Join Us for the Public Presentation of the Murray-Dick-Fawcett House Historic Structures Report
Date: Thursday, June 6, 2024
Time: 3 – 4 p.m.
Virtual Zoom presentation. To register, visit: https://zoom.us/j/95310698091
The Office of Historic Alexandria, in collaboration with Glavé & Holmes Architecture, invites the public to a virtual Zoom presentation on the Historic Structures Report (HSR) for the Murray-Dick-Fawcett House. The presentation will provide insights into the comprehensive findings of the report, which is available online.
In 2022, the City of Alexandria engaged Glavé & Holmes Architecture (G&H) to conduct a Historic Structures Report (HSR) to summarize the history, evolution, form, materials, and condition of the Murray-Dick-Fawcett House. This essential study will lay the groundwork for developing a Comprehensive Plan to transform the property into a prime destination for public visitation and heritage tourism. Funds for this HSR were generously provided by the Historic Alexandria Foundation.
The Murray-Dick-Fawcett House, located at 517 Prince Street, stands as one of Alexandria's oldest and least altered 18th-century homes. The 0.3-acre site features a timber-frame and brick dwelling from the 1770s and a small garden, making it a unique artifact from the American Revolution era.
Recognized as a community treasure, the preservation of the Murray-Dick-Fawcett House is a top priority. Extensive archival research and field investigations were conducted to uncover the site's rich physical and social history. The research included analyzing deeds, fire insurance maps, family photos, and ledger entries, along with materials and paint analysis and dendrochronology.
Acquired by the City of Alexandria in 2017 with the support of the Virginia Outdoors Foundation, Virginia Land Conservation Fund, Northern Virginia Conservation Trust, and then homeowner, Joe Reeder, the property will serve in perpetuity as a historic site and garden. This initiative aims to create new open space in Old Town and preserve this nationally significant architectural and cultural resource for residents and visitors. While the former owner retains life tenancy, the house is accessible to the public for special events during the year and the garden is open to the public 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Future plans involve operating the house as a museum, highlighting life in 18th and 19th-century Alexandria.
Join us for this informative presentation to learn more about the Murray-Dick-Fawcett House's history and future. This zoom will be recorded and posted on the website for future viewing and reference.
For additional information on the preservation at Murray-Dick-Fawcett House, visit https://www.alexandriava.gov/historic-sites/preservation-at-murray-dick-fawcett-house.
For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Nicole Quinn at historicalexandria@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.4554, Virginia Relay 711.
If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you, please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703-746-3960.
Alexandria at 275: Connecting to our past to define a brighter future.
Since its 1749 founding, the historic city of Alexandria has played a major role in our nation’s story and reflected its progress toward inclusivity. Join us at events from April through September as we mark Alexandria’s 275th anniversary and embark on the next chapter in our city’s vibrant history at alexandriava.gov/ALX275.