Stories of U.S.: Conserving for the Future

Conservation treatment is essential for ensuring historic objects survive into the future.
Page updated on June 8, 2026 at 5:25 PM
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Conserving for the Future

Caring for collections is a fundamental part of the Office of Historic Alexandria’s work.  Conservation treatment is essential for ensuring historic objects survive into the future. Each object requires special storage and care, depending on its materials and condition. Highlighted here are three recent conservation projects. 

 

Clara Lee Chandlee Leadbeater, oil on canvas, early 20th century, artist unknown

Clara Leadbeater (1841-1930) was the wife of Edward Stabler Leadbeater, proprietor of the apothecary which is now the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum.  This portrait, donated by descendant Charles S. Bryan, represents the importance of preserving family objects.  When it was donated in 2024, the painting was treated by a paintings conservator and reframed by a framing conservator. The Mortar and Pestle Society, the Apothecary Museum’s friends group, funded the conservation. Groups such as these help to support the preservation and maintenance of museum objects for long-term storage and display.

The colorful poster of Washington National Airport marks its 50th anniversary in 1991. The drawing shows a plane flying over the original terminal, with people and cars in the waiting at the curb in the foreground.
The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum Collection, Gift of Charles S. Bryan.

 

Firefighting Equipment

The Friendship Fire Company, organized in 1774, was Alexandria’s first volunteer fire company. 

Friendship’s 1858 hose reel carriage was made in the North Pitt Street shop of coach maker and Friendship Fire Company member Robert F. Prettyman. It is a hand-drawn, light-weight vehicle that was state-of-the-art technology for its time. It probably would have carried 400 to 600 feet of 2 ½” hose. 

Restoration of the hose reel carriage was completed in 2022 thanks to support by the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association, Custom Fire Apparatus, Simpson Development Corp., Virginia Association of Museums Top 10 Endangered Artifact Program, the Historic Alexandria Foundation, Donald F. Simpson, Sr., Jeanne Jacob & Gerry Frank, Marion Moon, David P. Baker, Joe Shumard, Spring2Action Alexandria, and community donors.

 

Restored hose reel carriage, painted red and gold

 

The Company purchased its hand-operated suction fire engine in 1851. Suitable for parades as well as firefighting, it was made by John Rodgers of Baltimore, an Irish immigrant who became one of the most prominent builders of fire engines in the country. Pulled from place to place by hand, it’s two-cylinder brass piston pump suctions water in from a hose on one side which is then forced out through hose on the opposite side. 

In 2024, the suction fire engine returned to the Museum after receiving conservation treatment. The restoration was possible because of generous contributions by the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association, Alexandria Association, Historic Alexandria Foundation, and many individual donors. 

 

Newly restored pumper in museum, painted yellow and blue

 

Friendship Firehouse Museum Collection, Gift of the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association

Introduction

This exhibition, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, showcases recently acquired objects, many on view for the first time.

Buildings as Collections

Historic buildings provide a sense of place and space. They are the largest objects in Historic Alexandria’s collection and require constant care to ensure they can be visited for generations to come. 

Collecting Stories

Oral histories deepen our understanding of the past by capturing personal perspectives and memories. Historic Alexandria collects these through The Alexandria Oral History Center and uses a community-driven approach to document and preserve the stories of Alexandria.

Collecting the Past

Historic Alexandria collects objects to preserve them and make them publicly available to share. Museum collections do not just reflect the past; they provide a resource for future generations. 

Collecting the Present

Historic Alexandria intentionally collects personal items and oral histories as major events are happening. This ensures these national stories are part of Alexandria’s history for future generations. 

Conserving for the Future

Caring for collections is a fundamental part of the Office of Historic Alexandria’s work.  Conservation treatment is essential for ensuring historic objects survive into the future. Each object requires special storage and care, depending on its materials and condition.