For Immediate Release: October 14, 2026
Media Contacts: Eleanor Breen, City Archaeologist | 703.746.4399 | eleanor.breen@alexandriava.gov
Jeanene Harris, Communications and Engagement Specialist, Office of Historic Alexandria | 703-851-4333 | jeanene.harris@alexandriava.gov
Alexandria Archaeological Commission Announces Winners of Brenman Archaeology Award
Alexandria, VA - The Alexandria Archaeological Commission (AAC) is proud to announce the two winners of the annual Bernard “Ben” Brenman Archaeology in Alexandria Award. The awards were presented by Mayor Gaskins on Tuesday, October 13, at the Alexandria City Council meeting. Councilman John Chapman read the proclamation. Stephanie Johnson accepted the award on behalf of the Friends of Frederick Douglass Memorial Cemetery. Steven L. Nelson accepted the other award on behalf of the Social Responsibility Group. The presentation of the awards was part of a series of events and programs recognizing October as Virginia Archaeology Month.
The 2026 Brenman Awards for Outstanding Community Partners highlight the preservation and stewardship of Douglass Memorial Cemetery, a significant place in Alexandria’s community and history that was founded in 1895 as a segregated, nondenominational African American cemetery. The 2026 honorees are the Friends of Frederick Douglass Memorial Cemetery and the Social Responsibility Group (SRG) for their organizations’ commitment to the highest quality preservation, advocacy, and citizen-city partnership at Douglass Cemetery in the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex. The two organizations have partnered with volunteers, neighbors, and Office of Historic Alexandria staff from Alexandria Archaeology, Oral History, and African American History to raise awareness for this sacred, final resting place of over 2,200 Alexandrians, making this the largest African American cemetery in Alexandria. Additionally, the Friends of Douglass Cemetery and the Social Responsibility Group speak on behalf of their ancestors in envisioning a historic site for which they would be proud. Contributions like these enrich the lives of Alexandria residents and visitors with history, both today and for decades to come.
The AAC, a City of Alexandria commission, was the first of its kind established in the United States. 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.
The 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 himself 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 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.
To learn more about the Ben Brenman Archaeology in Alexandria Awards or to view a listing of past recipients, visit alexandriava.gov/go/1343.
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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 serve as a partner in the City’s equity and inclusion initiatives. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/Historic.