october 27–november 2, 2025
What's New
FEATURED EVENT
Freedom House Museum Reopens after Exterior Rehabilitation
Ribbon Cutting on November 8 at 1 p.m.
The Office of Historic Alexandria is excited to share that the exterior rehabilitation work has been completed on the Freedom House Museum at 1315 Duke Street. The Museum will reopen on November 6 and the official ribbon cutting will be on November 8 at 1 p.m. Experts will be onsite November 8 from 1 – 3 p.m. to share behind the scenes details on the exterior renovation work.
The process of rehabilitating the exterior of the Freedom House Museum at 1315 Duke Street began in June of 2024. Now the front facade has returned to its pre-Civil War appearance, helping to tell the story of the domestic slave trade in Alexandria. The next phase at Freedom House Museum shifts to the inside where engineers and preservation specialists will design ways to make the interior spaces accessible to all.
The full rehabilitation project was guided by extensive historical documentation of the building and was recommended in the Historic Structures Report and supported by the community in the Comprehensive Plan. Learn more by visiting the Rehabilitation Project page.
Upcoming Events
View the Historic Alexandria Calendar
Douglass Cemetery Stormwater Project and Burial Permit Updates
Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
Wednesday, October 29
7 - 8:30 p.m.
Free
Douglass Cemetery, located at 1421 Wilkes Street, has several preservation issues, including flooding and drainage problems. City of Alexandria staff from the Office of Historic Alexandria and Department of Project Implementation are working to address these preservation issues. The Social Responsibility Group and the Friends of Douglass Cemetery have dedicated their efforts to raise awareness of the significance of the historic African American cemetery and restore it to its rightful condition.
On October 29, City Staff will present an update on the upcoming stormwater project to mitigate the causes of flooding and implement solutions that are respectful and appropriate to the sensitive nature of the site. Additionally, the City is applying for a Permit for the Excavation of Human Remains with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources in advance of the stormwater construction project.
Questions about the project can be submitted in advance at: historicalexandria@alexandriava.gov.
The presentation will be posted on the project webpage after the meeting.
Poe in Alexandria!
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
Wednesday, October 29
8 p.m.
$25, $20 for Historic Alexandria members and Volunteers
Purchase tickets
Don't miss an unforgettable evening with America’s earliest master of the macabre - Edgar Allan Poe! Actor David Keltz returns to The Lyceum’s lecture hall to re-create Poe’s visit to Virginia in 1849, shortly before his death. This year’s performance will include short stories, poems, musings, and literary criticism. Mr. Keltz’s performance has been lauded by The Poe House and Museum in Baltimore, The Poe Museum in Richmond, and the Poe National Historic Site in Philadelphia. Reservations strongly recommended. Doors at 7:15 p.m., performance begins at 8 p.m. Wine and beer bar will be available before the show (credit and cash accepted).
Specialty Tour: Hamilton's BFF & Frenemies
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Saturdays, November 1 and November 8
11 a.m.
$15, $12 Historic Alexandria Members
Purchase tickets.
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. Almost sold out, so purchase tickets soon!
Carlyle House Family Fun Day- Dia de los Muertos
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 North Fairfax Street
Saturday, November 1 (first Saturday of the month from April – November)
Noon - 3 p.m.
Free
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 12-3 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 four. There is no fee to join this program, but donations are encouraged.
An Afternoon of 18th Century Mocktails
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 North Fairfax Street
Saturday, November 1
1 - 3 p.m.
$25 per person
Purchase tickets.
When colonists came over from England, one of the popular methods of preserving berries was covering them with vinegar and letting them ferment over time eventually becoming shrubs or drinking vinegars. The shrub was then used to flavor water, soda waters, and even became a mixer for cocktails! What goes great with shrub? Cheese! On November 1st explore three different shrub flavors and their paired cheese in the Carlyle gardens. Small bites will be available as palate cleansers. Tickets will also get you a shrub based mocktail, one non-shrub mocktail, and a tour of Carlyle House. Shrub will be available in the museum shop for purchase. Registration is required for this program. This program is non-refundable unless the museum cancels the program.
Having trouble registering? Please call 703-549-2997 or email carlyle@nvrpa.org.
Traditional Music Series Concert at The Lyceum
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St.
Sunday, November 2
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
$28, $12 ages 12-17
Purchase tickets.
Pennsylvania-based House of Hamill is a fixture on festival stages across the US, and have shared their music and stories on the country’s premier folk stages. House of Hamill puts on a show that captivates audiences from the very first note. The band's newest release, “Wildfire,” marks House of Hamill's most compelling work to date.
Story Time for Little Historians
Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street
Saturday, November 8
10 - 10:45 a.m.
Free, ages 5-8
Dynamic storytellers use books written by and about African American people and other communities of color to engage with ages 5-8.
A World War II Walking Tour of Alexandria
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco St.
Saturday, November 8
10:30 a.m. - Noon
$15
Purchase tickets.
Alexandria was a bustling town during the Second World War filled with servicemen and women and civilians contributing to the war effort. On this two-mile walk around Old Town, visit sites where history took place and buildings where notable Alexandrians, including a Tuskegee Airman and a member of the 101st Airborne, lived before serving their country. In addition, learn of the top-secret intelligence facility known as P.O. Box 1142.
This tour begins at Lee-Fendall and ends at the Torpedo Factory by the waterfront. The tour will last approximately 1.5 hours. Walking shoes and water are highly recommended. The tour will take place rain or shine.
Lantern Tour
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco St.
Saturday, November 8
6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8 p.m.
$15
Purchase tickets.
Take a tour of the historic Lee-Fendall House at night! A quieter, cozier experience in Old Town Alexandria, this tour covers the history of the house and those who lived here from 1785-1972. Your guide will lead you through the first and second floors of the home by the light of their lantern.
The lantern tours are recommended for ages 12+. Each tour time is limited to 12 people.
Upcoming Tables of Conscience Dinners!
Back and better than ever, ACRP will hold book-themed dinners to raise money for the scholarships in the names of Joseph McCoy and Benjamin Thomas. About a week before the dinner, those who reserved spots will receive an email with the name and address of the hosts. Please indicate at registration if you have any food allergies or strong preferences. Hosts will do their best to accommodate guest requests. Register online!
Each reservation requires a $125 donation per person; visit (https://www.alexandriava.gov/historic-alexandria/tables-of-conscience-fundraiser) for additional information on payment. The dinner’s discussion book must be purchased separately from a local bookstore.
November 14 at 6 p.m. - Only a few tickets left!
A Long Time Coming: Reckoning with Race in America by Michael Eric Dyson. The Department of Defense was so concerned about Americans finally starting to grapple with racism, that they banned this book. In a collection of letters written to recent victims of racial violence, Dyson exposed the anti-Blackness that infiltrates our culture as well as feed police violence and injustice.
November 15 at 6 p.m.
The Origin of Others by Toni Morrison. This short, impactful book by Toni Morrison draws on a series of lectures she gave at Harvard University about fear of the other. Morrison reflects on the desire to belong and the impact race, fear, borders, and immigration have on this essential human need. She includes her own work when she examines how literature has played a role, both negative and positive, in such constructions.
Specialty Tour: Fort Ward & Lewis Cass White
Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site, 4301 West Braddock Rd., Alexandria
Saturday, November 15
11 a.m.
$15, $12 Historic Alexandria Members
Purchase tickets.
Come explore the special exhibition, "Lewis Cass White: Preserving the Legacy of Fort Stevens," at Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site. The exhibition highlights the efforts of a Civil War veteran to recognize and preserve the site of Fort Stevens, where the only battle in the Defenses of Washington occurred. Personal accounts, documents, photographs, and veterans' memorabilia are featured to tell this inspiring story. Then head outside to tour the earthwork remains and fully restored Northwest bastion of Fort Ward, the best preserved of the Union forts that comprised the historic defense system. Please be sure to arrive 5 minutes before tour time. Wear appropriate shoes for walking on the earthwork fort.
An Intimate Reception with George Washington
Historic Duvall House,305 Cameron Street, Alexandria
Saturday, November 15
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
$150
Purchase tickets.
Join General Washington at the beautiful and historic Duvall House, 305 Cameron Street where he was feted by leading Alexandrians upon his triumphant return from the Revolutionary War in 1783. The General will share his most poignant memories of the war and answer questions about his life and times. Libations and heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served. All proceeds benefit the George Washington Birthday Celebration.
Alexandria Cider Festival 2025 - Tickets on Sale Now!
Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
Saturday, November 22
1 - 5 p.m.
Tickets $50 in advance through November 2, $55 November 3-21, and $25 for designated drivers. Online sales end at 5 p.m. on Friday, November 21. After that, tickets can be purchased at the door for $65.
Purchase tickets. Minimum Age: 21
Celebrate Virginia Cider Week with a special tasting event on the grounds of historic Lloyd House in Old Town Alexandria. Hosted by the Office of Historic Alexandria in partnership with the Virginia Association of Cider Makers, this annual event sold out last year—so don’t miss it! Get your tickets early. Event ticket includes cider tastings, a souvenir glass, live music, tavern games, access to a food truck, and a little history too! While enjoying a selection of Virginia ciders, learn more about the growing Virginia cider industry and its connection to Alexandria history.
Cideries featured include Lost Boy Cider, Ciders from Mars, Blue Bee, Albemarle and more. Food will be available for purchase from Roaming Coyote and Scuttlebutt Bakeshop food trucks.
Live music will be performed by Lindsay, Martin, & Dobbs (traditional Irish music) and Hardtack & Sea Biscuits (mid-19th century music from land and sea on fiddle and banjo).
Dress for the weather - the event is outdoors! Festival open 1 to 5 p.m. Proceeds from the Cider Festival will benefit the Historic Alexandria Museums.
Help ACRP Share Our Whole History with ACHS Students
The Alexandria Community Remembrance Project (ACRP) still needs funds for the Banned Truth Tour for our Alexandria City High School students. Please consider donating - learn more and donate on ACRP’s campaign page.
Support Historic Alexandria
Your gift fuels preservation, education, and programs that bring Alexandria’s past to life. Donations, special revenue, and grants make it possible to expand educational programs, conserve treasured collections, and support our dedicated staff. Your gift today helps preserve Alexandria’s history for generations to come.
Historic Alexandria Museum Hours
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 as the exterior restoration is completed. We plan to reopen November 6.
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, November 8, 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.
City of Alexandria Federal Government Shutdown - Information and Resources
While the federal government is shut down, the City of Alexandria remains open and is ready to provide help and information to our residents, businesses, and visitors. Learn more at alexandriava.gov/Federalshutdown.
The City’s museums and historic sites; libraries; and parks, recreation, and art centers will stay open on their regular schedules.
Admission to Historic Alexandria museums is always free to all Alexandria residents.
During the federal government shutdown, Washington, D.C.-area hotel guests and federal government workers can purchase Key to the City Attractions Passes (a $60+ value) for just $20 at the Alexandria Visitor Center (221 King Street). Each pass includes admission to 9 historic sites, plus coupons for 40% off tickets to George Washington’s Mount Vernon, tall ship Providence, and City Cruises’ Potomac Water Taxi. Hotel guests must present a room key or digital reservation confirmation, and federal employees must show a valid government ID.
New Exhibit: “Disease and the Apothecary” – Now open
Explore how epidemics like Smallpox, Yellow Fever, and Influenza shaped Alexandria’s past and how science and public health saved lives. Included with admission. Free for Alexandria residents! The new exhibit is also available online.
Union Navy Exhibition Opens at Fort Ward Museum
A new exhibition, “Aboard Ship with the Jack-Tars of the Union Navy,” opened October 2 at the City of Alexandria’s Fort Ward Museum. The exhibit focuses on the U.S. Navy during the Civil War and is being held in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Navy on October 13, 1775. The exhibition will continue through 2026. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/FortWard.
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.
2025 Historic Alexandria Holiday Ornament - Available Now in Historic Alexandria museum stores and in our online store!
Celebrate Alexandria’s 19th-century canal history with this beautifully crafted, American-made brass ornament. This year’s design honors the Alexandria Canal, featuring a canal boat exiting Lock No. 4 heading eastward toward the Potomac River, uncovered by archaeologists in the winter of 2025 on N. Pitt Street. The Alexandria Canal was in use from 1843 to 1886. Learn more here.
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 October 28, 1947, the submarine U.S.S. Sea Robin docked in Alexandria and received thousands of local visitors. The sub, a Balao-class submarine, was named for the reddish brown, spiny-finned fish that uses its pectoral fins to actually walk along the sea floor. Sea Robin was constructed in 1944 at Kittery, Maine, and served in the South Pacific during World War II. Peacetime service brought Sea Robin to SubRon 6, the submarine port based at Balboa in the Panama Canal Zone. Just five months before arriving in Alexandria, the submarine set out on a simulated war patrol around the South American continent, becoming the first U.S. sub to round Cape Horn.
Upcoming Commission and Committee Events
Commissions Supporting Historic Alexandria
November 4 Public Records Advisory Commission
Archives and Records Center, 801 South Payne Street
7:30 p.m.
November 10 Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee
City Hall, Sister Cities Room 1101, 301 King Street
7-9 p.m.
November 12 Alexandria Community Remembrance Project (ACRP) Steering Committee
Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street
5:30 p.m.
November 12 Alexandria Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission
Public Records Advisory Committee, Archives and Records Center, 801 South Payne Street
7:30 p.m.
November 17 George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee (GWBCC)
Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
7-9 p.m.
November 19 Alexandria Archaeological Commission
Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
7-9 p.m.