January 19–25, 2026

What's New

FEATURED EVENT 

Tavern Games Night: Bicentennial Mania
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street, Alexandria
Friday, January 23
7 p.m.
$10
Purchase Tickets. 

Kick off the year of the 250th with a Game Night that looks back to 1976–the nation’s last big birthday! Part of our quarterly Game Night series, the evening includes a brief themed presentation and pub trivia around 7:30 p.m. Cash bar available during the event. Please note this event takes place up one flight of stairs in the historic Ballroom of Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. 

POSTPONED: America250 Commemoration Kickoff
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
Monday, January 26
6:30-9:30 p.m.
Free

Historic Alexandria will officially launch its America250 commemoration with a public kick-off event on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum. 

The evening will feature guest speakers exploring the significance of America’s 250th anniversary and Virginia’s role in telling a fuller, more inclusive American story. 

Attendees will also get a first look at the exciting exhibitions, programs, and special events planned throughout 2026. 

Please register here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/historicalexandria/event/250thkickoff/

Learn more: alexandriava.gov/america250

Upcoming Events

View the Historic Alexandria Calendar                                                                                                                                                      

SOLD OUT-Preservation of Carlyle House: What if we could do it over?
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street, Alexandria
Saturday, January 24
4-6 p.m.
$12 per person, Friends of Carlyle House members: $6/person 
Purchase Tickets.

Four years after the passage of The National Historic Preservation Act, the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NOVA Parks) began a daunting task: the restoration of the Carlyle House, an Aquia creek stone building in Alexandria, VA. Fauber Garbee, Inc., Architects directed the extensive restoration and research of Carlyle’s 1753 home and the long forgotten stories associated with the house.

Join members of the original restoration team Sharon Park, FAIA, FAPT, LEED AP and Baird M. Smith, FAIA FAPT along with other preservation professionals to examine the specific conservation, repair and restoration steps undertaken 50 years ago. Then delve into a dialogue exploring whether the same paths would be taken today and why or why not. 

The presentation begins at 4 p.m. followed by a panel discussion and a moderated question and answer session. Join us for the opportunity to network with other professionals afterwards for some light bites.

 

Restaurant “Cherry Challenge”
View participating restaurants at WashingtonBirthday.com
January 25-February 18

Are you in the mood for cherries during George Washington Birthday Celebration Month in Alexandria?  The “Cherry Challenge” is a competition among the finer restaurants in Alexandria – with their customers as the judges! Each restaurant develops its own cherry beverage, appetizer, entrée, and/or dessert in honor of our distinguished native son. Enjoy these delicious  offerings between January 25 and February 18! 

Learn more: washingtonbirthday.com/2026-cherry-challenge

Virginia Women in the American Revolution: Correcting the Historical Record
Wednesday, January 28
7-8 p.m.
Free, Online via Zoom
Please register in advance at the Alexandria Historical Society event page:
sites.google.com/view/alexandria-historical-society/events/revwar-women
 

The Alexandria Historical Society (AHS) invites the public to a special behind-the-scenes virtual program, “Virginia Women in the American Revolution: Correcting the Historical Record,” featuring historians Rebecca Rose and Cassandra Good. 

Contrary to long-standing myths, women in Virginia played active and varied roles during the American Revolution. In this illustrated talk, Rose and Good will explore two often-overlooked areas of women’s Revolutionary participation: their involvement with the Continental Army and their political engagement on the home front. Drawing on pension records, period images, and a wide range of primary and secondary sources, the speakers will discuss how recent scholarship is reshaping our understanding of the Revolutionary era—and how this research has been translated into new entries for Virginia Humanities’ Encyclopedia Virginia.

This program inaugurates the Alexandria Historical Society’s America250 initiative, which will present new scholarship, fresh perspectives, and locally grounded stories in advance of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

For more information, contact: alexandriahistoricalsociety@gmail.com

Specialty Tour: Civil War Medicine
Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site, 4301 W. Braddock Rd., Alexandria
Saturday, January 31
10 a.m.
$15 per person, Historic Alexandria Members: $12/person 
Purchase Tickets

Medicine in the Civil War isn't all just amputations and dysentery! Come explore the wild world of medicine in the 1860s at Fort Ward Museum. The 1-hour tour will include a brief background of Alexandria's role in medicine during the war and a deeper dive into medicine in both the field and hospitals. The tour will also include a look at artifacts not currently on display! Please be sure to arrive 5 minutes before tour time. Doors will be locked at the start of the tour. This tour is indoors.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Poster Exhibition
Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe Street
Sunday, February 1- Sunday, March 1

Exhibition & Opening Event 
Sunday, February 1
1-3 p.m. 
Free, includes welcome reception

The Alexandria Black History Museum, part of the Office of Historic Alexandria, sponsors an annual Student Poster Exhibition with Alexandria City Public School students, grades 2-5. This event, which has been celebrated for over 30 years, showcases hundreds of student artworks centered around the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

This year’s theme is Dreaming Together: Learning from the Past, Shaping the Future. The students’ posters will be on display at the Charles Houston Recreation Center from February 1 - March 1, 2026. 

For more information, visit Martin Luther King, Jr. Poster Exhibition | City of Alexandria, VA.

Lecture Series: Investigating Alexandria's Civil War Prisons: Confinement & Justice During Union Occupation
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Sunday, February 1
1:30 p.m.
$12 per person
Purchase tickets. 

During the Civil War, Alexandria was home to five military prisons. Discover what life was like in these institutions for both Confederate and Union prisoners and how this disrupted the daily lives of Alexandria residents. Learn about the medical treatment of jailed soldiers and prisoners of war at hospitals like Grosvenor Branch - the confiscated Lee-Fendall House. You will hear first-hand accounts from those who experienced imprisonment within the city limits, from the earliest days of battle to the beginnings of Reconstruction.

Madeline Feierstein is an Alexandria, VA historian specializing in psychiatric institutions, hospitals, and prisons. A native of Washington, D.C., her work has been showcased across the Capital Region. Explore her research at madelinefeierstein.com.

Preservation Tours: Lost Buildings of Alexandria-The Berg & Parker-Gray
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Saturday, February 7
10 a.m.
$20 per person
Purchase tickets. 

Join Carlyle House and Lee-Fendall House on a tour of “Lost Alexandria.” Explore parts of the historic neighborhoods of The Berg & Parker-Gray. Learn why these buildings were not preserved.

Tour begins at Lee-Fendall House, 614 Oronoco St. This tour includes walking over many city blocks. Walking shoes required, bottled water suggested. Held rain or shine. Tour will be cancelled in extreme weather. 

 

Specialty Tour: Hamilton’s BFF & Frenemies
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Saturday, February 7
11 - noon 
$15 per person, Historic Alexandria Members: $12/person 
Reserve 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.

 

Tables of Conscience: Banned Books Dinner
Saturday, February 7
6 - 9 p.m.
Reserve tickets.
$125 per person

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. 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.

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.

The Washington Revels Jubilee Voices Concert
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street
Sunday, February 8
3 - 5 p.m. 
Free
Reserve tickets.

Join Washington Revels Jubilee Voices and the Office of Historic Alexandria’s Division of African American History to celebrate African American music, history and culture in a concert exploring the themes of freedom, resistance and resilience, from the Civil War through the present day.  Enjoy traditional African American spirituals, poetry, dance, ring shouts, banjo tunes, stories, and audience participation. 

Chocolatier’s Choice: Chocolate & Tea Tasting
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Friday, February 13
6-8 p.m.
$30 per person
Purchase tickets. 

Celebrate the season of chocolate with a chocolate tasting featuring Potomac Chocolates. Enjoy each chocolate with a carefully selected tea while learning more about the history and crafting of chocolate from chocolatier Ben Rasmussen. Small bites will be available to cleanse your palate between chocolate. Ben will have chocolate available for purchase after the tasting and tins of tea will be available in the museum shop. Potomac Chocolate makes a great gift for loved ones or yourself!

2026 George Washington Birthday Parade
Old Town Alexandria, parade route
Saturday, February 14
2-4 p.m. 

Thousands of spectators will line the streets of Old Town Alexandria to cheer on the oldest and largest George Washington Birthday Parade in the country!  

The George Washington Birthday Parade will be held on Saturday, February 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. in Old Town Alexandria! The theme of the parade is Virginia's Son ~ America's Founding Father, in honor of Washington’s leading role in the founding of the country during its 250th Anniversary Year.

Visit the Parade Registration Page for more information on how to register as a 2026 parade participant.

For other parade information, visit www.washingtonbirthday.com.  

Become a Parade Day Volunteer!

We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help on Parade Day! There are a number of volunteer opportunities available. Just sign up for your preferred activity here, and we will be in touch with you. If you have questions, please email gwbirthdayevents@gmail.com.

 

George Washington Birthnight Dinner
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Saturday, February 14
6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
$150
Purchase tickets.  

Enjoy a four-course period inspired dinner with wine honoring Washington’s Birthnight at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. General Washington, portrayed by Brian Hilton, will be in attendance to share in the festivities. The evening will also include a keynote by Washington historian Ed Lengel. Cocktail attire recommended. Cocktail attire recommended. 

Madeira Tasting
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Sunday, February 15
5-6:30 p.m.
$75
Purchase tickets.  

Learn about early seaports in America through the lens of Alexandria’s recent archaeological excavations as you sample the Rare Wine Company’s “Historic Madeira Series.” All proceeds benefit the Office of Historic Alexandria museums. Doors open at 4:30 and the event begins at 5 p.m. Minimum Age: 21.

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

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 
Thursdays & Fridays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays, 1 – 5 p.m.

Friendship Firehouse Museum
Next open on Saturday, February 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, 1– 5 p.m.

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
Wednesdays–Fridays, 11 a.m.– 4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays 1 - 5 p.m.

Virginia 250 Passport

Historic Alexandria is proud to join 70 premier historic destinations across Virginia in the launch of the Virginia 250 Passport, a first-of-its-kind statewide tourism journey celebrating America’s 250th. Featured Alexandria museums include Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, and the Alexandria Black History Museum. The passport offers prizes and discounts to encourage families to explore Virginia’s rich history together. Beginning November 11, 2025, free passports will be available at major historic sites and Virginia Welcome Centers. Learn more at VirginiaHistory.org/250Passport.

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. 

New Exhibit: Union Navy Exhibition 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. The exhibit, with pictures of select objects, is also available online.   

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. 

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 January 25, 1949, the United States Senate authorized production of a 6-cent postage stamp commemorating Alexandria’s bi-centennial celebration being held that year. The special air mail stamp featured the City seal and two of the City’s most significant historical sites, Carlyle House and the original section of Gadsby’s Tavern.

Upcoming Commission and Committee Events

Commissions Supporting Historic Alexandria
 

• January 20 Historic Alexandria Resources Commission
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-9 p.m. 

• January 21 Alexandria Archaeological Commission
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-9 p.m. 

• February 2 George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee
  Virtual meeting. Register via Zoom to participate. 
  7 p.m.

• February 3 Public Records Advisory Committee
  Archives and Records Center, 801 South Payne Street
  7:30 p.m.

• February 9 Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-9 p.m.

• February 11 Alexandria Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission (AHRPC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street 
  8 a.m.

• February 23 Sister Cities Committee (SCC) - Dundee and Helsingborg
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-8:30 p.m.