MAY 19–25, 2025
What's New
FEATURED EVENT
Alexandria to Commemorate 81st Anniversary of D-Day with Special Events
The City of Alexandria will pay tribute to the heroes of D-Day with two special events marking the 81st anniversary of the historic invasion. Hosted by the Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee, the 15th Annual D-Day Commemoration and an exclusive lecture by renowned military historian Dr. Kim Holien will honor the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom on June 6, 1944.
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 1940s 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: Eisenhower's Hidden Top Secret
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street
Thursday, June 5
7- 9 p.m.
$15 per person/$12 for Historic Alexandria Member
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.
Upcoming Events
View the Historic Alexandria Calendar
Specialty Tour: Peeling Back the Layers!
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Saturdays in May (24th and 31st)
10 -11 a.m.
$15 per person/$12 for Historic Alexandria Member
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 (24th and 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.
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)
Members free; Guests $10 at the door
Membership Information and the Association's Calendar: Calendar — The Alexandria Association
Hanns Weinburg (1900-1976) became the most important dealer of antique porcelain in England and America in the second half of the twentieth century. He was regularly mentioned in newspapers in London and New York for the astronomical prices he paid for works of art and was notorious for the prices he charged. In addition to porcelain, Weinberg also dealt in Renaissance jewels, gold boxes, Chinese jades, French furniture and more. This richly illustrated lecture will discuss some of the most significant objects that passed through Weinberg's hands and are today in some of the greatest collections in the world.
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, $15 children ages 12-17
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.
Lecture: He Wore the Blue, I Bear the Story: Martin Swick's Civil War Journey
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco Street
Friday, May 24
6-7 p.m.
$10 to the general public and free for museum members.
Purchase tickets.
The Lee-Fendall House Museum operated as the Grosvenor Branch Hospital between 1863 and 1865. While the hospital treated about one thousand patients during those two years, 100 of those men died - including Private Martin Swick of the 126th Ohio. Learn of Martin's personal life through his service during the American Civil War to his passing from his wounds all told by his distant descendant, Brent Reidenbach. In addition to the lecture, explore Lee-Fendall's newest exhibition, From Battlefield to Bedside: Alexandria's Civil War Medical History, for the chance to view a personal item owned by Martin and possibly carried with him at the time of his death at the Lee-Fendall House on May 31, 1864.
Members please call at (703) 548-1789 to reserve your tickets. It is highly recommended to book tickets in advance as space is limited.
Specialty Tour: Poisons at the Apothecary Museum
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 South Fairfax Street
Sundays, May 25, June 15, and July 6
11 a.m. - Noon
$15 per person/$12 for Historic Alexandria Member
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.
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.
Specialty Tour: Midwifery
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 South Fairfax Street
Sunday, June 1
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
$15 per person/$12 for Historic Alexandria Member
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.
City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums Summer Concert on Market Square
Market Square, 301 King Street
Thursday, June 5
7:45- 8:30 p.m.
Free
Celebrate Alexandria’s Scottish heritage with the City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums at a free summer concert series. Enjoy performances featuring bagpipes and drums on Thursdays, June 5, July 10, and August 7.
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
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. 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.
Outlandish Tour at the Apothecary Museum
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 South Fairfax Street
Sunday, June 8
11 a.m. - Noon
$15 per person/$12 for Historic Alexandria Member
Purchase tickets.
Tour this historic apothecary and learn about a few of the herbal medicines featured in Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series of novels from cascara to dauco seeds. The tour also touches on the role of apothecaries and women in medicine in the 18th century. Recommended for ages 18 and up. Please arrive between 10:45-11:00 a.m. as the museum is not open to the public until 1 p.m. and the doors will be locked when the tour begins. Please note the tour involves ascending and descending stairs.
Proud History Hangout
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street
Thursday, June 12
5:30- 7:30 p.m.
Free
Pop in, take a moment, and meet new friends at the LGBTQ+ History Hangout at the Alexandria History Museum. Learn about our Oral History division and share your story, talk to the Alexandria LGBTQ+ Task Force, learn about LGBTQ+ history, and make a fun shrinky-dink to take home. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase. Ages 16 and up.
Trivia Nights at Historic Sites: U.S. States Journey
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco Street
Friday, June 13
7-9 p.m.
$12
Purchase tickets.
Staff members at Lee-Fendall House Museum and Carlyle House Historic Park have combined their random nerd knowledge to create bi-weekly trivia nights in the beautiful gardens located at Lee-Fendall House. Join us all summer to test your knowledge on all things from pop culture to history! The theme of our June 13th trivia night will be U.S. States. Museum staff co-created tonight's trivia with Wayne Kehoe, Volunteer Coordinator at the United States Capitol. Trivia nights are $12 a person which includes 1 drink ticket. Additional drinks can be bought at our cash bar. Teams may have up to 6 members. Registration slots are first come, first served, so we recommend paying ahead of time to save your spot. Trivia nights will start on June 13 and take place every other Friday at 7pm from June-August (June 13 & 27, July 11 & 25, August 8 & 22). Ages 21 and over only. For more information on how to register call 703-548-1789 or visit www.leefendallhouse.org. No outside alcohol is permitted. Food and water may be brought into the garden.
Storytime for Little Historians
Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street
Saturday, June 14
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.
8th Green Machine Regiment Band Concert
Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site, 4301 West Braddock Road
Saturday, June 14
11- Noon
Suggested donation: $2/$5 Family
Concert with the 8th Green Machine Regiment Band at Fort Ward.
Family Day with Young Historians
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Sunday, June 15
2- 5 p.m.
Included in regular museum admission.
Jr. Docents provide stationed tours throughout the two tavern buildings and operate special, hands-on activity stations about period clothing and chocolate making. Every Sunday June 15 through Labor Day weekend, 2-5 p.m.
Juneteenth Revels Concert
Market Square, 301 King Street
Thursday, June 19
1- 3 p.m.
Free
Enjoy traditional African American storytelling and songs reflecting the journey toward freedom with the Washington Revels Jubilee Voices ensemble. Weather dependent.
Tavern Games Night
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Friday, June 20
7 p.m.
$10
Tickets can be purchased online.
Join us for a Pride edition of Tavern Ga(y)mes Night! Learn about 18th century clothing and gender performance, participate in Drag Trivia, play games and enjoy snacks and beverages from the cash bar! Brief presentation and jeopardy start around 7:30 p.m.
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
Memorial Day Schedule:
Apothecary and Gadsby’s will be open 1-5 p.m. (regular summer hours). All other museums will be closed on Memorial Day, May 26.
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
Closed to Visitors During Front Door Restoration
Freedom House Museum is temporarily closed to visitors to allow for the completion of the front façade restoration and installation of new entry doors. 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.
Friendship Firehouse Museum
Saturday, June 14, 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.
NEW: Apothecary Night Shift–Every Saturday in June and July the museum is open 11 a.m.--7 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
On May 22, 1947, Alexandria’s largest movie theatre, the Virginia, was dedicated at 601 First Street with the feature presentation “Carnival in Costa Rica” starring Dick Haymes as the opening night billing. The new theatre added 1,200 seats to the city’s theatre inventory, far surpassing its closest competitors, the Reed Theatre at 1,100 and the Vernon at 980 seats respectively, and increasing capacity at the city’s nine theatres to 9,000 seats. Designed by architects John and Drew Eberson, the theatre reportedly had the largest stage and screen in the Washington metropolitan area. The General Electric Co. featured the new and innovative lighting installed in the theatre as part of its nationwide advertising in 1949.
Upcoming Commission and Committee Events
Commissions Supporting Historic Alexandria
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.June 9 Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee (ACSCC)
City Hall, 301 King Street, Sister Cities Room 1101
7-9 p.m.June 11 Alexandria Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission
Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
8-9:15 a.m.