The Virginia Department of Historic Resources celebrates Archaeology Month each October with special events and programs throughout the state. The City of Alexandria has a long history of archaeological stewardship, built on decades of community-based archaeological efforts. Join the celebrations by attending events and programs highlighting important archaeological sites and preservation efforts across the City, or by visiting the free Alexandria Archaeology Museum on the third floor of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 North Union Street. 

Saturday, October 3
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Free open house, weather permitting 
1421 Wilkes Street

How are cemeteries preserved? Meet the descendants of Douglass Memorial Cemetery and the Office of Historic Alexandria archaeologists and historians that have come together through a Community History Initiative to interpret and preserve the Frederick Douglass Memorial Cemetery. The free, public open house is a partnership with the Alexandria Historical Society. Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation or to park along South Payne Street or at the Nannie J. Lee Center.

Douglass Cemetery, Alexandria’s largest African American cemetery, is a historically significant and sacred space. The cemetery currently faces several preservation challenges, including flooding and standing water. In 2023, the City of Alexandria contracted with Jacobs to undertake a drainage analysis of Douglass Cemetery and produce recommendations to improve stormwater conditions. The 2026 implementation of the stormwater drainage improvements will help overcome preservation challenges at this burial ground. Visit Douglass Memorial Cemetery for more information.

Friday, October 9 
6:30-8 p.m.
$15 / $12 for members (Purchase tickets)
Alexandria Archaeology Museum
105 N Union Street, 3rd floor, Suite #327

What is a Sugar House? Examine artifacts from a site in Alexandria to learn how sugar was made in the 19th century using ceramic vessels, before learning more about how archaeologists identify and analyze ceramics. This is part of Historic Alexandria's grown-up field trip series. Explore objects and primary sources, dive into conversations, and get hands-on as you learn more about Alexandria's history. All field trips are based on programs offered to school-age children, but with extra time added in so we can go even deeper!

This program coincides with the Torpedo Factory Art Center’s 2nd Friday, a free and open to the public event from 7 – 10 p.m. offering free activities, live music, art workshops, and open artist studios. 

Saturday, October 10
7 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Free event
100 Block of North Royal Street
 
Meet us at the Market! Market Square has been the center of economic and civic activity for Alexandrians since the City’s founding in 1749. Discover the latest research into City Hall and Market Square with Alexandria Archaeology and research historian Greg Beaman. 

Sunday, October 11
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
$5, weather permitting (Purchase tickets)
1001 South Washington Street

Learn more about Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial’s history and the ongoing preservation efforts of the sacred site with Audrey Davis, Director of African American History, and Francine Bromberg, former City Archaeologist. The cemetery honors more than 1,700 African Americans who died in Alexandria around the time of the Civil War. Efforts of the Friends of Freedmen’s Cemetery, descendants, archaeologists, historians, and the City of Alexandria reclaimed and restored the cemetery as a place of remembrance and reflection. 

Tuesday, October 13
7 p.m.
Alexandria City Council Meeting
Del Pepper Community Resource Center
4850 Mark Center Drive

The Alexandria Archaeological Commission (AAC) presents awards to individuals and groups that have made significant contributions to the archaeology of the city.