Sunday, September 15
George Washington National Masonic Memorial
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Free, prior registration requested. To register, please contact Jim McClellan by September 10th.

Presented by the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association

Mark the 250th anniversary of the Friendship Fire Company on Sunday, September 15, and join the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association for the “Alexandria Fire History Symposium.” Did you know Alexandria had three great fires in the 19th century? From 10 am to 3 pm three panels of firefighting history specialists will discuss Alexandria’s early, and more recent, firefighting history. Topics are: The Great Fires, Remembering Those Who Served, and Responding to Terror.

Members of the Friendship Fire Company were volunteers motivated by their concern for safety and property. Now called the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association (FVFEA), the organization continues to support the Alexandria community.

Program

10:15 a.m.

First Panel: The Great Fires

Moderator: Mr. Tim Winkle
Dr. Jim McClellan, “The Great Fire of 1827”
Ms. Catherine Weinraub, “The Fire of 1855 and the Memorial at Ivy Hill”
Mr. Chris Ruli, “The Market Hall Fire of 1871: Its Impact on National Freemasonry and Alexandria's Skyline”

11:30 a.m.

Second Panel: Remembering Those Who Served

Moderator: Dr. Jim McClellan
Mr. Clarence Jewell III, “Ellsworth's Zouaves and Unit’s Activities in and around Alexandria During the Civil War”
Chief Robert Dube, “Life and Times of Alexandria Fire Chief George Pettey”
Mr. Tim Winkle, "It Is but Yesterday - Preserving Alexandria's Fire History in the National Museum"

1:30 p.m.

Third Panel: Responding to Terror

Moderator: Dr. Lynette Garrett
Chief James Schwartz, “AFD and the Pentagon on 9/11”
Dr. Denis Onieal, “Behind the Scenes Decision Making at the World Trade Center”