January 26–february 1, 2026

What's New

FEATURED EVENT 

2025-26 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

Upcoming Events

View the Historic Alexandria Calendar                                                                                                                                                      

Restaurant “Cherry Challenge”
View participating restaurants 
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 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. Taste as many as you can and cast your votes by February 18.


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

Contrary to long-standing myths, women in Virginia played active and varied roles during the American Revolution. In this illustrated talk, historians Rebecca Rose and Cassandra 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.
 

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.

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 a.m.- 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.
$125 per person
Reserve tickets.

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 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. 

America250 Commemoration Kickoff-SOLD OUT
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
Monday, February 9
6:30-9:30 p.m.

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-SOLD OUT
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Saturday, February 14
6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

 

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.

The Alexandria Archaeology Museum and its staff offices will be closed on Tuesday, February 24 due to scheduled building maintenance. 

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.

On January 23, 2026, Historic Alexandria kicked-off the year of the 250th with Tavern Games Night: Bicentennial Mania at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. The Game Night included a look back to 1976–the nation’s last big birthday! This sold out event was part of Historic Alexandria’s quarterly Game Night series. The evening included a brief themed presentation and pub trivia. 

Learn more about America’s 250th Commemoration Celebration in Alexandria: alexandriava.gov/america250

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 February 1, 1946, a member of the Ramsay House Restoration Committee announced the formation of the Alexandria Historical Society. The new organization would seek incorporation and raise money to save Ramsay House, the historic structure at King and Fairfax streets, which was threatened with demolition.

Upcoming Commission and Committee Events

Commissions Supporting Historic Alexandria
 

• 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 16 George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-9 p.m.

• February 17 Historic Alexandria Resources Commission
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-9 p.m.

• February 18 Alexandria Archaeological Commission
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-9 p.m.

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