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Archaeology Adventure Lessons
Schedule an Adventure Lesson, designed for grades K-12. The hands-on activities incorporate actual artifacts excavated from archaeological sites in Alexandria to examine various topics associated with the archaeological process and the city’s history. Adventure Lessons are by appointment only. They are given for a small fee and are free for Alexandria City Public Schools. Adventure Lessons are designed for school groups, scouts, summer camps, and other small groups. Outreach lessons are also available upon request to accommodate larger class sizes.
Walking Tours
Discover Alexandria’s diverse cultural history on a bicycle ride or walking tour with Alexandria Archaeology. Past themes for walking tours include African American archaeology, the history of the waterfront, and the Civil War Defenses of Washington.
Adult and Family Programs
Dive into Archaeology and Afternoon with Archaeologists are hands-on
programs for children and for adults. Both programs are an opportunity to take
a tour of where 18th and early 19th century ship
timbers from Alexandria’s waterfront are being preserved, talk with
City Archaeologists, and take part in hands-on activities. Dates for these seasonal programs
are posted in the early spring.
Field Institute
The “Historical Archaeology Field Institute” is offered by Alexandria Archaeology and The George Washington University under the university’s Summer Sessions & Special Programs. The ten-day introductory course in field and laboratory methods is led by City of Alexandria archaeologists in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. The course is designed to introduce students to archaeological basics and the uses of archaeology for the public. Students learn the components of public archaeology while gaining experience in the process of site excavation, laboratory work, and public interpretation of field and archival data. Topics discussed include collections management, site preservation, public interpretation, historic park planning, ethics and professional responsibility. For students in Anthropology, American Studies, History, Historic Preservation, Museum Studies, Museum Education, or for anyone interested in experiencing first-hand the archaeological discovery process. College students should register through George Washington University.
Lectures
Throughout the year, Alexandria Archaeology hosts a variety of informative lectures. Some recordings are available for free online, such as the Celebrate Juneteenth Along the Waterfront webinar.
The Archaeology After Dark series takes place on Thursday nights at Lloyd House. Each evening brings together professional archaeologists and historians for informal lectures on topics relating to the rich archaeological heritage of Alexandria and the surrounding area. View past recordings of the Archaeology After Dark series:
- Archaeology After Dark: Nat Turner and the 46 Petitioners
- Archaeology After Dark: the Logbook of the Schooner Enterprise - Coming Soon!
Site Tours
The public is invited to observe archaeologists at work, and to learn first-hand the steps to excavating a site. Check our calendar – tours are usually scheduled during the late spring and early fall, or when the excavation schedule allows.
Summer Camp
At the Alexandria Archaeology Summer Camp, campers age 12-15 spend a week helping City archaeologists excavate a real archaeological site. Campers learn professional excavating, recording, and artifact processing methods to uncover Alexandria’s buried past while protecting the City’s valuable historic resources.
Volunteer Recognition Party
Volunteers and members of the Friends of Alexandria Archaeology are honored each year for their contributions to Alexandria Archaeology. Join us for food, fun and awards.