MAY 26–june 1, 2025

What's New

FEATURED EVENT

Hooff’s Run Dedication Day
African American Heritage Park, 500 Holland Lane
Saturday, June 7
10 a.m. - Noon
Free

Join Historic Alexandria and AlexRenew on June 7 for a tour of the restored African American Heritage Park, unveiling new wayfinding signage and a legacy grove that shares insight into Alexandria’s rich African American history. Learn about the area's historical significance and celebrate this major milestone for our community and its waterways. The event is family and pet friendly. 

Explore with Ease – The New Museum Mobility Guide

Historic Alexandria and the Department of Transportation & Environmental Services (T&ES) have launched a colorful, easy-to-use map and guide connecting all of Alexandria’s museums via walking, biking, and transit. The guide also acts as a passport—visit every site and earn a prize! Available at museums, rec centers, public libraries, and more.

Upcoming Events

View the Historic Alexandria Calendar                                                                                                                                                      

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: Peeling Back the Layers!
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street  
Saturday, May 31
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  
Saturday, May 31
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. 

The Women of Lee-Fendall
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco Street
Saturday, May 31
11 a.m. - Noon
$10 to the general public and free for museum members.
Purchase tickets.

This special house tour will take you through the lives of some of the women who lived and worked in the Lee-Fendall House over the years as a private home and even when it became a museum in 1974. Learn about their struggles and achievements as women, wives, educators, workers, mothers, performers, and activists.

Tickets are $10 per person. Members of Lee-Fendall House are free but must call or email to make a reservation.

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. 

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 from D-Day to V-E Day
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. 

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!

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.

Beyond the Battlefield: A Civil War Walking Tour of Alexandria
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco Street
Saturday, June 14
10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
$15 to the general public and 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 are $15 per person and 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. Members of Lee-Fendall House are free but must call or email to make a reservation (703) 548-1789 or contact@leefendallhouse.org.

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

Join us for a special outdoor concert of Civil War-era music by the 8th Green Machine (GM) Regiment Band at 11 a.m. on the Museum lawn. Sponsored by George Mason University, this historical brass ensemble presents music of the 19th century on authentic period instruments. 

Civil War Hospital Tour
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco Street
Saturday, June 14
2- 3 p.m.
$15 to the general public and free for museum members.
Purchase tickets. 

Learn how the Lee-Fendall House was confiscated during the Civil War and operated as a Union Army hospital. Explore what life was like in Union-occupied Alexandria, how the Lee-Fendall House witnessed medical history, and how political divisions impacted those living here. Tickets are $15 to the general public and free for museum members. The tour is limited to 12 participants. Members, please call the museum to reserve your ticket. Please e-mail contact@leefendallhouse.org or call (703) 548-1789 with any questions. 

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. 

Specialty Tour: A Magical Apothecary
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 South Fairfax Street
Sunday, June 22 
11 a.m. - Noon
$15 per person/$12 for Historic Alexandria Member
Purchase tickets. 

Learn about the muggle botanical science that inspired the potion 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. Children must be accompanied by a ticket-holding adult. 

Music of the Regiment Concert
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street
Monday, June 23
7- 9 p.m.
$20 
Tickets can be purchased online.

Join Music of the Regiment, a period-instrument wind band for a concert of late 18th and early 19th-century military music. In 1798, an advertisement under the heading MARTIAL MUSIC petitioned the citizens of Alexandria to organize a wind band “for the accommodation and embellishment” of the city’s nine militia companies. The advertisement called for the establishment of a band of music to be funded by the militia and to be comprised of four clarinets, two horns, and two bassoons. This band, known as the Alexandria Band, was one of several “martial” ensembles that were active in Alexandria and, more broadly, Washington City during the early Federal Period (1790-1830). Learn about the interconnectivity of the Alexandria Band, the Marine Band, and the “Italian” Marine Band ensembles that defined the musical soundscape of the nascent capital. 

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 
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

More from This Day in History

On May 30, 1964, Fort Ward Park on West Braddock Road was dedicated, highlighting the city’s first major historic restoration and preservation project, the reconstruction of the Northwest Bastion of the Civil War fort, named for James Harmon Ward, the first U.S. naval officer to die in the Civil War. Originally intended as a visitors' center to the historic site, Fort Ward Museum began receiving donations of Civil War objects from the time it opened. The long-term loan of a nationally recognized private collection owned by Civil War collector and author Dr. Francis A. Lord transformed the visitors' center into a museum.  The core of the permanent collection was acquired in 1972 when the City of Alexandria purchased nearly 600 objects from the Lord collection. Today, the Museum collection features more than 4,000 objects from the Civil War period, including a broad range of military arms and equipment that interprets army life at Fort Ward, and objects that highlight the local history of Civil War Alexandria and the Defenses of Washington. Fort Ward is the best preserved of the extensive network of Union forts and batteries known as the Civil War Defenses of Washington. 

Upcoming Commission and Committee Events

Commissions Supporting Historic Alexandria

• 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.

• June 11 Alexandria Community Remembrance Project Steering Committee
  Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street
  5:30 p.m.

• June 16 George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee (GWBCC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7 p.m.

• June 16 Sister Cities Committee (SCC) - Dundee and Helsingborg
  City Hall, 301 King Street, Sister Cities Room 1101
  7-9 p.m.

• June 16 Public Records Advisory Committee (PRAC)
  Archives and Records Center, 801 S. Payne Street
  7:30 p.m.

• June 17 Historic Alexandria Resources Commission (HARC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7 p.m.

• June 18 Alexandria Archaeological Commission (AAC) 
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7 p.m.