APRIL 7–13, 2025

What's New

Support the Freedom House Interior Restoration this Spring2ACTion

Join us at the Historic Alexandria Spring2ACTion Power Hour Party from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Lloyd House (220 N. Washington Street). We are raising necessary funds for the Freedom House Museum’s interior rehabilitation, and we need your support! Enjoy a great evening with refreshments and music. Your donation is your admission. The Freedom House Museum tells one of Alexandria’s most difficult and important stories. At 1315 Duke Street, thousands of Black men, women, and children were trafficked into enslavement. Today, this site stands as a place of truth and remembrance. Your gift through Spring2ACTion will help us begin to plan the interior restoration of the building and new exhibits. Early giving has begun, and the big day is April 9. Donate online here https://www.spring2action.org/p2p/406641/historicalexandria

In Remembrance of Joseph McCoy, the Alexandria Community Remembrance Project (ACRP) Presents - Between History and Hope

Roberts Memorial United Methodist Church
606 South Washington Street
Wednesday, April 23
6 p.m.
Free

In Remembrance of Joseph McCoy, join the Alexandria Community Remembrance Project (ACRP) at Roberts Memorial United Methodist Church, the home church for the McCoy family, to hear an address by leading scholar Robert P. Jones. The New York Times Best Selling author of The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy and the Path to a Shared American Future, and President of the Public Religion Research Institute, Jones’ remarks will focus on the place we now find ourselves, “Between History and Hope.”  We also look forward to hearing from Mayor Alyia Gaskins at this city-wide recognition and remembrance of the 1897 lynching of Alexandria native Joseph McCoy. Remarks will be followed by a book signing in the Fellowship Hall. Books will be available for purchase at the event. 

Please note: Roberts Memorial United Methodist Church does not have a parking lot. Parking is available on side streets and behind Demaine Funeral Home on the corner of Gibbon and Washington Street. 

Help Shape the Future of Alexandria's Museums: Participate in a Social Impact Study!

Help Shape the Future of Alexandria’s Museums: Participate in a Social Impact Study! The Office of Historic Alexandria is one of forty institutions from across the nation participating in this study. To learn more and sign up, visit 
Museum Social Impact Survey | City of Alexandria, VA  

Historic Alexandria is looking for at least 150 individuals to participate in the survey.  If selected based on some simple qualifications, participants will visit three different Historic Alexandria museums once each between now and the end of July. Participants will then complete a 30-minute survey to share how their experiences at the museums impacted various outcomes. 

For completing the survey, participants will receive a special thank you gift and be invited to a special event in November sharing the results, plus free admission into the ALXHistoryLovers Society.

Upcoming Events

View the Historic Alexandria Calendar                                                                                                                                                      

Unearthing History: Mount Vernon's Cherry Discoveries
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street
Tuesday, April 8
6:30 p.m. Reception, 7 p.m. Program
$30 
Purchase tickets.

Find out from Mount Vernon archaeologists about the amazing treasure trove of 250-year-old bottles of perfectly preserved cherries and berries they unearthed from under the Mansion in 2024, and how this extraordinary discovery provides a powerful glimpse into 18th-century culture. Light refreshments will be served. $30 per person; one drink ticket included. Proceeds to benefit the 2025 George Washington Birthday Celebration.

Carlyle House Book Club-Braddock’s Defeat
Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Wednesday, April 9
10-11:30 a.m.
Free
Register online here. 

Join the Carlyle House Book Club as we discuss David Preston’s Braddock's Defeat as part of our commemoration of the 270th anniversary of General Braddock’s Grandest Congress. Admission is free but we ask all participants to register so we know which space we will be using. $5 suggested donation at the door. More information online here.  

Story Time for Little Historians
Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street
Saturday, April 12
10 - 10:45 a.m. 
Free

Designed for children ages 4-8, this event introduces young learners to African and African American culture through stories and songs.

Beyond the Battlefield: A Civil War Walking Tour of Alexandria
Tour begins at Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco Street
Saturday, April 12
10-11:30 a.m.
$15, Free for museum members
Purchase tickets.

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. 

Tickets must be purchased in advance. The tour is limited to 12 participants and lasts approximately an hour and a half. Walking tours take place rain or shine, so please wear appropriate shoes and clothing. For more information, please call 703-548-1789 or e-mail contact@leefendallhouse.org. 

The “Grandest Congress”: The French and Indian War in Alexandria
Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Saturday, April 12
12-4 p.m.
Free, $5 donation suggested
More information online 

Visit us on April 12th as we commemorate the 270th anniversary of the French and Indian War. John Carlyle’s home was host to General Edward Braddock and five of the Royal Governors in April 1755. Learn about what happened at that meeting and how that affected the future of the 13 colonies. Living historians and hands-on activities will be available for visitors of all ages.  Admission is free, but a $5 donation is suggested.

Girl Scout Day: The French and Indian War in Alexandria
Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Saturday, April 12
12-4 p.m.
$12 per scout, $6 per tagalong (non-Girl Scout siblings), chaperones free.
More information online 

Learn about the French and Indian War through visiting Carlyle House during our commemoration of General Braddock’s meeting in 1755. Scouts will complete activities that will help them earn a variety of Scout badges including: Daisies: Good Neighbor, Brownies: Celebrating Community, and  Juniors: Detectives & Playing the Past.

Program is nonrefundable and will be held rain or shine.

Scouts should plan to be onsite for 1.5-2 hours. They do not have to show up at 12 p.m.. The program ends at 4 p.m. so Scout groups must be here by 3 p.m. to complete all activities.

To register and pay for this special program, scout leaders should call 703-549-2997. 

Specialty Tour: A Magical Apothecary
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 South Fairfax Street
Saturday, April 19 
10 -11a.m. 
$15, $12 Historic Alexandria members
Purchase tickets.

Learn about the muggle botanical science that inspired the potions and herbology of Harry Potter's wizarding world on a tour of this 19th century apothecary, and make your own magical potion! Recommended for ages 8 and up.

Alexandria Confined: Civil War Hospitals Walking Tour
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden
614 Oronoco Street
Saturday, April 19
10-11:30 a.m.
$15, Free for museum members
Purchase tickets.

This guided walking tour explores several prominent hospitals that treated Union, Confederate, and United States Colored Troops (USCT) alike. As you visit the actual locations of these historic medical facilities, you will learn about the difficult conditions soldiers faced - both on the battlefield and in the hospital wards. Hear fascinating stories of the men and women who worked tirelessly to care for the wounded. 

Tickets must be purchased in advance. This tour lasts 90 minutes and takes place rain or shine, so please wear appropriate shoes and clothing. It is highly recommended to bring water for this tour. For more information, please call 703-548-1789 or e-mail contact@leefendallhouse.org. 

Whisky Tasting
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street
Saturday, April 26
5 p.m.
$60, $80 VIP Registration
Purchase tickets.

The City of Alexandria's Sister Cities Committee invites you to attend its annual signature event! Join us for an evening of Scotch and camaraderie as whisky enthusiasts lead a guided tasting across the five whisky regions of Scotland. This informative program will help you learn all about the rich tapestry that is Scotch whisky, enables you to sample five different whiskies from across Scotland, and provides an opportunity to ask questions and share personal insights. VIP ticket holders will be provided two additional samples of distinctive and hard-to-find whiskies. Hors d'oeuvres will be provided. For non-whisky drinkers, wine and non-alcoholic beverages will be available. Ticket holders will take home with them their very own souvenir Glencairn glass to continue their exploration of the diverse and complex world of Scotch. A raffle will take place at the end of the event for fun prizes. Raffle tickets will be sold for cash at the event. All proceeds from the event aid the Alexandria Sister Cities Committee mission to support the educational and cultural exchanges between Alexandria, VA and her sister cities of Dundee, Scotland and Helsingborg, Sweden. Minimum Age: 21

Glimpses of Historic Alexandria: A Carol Stalun Exhibition
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco Street
Open through Sunday, April 27
Learn more.

Lee-Fendall's newest exhibit, Glimpses of Historic Alexandria, showcases a collection of photographs by local Alexandria photographer, Carol Jean Stalun. This special exhibition brings together many of Stalun's works that are focused on historic sites around the city of Alexandria. Learn the history of these sites as you walk around the Lee-Fendall House that was built over 200 years ago. Admission into the exhibit is included with general admission.

Specialty Tour, Peeling Back the Layers
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street  
Saturday, May 3 (Every Saturday in May. May 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31)
10 -11 a.m.
$15 per person/$12 for Historic Alexandria Member or Volunteer
Tickets can be purchased online.

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!

From Battlefield to Bedside: Alexandria's Civil War Medical History Exhibition
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco Street
On display at Lee-Fendall through Sunday, August 31
Admission into the exhibit is included with general admission. 

Lee-Fendall's newest exhibit, From Battlefield to Bedside focuses on Alexandria's pivotal role in the medical history of the Civil War, highlighting its transformation from a Southern port town to a strategic military hub to an epicenter of care for both Union and Confederate soldiers. Through a compelling collection of visual imagery, maps, and artifacts, this exhibit invites you to reflect on the resilience of those who provided care amidst the devastation of war, the legacy of Alexandria's medical contributions, and the experiences of those confined to the city's hospital beds. 

Support Historic Alexandria

Historic Alexandria receives City operational funding to support its mission; however, these resources do not cover the full scope of the department’s strategic goals and projects. Donations, special revenue, and grant funding help supplement staff, conservation work, and educational programs.  Please consider making a gift today. 

Historic Alexandria Museum Hours

Plan your Visit

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 Museum
Saturdays, 11 a.m. –  5 p.m., Sundays, 1 – 5 p.m.

Friendship Firehouse Museum
Saturday, April 19, 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-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.

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 April 7, 1950, the Alexandria Gazette announced that the Library of Congress had completed microfilming its old issues. It took three years to film the collection, which then covered 166 years of daily news. The microfilm is available at the Alexandria Library Special Collections.

Upcoming Commission and Committee Events

Commissions Supporting Historic Alexandria

• April 9 Alexandria Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission (AHRPC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street 
  8 a.m.-9:15 a.m.

• April 14 Alexandria Sister City Committee - Dundee and Helsingborg
  City Hall, 301 King Street, City Hall Conference Room 1900
  7-8:30 p.m.

• April 14 Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee (ACSCC)
  City Hall, 301 King Street, Sister Cities Room 1101
  7-9 p.m.

• April 15 Historic Alexandria Resources Commission (HARC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-9 p.m.

• April 16 Alexandria Archaeological Commission (AAC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street 
  7-9 p.m.

• April 21 George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street 
  7 p.m.

• April 21 Public Records Advisory Commission (PRAC)
  Archives and Records Center, 801 S. Payne Street 
  7:30 p.m.