Support the preservation and interpretation of Freedom House, as we share the history of not only the site, but the larger African American story of Alexandria. Join us as we work to share the full history of Alexandria for all. Mark your donation for Freedom House Museum at the link below.

Donate to Freedom House

The National Historic Landmark, located at 1315 Duke Street, was "ground zero" for the domestic slave trade in the Chesapeake region. New exhibitions are installed on three floors of the building, broadening the stories told. The exhibits center on the lives of the enslaved and newly freed, an important first step towards reckoning with Alexandria's involvement in the domestic slave trade. By understanding our past, we can work towards social equity and build a better Alexandria for all. 

Historic Alexandria has been improving the Freedom House Museum building: ADA-compliant bathrooms, fully operational elevator, new HVAC system, and gallery space opened across three floors. We are continuing to work on content for these exhibition galleries. 

Take a peak at the video for behind the scenes at some of the exciting work that took place before the Freedom House Museum reopened!

Listen as members of the community express their support for Freedom House Museum.

"...[this site] encourages us to speak truth to power and delve deeper to confront the hard, honest truths about race, class, and equity in this country." 
-- Mayor Justin Wilson

Learn more about the detective work behind reconstructing 1315 Duke Street's history. Get a video sneak peak of how Dr. Ben Skolnik combed through images, documents, + the archaeological record to better understand the development of the site.

History of 1315 Duke Street