september 7–13, 2026

What's New

FEATURED EVENT
 

Tavern Games Night is Coming Up September 18!

Join us at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street, Alexandria, for Tavern Games Night! Game night includes historic tavern games, a brief presentation, and trivia. You’ll also be able to enjoy a beer or cider and light snacks! Cost is $10 – and Forum attendees will receive one free drink! Game night starts at 7 p.m.

The September 18 theme is Alexandria during the Revolutionary years.

Please note: This event takes place up one flight of stairs in the historic Ballroom of Gadsby’s Tavern Museum.

Purchase Tickets in advance for Tavern Games Night in the Historic Alexandria Shop.

Make a day of it!

Alexandria Forum: Nothing But Independence

Friday, September 18 
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
$60 / person; $40 for OHA Members and Students
Purchase Tickets in advance (16 tickets remaining!)

Join Emerging Revolutionary War and Historic Alexandria on Friday, September 18 for The Alexandria Forum, a day of engaging talks that explore Alexandria's pivotal role in the Revolutionary War and the ideas that helped shape our nation. Hear from local historians, enjoy lunch in Old Town Alexandria, and end the day with Tavern Games Night at Gadsby's Tavern Museum. 

The American Revolution in Virginia was more than a war – it was a Revolution of Ideas that continues today. From the creation of the Fairfax Resolves to the hometown of George Washington, Alexandria and this region played a unique role in the birth of the new nation. The Alexandria Forum, in partnership with Emerging Revolutionary War, will share the history of Alexandria and Northern Virginia during this critical time in history, showcasing how these moments in time reverberate through today. Lectures include “A Tory in Old Town, The Revolutionary War Journal of Nicholas Cresswell” by public historian Ken Bancroft, “The 25 Who Signed: Researching the Fairfax Resolves Signers” by Kerry Mitchell, Historic Site Specialist at Carlyle House Historic Park, “Prelude to Yorktown: Lafayette and the 1781 Virginia Campaign” by Dr. John Maass, Education Specialist at the National Museum of the United States Army, and "Alexandria City Hall, Market Square, and Slavery” by Greg Beaman. The Forum will end with a reception at the museum.

For more information, visit the Alexandria Forum online. 

Upcoming Events

View the Historic Alexandria Calendar                                                                                                                                                      

Old Presbyterian Meeting House Revolutionary Exhibit
Old Presbyterian Meeting House 
321 S. Fairfax Street
Free and Open to the Public through Thanksgiving

As part of Alexandria’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Meeting House has installed a free, self-guided exhibit in its historic 18th-century burial ground highlighting members of the congregation who participated in the Revolution, including the Alexandria Presbyterians whom Nicholas Cresswell famously called “scoundrels” in 1774.

The exhibit also shares the story of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution and the Meeting House’s broader role during the Revolutionary era. It will remain in place through Thanksgiving. More than 80 members of the Meeting House congregation are known to have participated in the American Revolution.  

A more complete account of the congregation’s Revolutionary history can also be found at online. 
 

Yoga on the Magnolia Terrace
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Saturday, September 12
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. Registered participants will receive an email if class is canceled due to inclement weather. 
 

Beyond the Battlefield: A Civil War Walking Tour of Alexandria
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco Street
Saturday, September 12
10 a.m.
$15 / person 
Tickets Here

This walking tour shares the stories of soldiers, citizens, and self-liberated African Americans in Civil War Alexandria. It covers the military occupation, the conversion of public and private buildings into hospitals, and emancipation.
 

Preservation Tours: Lost Buildings of Alexandria-Urban Renewal
Tours begin at Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Saturdays in September: 12 & 19
10 a.m.
$20 / person 
Tickets Here

Join Carlyle House on a tour of “Lost Alexandria.” Urban renewal projects across the country took place starting in the 1950s were government and private initiatives aimed at addressing urban decay, upgrading infrastructure and revitalizing city neighborhoods. In the 1960s, the Gadsby Commercial Urban Renewal Project changed and demolished portions of multiple blocks including the 300-500 block of King Street. September's tours focus on the north side of the 300-500 blocks of King Street and parts of the 100 blocks of N. Fairfax, N. Royal, & N. Pitt Streets. 

This tour includes walking over many city blocks. Walking shoes required, bottled water suggested. Held rain or shine. Tickets are required for all tours. 
 

Panel Discussion: Remembering All of the Titans - Cheerleading Legacies
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
Saturday, September 12
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 
Free  

Alexandria Historical Society is hosting a panel discussion that will bring out much more of the story loosely based on the experiences of the football team of the former T.C. Williams (now Alexandria City) High School.

Dr. La’Tonya Rease-Miles (TCW ’88), a public historian, cultural critic, and Alexandria native, will moderate this conversation with multiple generations of TC Williams cheerleaders, including members of the historic 1971 squad. Together they will provide first-person views of the schools, sports, and integration issues in Alexandria’s Black community. Highlighting the enduring intergenerational community of Alexandria’s cheerleaders, the panel will focus on the leadership, mentorship, and legacy that was passed down through women’s sports. This program offers another exciting opportunity for the community to learn untold stories from our city’s past, while in this case highlighting important topics dealing with integration, women’s history, and sports culture in Alexandria.  

This event is supported in part by a Virginia Humanities grant.
 

Classic Car Show
Saturday, September 19 
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Free

Join us in the parking lot of the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum for a classic car show, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Co-sponsored by Packards Virginia and the Office of Historic Alexandria, the show will feature a variety of Packards ranging from the 1930s-1950s as well as other “orphan” vehicles that are invited to register as well. Orphan cars are any marque of vehicle built by an out-of-business manufacturer. Inside, visit the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum’s exhibits that tell the full scope of Alexandria’s rich history and enjoy the museum shop. The car show is free. For more information, visit packardsva.org or call 703-424-5871.
 

Specialty Tour: Peeling Back the Layers
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Saturdays in September: 19 & 26
10:30 - 11:30 a.m. 
$15 / person; $12 for Historic Alexandria Members
Tickets Here

Explore Gadsby's Tavern Museum top to bottom, including spaces rarely opened to the public, and understand how the buildings have changed over time. Wear comfortable shoes and bring your camera! Please note this tour involves ascending and descending multiple sets of stairs, including into the rarely on view fourth floor and its historic graffiti!
 

Dining Through the Decades: Feasting at Lee-Fendall
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco Street
September 19
2 - 3 p.m.
$15 / person 
Tickets Here

Embark on an exploration into the food ways, recipes, and cultural influences that satiated generations of Lee-Fendall residents.

During this lecture, food historian & Program Manager, Sophie McCarthy, will highlight the historic foodways of Virginia, many of which were plated and served right here in this house. Learn about the dishes, ingredients, and dining practices that shaped mealtimes at Lee-Fendall; as well as the way in which food production and consumption were altered throughout industrialization.

Through agricultural products and the Lewis family recipe book, Lee-Fendall has a very clear understanding of who ate what and when. This lecture is sure to educate you on regional cuisines, the development of American dining, and Lee-Fendall's very own edible history.
 

Grown-Up Field Trip: Black History in Archives
Archives & Records Center, 801 S Payne Street
Friday, September 25
6:30 - 8 p.m. 
$15 / person; $12 for Historic Alexandria Members 
Tickets Here

Engage with archival documents while learning about Black life in Alexandria during the early 20th century. Through letters and other primary sources, discover how archives are used to preserve community stories. This event takes place at the Alexandria Archives and Records Center, and includes a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility. The center is fully accessible and has parking nearby.

This is part of Historic Alexandria's popular grown-up field trip series, where adults come together to explore historic records, dive into conversations, and hear touching stories as you learn more about Alexandria's History.

Future Grown-Up Field Trips include:
-Oct. 9, 6:30-8 p.m.: Sugar Trade with Alexandria Archaeology
-Nov. 7, 6-7:30 p.m.: Who Gets Remembered with Gadsby's Tavern Museum
-Dec. 18, 6:30-8 p.m.: Citizen Firefighter with Friendship Firehouse Museum

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
 

On Monday, September 7: Gadsby’s Tavern Museum and the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. All other Alexandria Historic Museums will be closed in observance of Labor Day.

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, September 26, 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: Stories of U.S.: Collections Capture Our History –  Now open

A silver coffee pot, a family story, a business letter, or a photograph -- each provide a glimpse into the past. The Office of Historic Alexandria collects these items and memories to reflect our community and preserve the moments that define us. This exhibition, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, showcases recently acquired objects, many on view for the first time at the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum. These pieces provide a powerful, tangible connection to both our local history and national story.. 

New Exhibit: Buglers & Brass Bands: Soldier Musicians in the Civil War - Now open

Fort Ward opened a new exhibit on May 16, 2026 that 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 Digital Exhibit: Alexandria Historical Society Launches New Digital History Museum

More than two centuries of Alexandria history—and thousands of years of the region’s human story—can now be explored from anywhere through the Alexandria Historical Society’s new Alexandria Digital History Museum. The free online museum, officially launched by the Society on July 28, features more than 140 stories exploring the people, places, neighborhoods, and events that have shaped Alexandria. Designed as an evolving public-history resource, the museum allows residents, visitors, students, educators, and researchers to explore Alexandria’s history from anywhere.

The museum can be visited at: 
alexandriahistoricalsociety.org/digital-history-museum

Exhibit: Women in Business: We Were Always Here

Gadsby's Tavern Museum'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

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: Aboard Ship with the Jack-Tars of the Union Navy

A new exhibition at Fort Ward Museum opened October 2. 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 September 10, 1955, within just a few years of doubling the size of the City of Alexandria by annexing land west of Quaker Lane from Fairfax County, the City completed its first comprehensive land use plan and economic base survey. In a demonstration of civic pride, these actions, and several others made in 1955 to create or reorganize City departments, were publicly presented at a special Municipal Exhibition-Demonstration that highlighted new services and activities offered by the City to its citizens, and a vision for the future. The ambitious municipal program, authorized by Mayor Leroy S. Bendheim and City Council, and implemented by City Manager Edward G. Heatwole, provided the foundation for modern day Alexandria.

Upcoming Commission and Committee Events

Commissions Supporting Historic Alexandria
 

• September 9  Alexandria Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission (AHRPC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  8-9:15 a.m.
• September 9 ACRP Steering Committee
  Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street
  5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• September 14 Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee 
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-9 p.m.
• September 15 Historic Alexandria Resources Commission (HARC)
  Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex, 1475-1501 Wilkes Street
  5:30 p.m.
• September 16 Alexandria Archaeological Commission (AAC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-9 p.m.
• September 21 George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee (GWBCC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-9 p.m.
• September 28 Sister City Committee (SCC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-8:30 p.m.