MAY 5–11, 2025

What's New

FEATURED EVENT

Alexandria's Treasures: Escape Room Edition 

Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street
Friday, May 30
7 - 9 p.m.
$35
Purchase tickets.

Discover objects rarely on view from Historic Alexandria’s vast collections as you use them to solve the puzzle and win a prize. Puzzles can be completed as a group or individually. Drop in or stay the whole time for puzzle stations, curator chats, and cash bar–it’s sure to be a fun night out! Proceeds benefit the Historic Alexandria Museums. 

Upcoming Events

View the Historic Alexandria Calendar                                                                                                                                                      

Specialty Tour: Peeling Back the Layers!
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street  
Saturdays 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! 

Preservation Tours: Lost Buildings of Alexandria-The Waterfront
Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax Street  
Saturdays in May (3rd, 17th, 24th, & 31st) 
10 a.m. - Noon
$20
Tickets can be purchased online.

In honor of National Preservation Month, join Carlyle House and Lee-Fendall House on a tour of “Lost Alexandria.” Explore parts of the historic neighborhood of Fishtown and what is now Founder’s Park. Learn why these buildings were not preserved. 

Tours begin at Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax Street. This tour includes walking over many city blocks. Preservation Tours will take place at the same time and place every Saturday in the month of May. Walking shoes required, bottled water suggested. Held rain or shine. Tickets are required for all tours. 

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

Dynamic storytellers use books written by and about African American people and other communities of color to engage with ages 5-8.

Traditional Music Concert Series - Bruce Molsky and Ale Möller
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street
Friday, May 16
7:30- 9:30 p.m.
$28 
Tickets can be purchased online.

Grammy-nominated, described as “an absolute master” (No Depression), Bruce Molsky transports audiences to another time and place with his authentic and personal interpretations of rarities from the Southern Appalachian songbook and other musical traditions from around the globe. Best known for his work on the fiddle, Bruce’s banjo, guitar and his distinctive, powerful vocals also resonate with listeners.

Ale Möller, is a Swedish musician and composer. He was born and grew up in Scania in southern Sweden and started in music as a jazz trumpeter. He lived for a while in Greece where he learned to play the bouzouki and played with composer Mikis Theodorakis. Möller has been a member of Frifot, Stockholm Folk Big Band, Enteli, Filarfolket, Ale Möller's Lyckliga Enmansorkester, and Neo Minore.

Specialty Tour: Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site
Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site, 4301 West Braddock Rd. 
Saturday, May 17 
10 - 11 a.m. (check-in opens at 9:45 a.m.)
$15, $12 Historic Alexandria members
Purchase tickets.

This guided tour highlights the Defenses of Washington and one veteran’s efforts to preserve its story. The tour begins inside with the special exhibit, “Lewis Cass White: Preserving the Legacy of Fort Stevens,” then continues outside to see the earthwork fort. Please note this tour involves walking on outdoor paths and takes place rain or shine.

Concert in the Garden-Armato/De Sapio Duo
Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax Street  
Saturday, May 17 
2 p.m. 
Free ($5 donation suggested)

Join the Armato/De Sapio Duo for a delightful al fresco concert of rarely performed music for violin and guitar. Enjoy works by Paganini, Margola, Giuliani, Rodrigo, and more in the idyllic surroundings of Carlyle House--music that is entertaining, elegant, and easygoing. Concert admission is free, $5 donation suggested. All donations go towards Carlyle Garden care. Lemonade will also be available for sale as part of this fundraiser.

Lecture: Nick Stagliano, “Hanns Weinberg and the Antique Porcelain Company”
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street
Monday, May 19
7:30 p.m. Lecture (7 p.m. light refreshments)
$10 (suggested contribution)
More information: Calendar — The Alexandria Association

Nick Stagliano, a specialist in 18th-century European ceramics and decorative arts, works at Michele Beiny Inc., the preeminent U.S. dealer in antique porcelain. A graduate of Hamilton College, Nick earned his master's degree in the history of the decorative arts from the program offered jointly by The New School and the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, where he was a Curatorial Fellow in the Product Design and Decorative Arts department. He previously worked in fundraising at The Juilliard School and The Frick Collection. Nick serves as Co-Chairman of the French Porcelain Society and sits on the Board of the Connecticut Ceramics Circle. Please join us in welcoming him to Alexandria.  

Register guests with karen.d.paul1948@gmail.com

Traditional Music Concert Series - The Southwest Ramblers
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street
Tuesday, May 20
7:30- 9:30 p.m.
$28 
Tickets can be purchased online.

The Southwest Ramblers are a high-energy duo who bring fresh life to Irish traditional music. With roots in Ireland and the U.S., they fuse deep tradition with a modern spark, making their performances both timeless and electrifying. Their live album captures this energy, and after a successful, critically acclaimed tour a few years back, they’re heading stateside again for a new round of gigs in April and May. We are glad to welcome them to Alexandria.

Specialty Tour: Poisons at the Apothecary Museum
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 South Fairfax Street
Sunday, May 25 
11 a.m. - Noon
$15, $12 Historic Alexandria members
Purchase tickets.

Come explore the sinister side of medicine on the Apothecary Museum's Poisons Tour. This one-hour tour explores several different types of poisons, their historic uses at the Apothecary, and what we know today. Recommended for ages 18 and up. Please arrive between 10:45 - 11 a.m. as the doors will be locked when the tour begins at 11 a.m.

Alexandria Historical Society to Host Annual T. Michael Miller and Student History Awards Ceremony 
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street
Wednesday, May 28
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Free; light refreshments provided

The Alexandria Historical Society (AHS) is pleased to announce its annual awards ceremony honoring significant contributors to the preservation of Alexandria’s historic, cultural, and artistic heritage. 

Since 1984, AHS has recognized exceptional individuals and groups whose dedicated efforts safeguard and celebrate the rich history of Alexandria. This year's prestigious T. Michael Miller Awards will be presented to: 

• Carol P. Black

• Dr. Krystyn Moon 

• The Alexandria Archaeological Commission

These honorees have made substantial contributions over many years in identifying, preserving, and presenting Alexandria’s compelling historical narrative. In addition, outstanding history students from each of Alexandria’s four high schools will be recognized with the Student History Awards, highlighting the city’s bright future in historical scholarship. The award-winning students will be introduced during the ceremony. 

The evening will feature an inspiring keynote by educator Dr. Darnella McGuire-Nelson, who will present the talk, "You Are History in the Making," emphasizing the importance of recognizing our individual roles in shaping history. The public is warmly invited to celebrate these distinguished honorees and future historians.

For more information about the Alexandria Historical Society, the T. Michael Miller Awards, and past awardees, please visit alexandriahistoricalsociety.org.

Yoga on the Magnolia Terrace-Happy Hour
Carlyle’s Magnolia Terrace, 121 N. Fairfax Street 
Last Thursday of the month May-September (May 29th, June 26th, Jul 31st, Aug 28th, & Sept 25th)
6 - 7:30 pm
$20
Purchase tickets.

Join our yoga instructor for an hour-long Yoga class on Carlyle’s Magnolia Terrace. Afterwards, enjoy a mocktail with yoga participants and staff. Mocktails will change based on the month and will be announced on our social media! Yoga Happy Hours are a fundraiser for new exhibit cases in the museum and sponsored by the Friends of Carlyle House.                                                                                  

Please bring water, a towel, and a yoga mat. Wear comfortable yoga wear. Please note that the terrace is bricked so please bring a thicker mat or double up with an extra mat or towel. Class may be canceled due to inclement weather, you will receive an email if class is canceled. 

Specialty Tour: Midwifery
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 South Fairfax Street
Sunday, June 1 
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
$15, $12 Historic Alexandria members
Purchase tickets.

Midwives did more than deliver babies! Explore the role, knowledge, and challenges of Midwives through the lens of the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum and its collection of historic medicines and archives. Content note: this tour will cover the complex history around contraception, abortion, and miscarriage; recommended for ages 18 and older. Guests should arrive between 10:45 and 11:00 a.m., tour begins promptly at 11:00am. and late guests will not be able to be admitted. Please note tour includes ascending and descending stairs.

D-Day Commemoration
Market Square, 301 King Street
Sunday, June 1 
1 - 4 p.m.
Free

Join the Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee for a free commemorative event featuring World War II reenactors with displays, a 1940’s jazz band, swing dancing, the U.S. Army Fife and Drum Corps, children’s activities, and a commemorative ceremony featuring special guests and local elected officials.

D-Day Lecture
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street
Thursday, June 5
7- 9 p.m.
$10 
Tickets can be purchased online.

Titled "Eisenhower's hidden Top Secret from D-Day to V-E Day", the talk will offer expert insights into the strategic, historical, and human dimensions of D-Day. Learn about ‘T Force’ and how it operated in the shadows under the personal direction of Eisenhower through the end of the war. 

Specialty Tour: Hamilton's BFF & Frenemies
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street  
Saturday, June 7 (every Saturday in June + July)
10 -11 a.m.
$15 per person/$12 for Historic Alexandria Member or Volunteer
Tickets can be purchased online.

Inspired by the musical Hamilton, learn how the paths of Washington, Lafayette, Jefferson, Madison, and Burr all intersected with this local tavern. Includes discussion of the issues they faced and how their choices impacted local citizens. Please note the tour involves ascending and descending stairs. Arrive no later than 5 minutes prior to tour time to check in. This tickets often sell out, so buy online to reserve your space!

RiverRenew Hooffs Run Dedication Day
African American Heritage Park, 309 Holland Lane
Saturday, June 7
10 a.m. - Noon 
Free

Celebrate RiverRenew's restoration of Hooffs Run with the dedication of new historical signage in African American Heritage Park and family-friendly activities focused on native plantings.

Carlyle House Family Fun Day - Best Friends Bash
Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax Street  
Saturday, June 7 (First Saturday of the month from April – November)
Noon -3 p.m.
Free
More information online. 

Come join your friends on the Carlyle House Magnolia Terrace for Family Fun Day on the first Saturday of the month from April - November! From noon - 3 p.m., you can sit in on story time that starts at the top of the hour and participate in crafts and other activities that relate to the theme of the month. This program is for all ages, though some of the crafts might be challenging for guests under 4. There is no fee to join this program, but donations are encouraged.

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 Closing to Visitors During Front Door Restoration
Effective Monday, May 5

Freedom House Museum will be temporarily closed to visitors beginning Monday, May 5, to allow for the completion of the front façade restoration and installation of new entry doors. The restoration process is expected to take up to six weeks, depending on the arrival and installation of specialized hardware. 

To learn more about the ongoing rehabilitation, visit the Freedom House Rehabilitation Project page.

Project updates will be posted regularly on the Freedom House webpage.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to preserve and enhance this important historic site.

Friendship Firehouse Museum
Saturday, May 17, 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 May 9, 1809, President James Madison, just two months after his inaugural ceremonies, attended a social event at Caton’s Hotel (now known as Gadsby’s Tavern Museum) in Alexandria. This first year of Madison’s presidency was a prosperous time for America and for Alexandria as well. At the time of his inauguration, the new nation had a financial surplus of $9,500,000. In Alexandria, new highways were constructed to connect northward to Washington, and southward across Hunting Creek towards Richmond, which eventually became part of US Route 1.

Upcoming Commission and Committee Events

Commissions Supporting Historic Alexandria

• May 12 Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee (ACSCC)
  City Hall, 301 King Street, Sister Cities Room 1101
  7-9 p.m.

• May 14 Alexandria Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission
  Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street
  8-9:15 a.m.

• May 14 Steering Committee of the Alexandria Community Remembrance Project 
  Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street
  5:30 p.m.

• May 19 George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee (GWBCC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7 p.m.

• May 19 Sister Cities Committee (SCC) - Dundee and Helsingborg
  City Hall, 301 King Street, Sister Cities Room 1101
  7-9 p.m.

• May 19 Public Records Advisory Committee (PRAC)
  Archives and Records Center, 801 S. Payne Street
  7:30 p.m.

• May 20 Historic Alexandria Resources Commission (HARC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7 p.m.

• May 21 Alexandria Archaeological Commission (AAC) 
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7 p.m.