Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum

The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum was a family business founded in 1792 and operated in this location from 1805 until 1933. It represents one of Alexandria's oldest continuously run businesses that combined retailing, wholesaling, and manufacturing.
Page updated on January 24, 2026 at 10:08 AM
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Most City Museums will be open as usual Thursday and Friday, January 29-30, 2026.

Most of our City museums will open as scheduled, at 11 a.m. Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site will continue to be closed this week on Thursday and Friday. Friendship Firehouse is regularly closed on Thursday.

City facilities and offices will be open.

For weather alerts and City updates, visit alexandriava.gov/alert
Information on snow and ice control is available at alexandriava.gov/Snow

The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum

What is the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum and how did it become a museum? This short video covers the basics.

The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum boasts a vast collection of herbal botanicals, hand-blown glass, and medical equipment.  It also has a spectacular collection of archival materials, including journals, prescription and formula books, ledgers, orders and invoices. The museum is a National Historic Landmark.

Small 2.5 by 1.5" yellow-ish box that reads "Laxative Bromo Quinine each tablet contains two grains phenacetin. For La Grippe and Colds. Does not effect the head like the sulphate of quinine. Price 25 cents. Paris Medicine Co., St. Louis, Mo. Dep. London. Box contains small round brown tablets.

Disease and the Apothecary

This exhibit highlights three diseases with deadly outbreaks in Alexandria and what the government and medical professionals, including this apothecary shop, did to prevent the spread and alleviate symptoms.
Alexandria VA250 logo on square white background

America250

In 2026, the United States will commemorate the semiquincentennial of the Revolution. Join us as we celebrate and commemorate America's story in Alexandria.

Visit the Apothecary Museum

Visitors at the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum

Plan Your Visit

This page has admission information, tour options, and directions to assist in planning your visit. The museum is closed on Tuesday year round, and also on Monday in the fall/winter months.

Learn More about the Apothecary

An etching of the buildings on S. Fairfax Street from the E.S. Leadbeater letterhead

History of the Apothecary

Learn about the Apothecary, the Stablers, the Leadbeaters, and the Museum.

Historic Alexandria Educational Resources

Educational Resources

Resources for students and educators to use at home.

Leadbeater letterhead with engraving of Wholesale Druggists buildings.

Archival Collection

Search the Museum’s Archival Collection, comprised of the letters, invoices, account books, and ledgers of the apothecary and pharmacy business owned by the Stablers and Leadbeater families from 1792-1933.

Support the Apothecary Museum

Apothecary-Volunteers-Potter-Program

Volunteer

Learn more about volunteer opportunities with the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, a part of the Office of Historic Alexandria. 

Mortar and pestle at the Apothecary Museum

Mortar and Pestle Society

The Mortar and Pestle Society is the official friends group for the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum. The Society’s support benefits a variety of projects such as object conservation, education programs, and other specific Museum needs.

Glass Bottles on display a the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum

Make a Gift

Celebrate the power and impact of community philanthropy by supporting the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum and Historic Alexandria!

More Information

Contact the Museum

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
105-107 South Fairfax Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Phone: 703.746.3852

Contact the Museum (Alex311)  

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Stay Connected with Historic Alexandria

Mission Statement

The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, one of the oldest pharmacies in the nation, exists today to promote a greater understanding of historic public health issues, inspire people with the values of Quaker founder, Edward Stabler, and engage the visitor in an appreciation of our local and national history by sharing the story of this business and family’s profound effect on the community in such diverse areas as education and the abolition of slavery.

Programs and Events

Programs & Events at the Apothecary Museum

The Museum offers a number of public programs and special events throughout the year. From Harry Potter's birthday to special behind-the-scenes tours, the Apothecary has something for all ages and interests. 

For current dates of programs & events, check the calendar of events.

Educational Resources at the Apothecary Museum

Educational Resources at the Apothecary Museum

The Museum offers a variety on-site programs, from special tours to hands-on activities to lectures, throughout the year. The programs can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your group.