandria is encouraging residents and businesses to show their local 250th spirit by adorning their gardens with Alexandria’s very own America250 garden flag and joining the citywide Plant for America250 initiative. 

Purchase Alexandria’s America250 garden flag online in the Historic Alexandria Shop.    

The Plant for America250 initiative, promoted by the City of Alexandria and the Alexandria Beautification Commission, encourages residents and businesses to plant native species in patriotic colors as a way to honor America’s milestone anniversary while supporting a more resilient and sustainable future.

Learn more about Plant for America250 here: https://www.alexandriava.gov/America250#PlantforAmerica250

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

Friendship Firehouse Museum
Saturday, June 13, 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 through 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.

Virginia 250 Passport

Historic Alexandria is proud to join 70 premier historic destinations across Virginia in the launch of the Virginia 250 Passport, a first-of-its-kind statewide tourism journey celebrating America’s 250th. Featured Alexandria museums include Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, and the Alexandria Black History Museum. The passport offers prizes and discounts to encourage families to explore Virginia’s rich history together. Beginning November 11, 2025, free passports will be available at major historic sites and Virginia Welcome Centers. Learn more at VirginiaHistory.org/250Passport.

New Exhibit: Civil War Music  – Now open

Fort Ward Museum (4301 W Braddock Rd.) in Alexandria opened a new exhibit, “Buglers & Brass Bands: Soldier Musicians in the Civil War” on May 16, 2026.  The exhibit explores the essential role that music played in the daily life of the Civil War soldier, both in camp and on the battlefield. The exhibit features a variety of musical instruments and sheet music of the period from the Museum’s extensive Civil War collection. The exhibit will be on view through May 2027.

New Exhibit: Women in Business: We Were Always Here  – Now open

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N Royal Street
Visit the Historic Alexandria website or see below for museum hours. 
Included with cost of admission
Adults: $5, Children (ages 5-12): $3, Children four and under are free with a paying adult. Admission is free for City of Alexandria residents. 

Gadsby’s new exhibit featuring Hannah Griffith, a female coffeehouse operator at this location, is now open! The exhibit is included in regular admission. 

Visitors will be able to see primary sources up close to explore how women appear (and don’t) in the historical record in the 18th century. In addition to Hannah’s story, visitors will learn about the female business owners on the block around City Hall today, highlighting how women continue to be an important part of Alexandria’s business community. All of the women-owned businesses facing City Hall are included in this exhibit—14 total owned by 17 women! 

The exhibit will be up through March 2027.

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. 

Exhibit: Union Navy Exhibition 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. The exhibit, with pictures of select objects, is also available online.   

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. 

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

More from This Day in History

On May 30, 1918, President Woodrow Wilson drove the first rivet into the keel of the first ship being constructed at the Virginia Shipbuilding Corporation yard at Jones Point. That ship, the Gunston Hall, was launched the following February with a second ship, the Betsy Bell. This event took place at almost the very site where decades later, the bridge spanning the Potomac River, connecting Maryland with Alexandria, would be named for President Wilson.

Upcoming Commission and Committee Events

Commissions Supporting Historic Alexandria
 

• May 26 Alexandria Sister Cities Committee - Dundee, Scotland and Helsingborg, Sweden
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-8:30 p.m.

• June 2 Public Records Advisory Commission (PRAC)
  Archives and Records Center, 801 S. Payne Street
  7:30 p.m.

• June 8 Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee (ACSCC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7 p.m.

• June 10 Alexandria Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission (AHRPC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  8-9:30 a.m. 

• June 16 Historic Alexandria Resources Commission (HARC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-9 p.m.

• June 22 George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee (GWBCC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-8:30 p.m.

• June 27 Alexandria Archaeological Commission (AAC)
  Freedom House Museum, 1315 Duke Street
  6:30 p.m.