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City of Alexandria, VA

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  • Live

    Make the most of Alexandria's outstanding quality of life with information and services of interest to residents.

    • Be Prepared

      Are you ready? Find resources and information to help residents, businesses and visitors to prepare for all types of emergencies, and to stay safe.

      • Flooding Preparedness
      • Snow and Ice Control
      • Hurricane Preparedness
      • Emergency Preparedness
      • Public Health Emergency
    • Community Life

      Learn more about pets and animals, schools and libraries, parks and farmers' markets, community gardens, and more.

      • Community Gardens
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Parks
      • Pets
      • Recreation
    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards and Commissions
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • City Academies
      • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus and Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Historic Preservation

      Historic Alexandria is a treasure trove of early structures, artifacts, and records that creates a unique way of life for its citizens and provides enjoyment for thousands of people who visit this special community every year. The City continues to add resources to its collection of local and nationally designated historic districts.

      • Alexandria History
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Historic Alexandria
      • Historic Districts
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • Building & Construction
      • Business Licenses
      • Health Permits
      • Marriage Licenses
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
    • Parking

      Information about parking in the City of Alexandria, including parking options, enforcement, districts and permits.

      • Contest a Parking Ticket
      • Guest Parking Permits
      • Parking Permits
      • Parking Studies
      • Parking in Old Town
      • Pay a Parking Ticket
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Domestic Violence
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Sexual Assault
      • Substance Abuse Prevention
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving and Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Schools & Libraries

      Did you know that ACPS is one of the most diverse school systems in the country? Our students come from more than 80 different countries, speak more than 60 languages, and represent a myriad of ethnic and cultural groups. The Alexandria Library is an educational, user-oriented service institution providing free public access to recorded knowledge and ideas.

      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Library
      • Child Care
      • Higher Learning
      • Out of School Time Programs
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care Assistance
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Resources
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Utilities

      The City of Alexandria does not operate any public utilities. The following companies are the primary providers of their respective service:

      • Cable TV (Comcast / Xfinity)
      • Drinking Water (Virginia American Water)
      • Electricity (Dominion Energy)
      • Natural Gas (Washington Gas)
      • Sewage/Water Treatment (Alex Renew)
      • Wired Telephone (Verizon)
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  • Play

    Whether you live here or are just visiting, Alexandria is a great place to shop, dine, take in the arts, get outdoors, and just have fun.

    • About Alexandria

      If you are looking for small-town charm and big-city amenities, Alexandria is the place to find them. Alexandria has a fascinating history, and many of its historic buildings are still preserved today. The City's many historic homes, churches, businesses, and museums allow residents and visitors alike to experience the past that makes it the charming town it is today.

      • Alexandria's History
      • Demographics & Statistics
      • Maps & GIS
      • Visit Alexandria
    • Arts & Culture

      Through engaging the community, encouraging participation, and facilitating access to arts and culture, the City builds a vibrant community for its residents, workers, and visitors.

      • City Concerts
      • City Events
      • Historic Property Rentals
      • Museums & Historic Sites
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
      • Office of the Arts
    • Entertainment

      Find events and activities, shops and restaurants, concerts and performances, arts and culture, historic attractions, parks and libraries, farmers' markets, and more.

      • City Concerts
      • City Events
      • Office of the Arts
      • Visit Alexandria: Things to Do
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Museums & Historic Sites

      Alexandria is a desirable location to live, work and play. The City owns many of the premier historic sites in Alexandria and it is charged with the conservation, interpretation and promotion of these links to the past.

      • City Museums
      • Historic Sites & Attractions
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront Parks
      • ParkLink Interactive Map
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
      • Sports Leagues & Programs
    • Visit Alexandria

      Information about visiting Alexandria, including shopping, dining, attractions, accommodations, events listings and more. Plan your visit with an itinerary builder, interactive maps, hotel booking, online restaurant reservations and much more.

      • Group Tours
      • Meet in Alexandria
      • Plan Your Visit
      • Trip Planning Assistance
      • Visitor Center
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  • Services

    We are here to serve you. Browse the topics to the right to learn more about the programs and services we offer.

    • Alex311

      Connect with professional and knowledgeable staff for City service and information requests from every City department.

      • Missed Collection
      • Parking
      • Potholes
      • Street Cleaning
      • Trash & Recycling Containers
      • Trees
      • Yard Waste / Bulky Items Pickup
    • Animals

      What you need to know about animals, pets and wildlife in Alexandria.

      • Animal Adoption
      • Animal Control
      • Dog Parks
    • Buildings & Construction

      The City provides services to residents, businesses, contractors, and visitors needing permits for constructions and other developments.

      • Building Codes
      • City Code
      • Code Administration
      • Green Building
      • Land Use & Zoning
      • Permit Center
      • Permits & Land Use Applications
    • Environment

      "Green" initiatives, air quality, noise, water conservation, mosquito and rodent control.

      • Air Quality
      • Clean Waterways
      • Climate Change
      • Eco-City Alexandria
      • Green Building
      • Mosquito Control
      • Noise Control
      • Rodent Control
      • Stormwater Management
    • Jobs
      • City Government Jobs
      • Alexandria City Public Schools
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Maps & GIS

      Geographic Information Systems (GIS) centrally manages, shares and analyzes information about locations through specialized mapping technology. This information increases transparency, improves many City technology applications and provides critical data to decision makers and the public.

      • Interactive Maps
      • Open Data
      • Standard Maps
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
      • Sports Leagues & Programs
    • Property & Housing

      The City administers various housing-related programs and services.

      • Housing Master Plan
      • Landlord & Property Manager Resources
      • Maps & GIS
      • Office of Housing
      • Parcel Viewer
      • Real Estate Assessments
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Emergency Mental Health Services
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Sexual and Domestic Violence Services
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving & Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care
      • Children & Families
      • Discrimination & Disabilities
      • Gang & Youth Violence Prevention
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Assistance
      • Human Rights
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Transportation Planning
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  • Business

    Ideally located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Alexandria is nationally recognized as one of the best places to live and do business on the east coast. Learn how we can help you start or relocate your business in Alexandria, and access resources for existing businesses and commuters.

    • Business Resources

      The City provides services and resources to help existing businesses expand within the City and promotes recruiting new businesses in Alexandria.

      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • BIPOC Small Business Program
      • Doing Business with the City
      • New Business Guide
      • Public-Private Partnerships
    • Jobs

      Alexandria offers wide range of job opportunities and services. Work for City government or City Public Schools, find out about an internship opportunity or learn about workforce development and career training options.

      • City Government Jobs
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • APEX Permitting & Land Use System
      • Business Licenses
      • Business Outdoor Program & Permits
      • Health Permits
      • Permit Center
      • Zoning Information
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Business License Tax
      • Business Personal Property Tax
      • Lodging Tax
      • Meal Tax
      • Payments
      • Real Estate Assessment Search
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Sales Tax
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Getting Around
      • Vehicle Registration
      • GO Alex Commuter Resources
      • Parking in Alexandria
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  • Government

    Learn more about Alexandria's accountable, effective, and well-managed government.

    • City Council

      The Alexandria City Council is composed of a Mayor and six Council members who are elected at-large for three-year terms. The Mayor, who is chosen on a separate ballot, presides over meetings of the Council and serves as the ceremonial head of government.

      • City Council Calendar
      • Communicate with City Council
      • Council Assignments
      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Speak at a Meeting
    • Boards & Commissions

      The City of Alexandria has a strong commitment to citizen participation as evidenced by the number of citizen boards and commissions established by City Council. These bodies compose a formal system through which citizens can advise City Council on all major issues affecting the City.

      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Apply for a Board or Commission
      • Boards & Commission Calendar
      • Boards & Commission Vacancies
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Board of Zoning Appeals
      • Planning Commission
      • Park & Recreation Commission
      • Transportation Commission
    • Departments & Agencies

      View a list of City departments, offices and other agencies, and learn about their role in the organization.

      • City Government Departments & Offices
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
      • Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA)
      • Alexandria Transit Company (DASH)
      • Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA)
      • Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • Visit Alexandria (Official Tourism Site)
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Police Department
      • Fire Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Courts
      • Office of Emergency Management
      • Emergency & Customer Communications
      • Community Policing Review Board
    • Elected Officials

      Alexandria voters elect a Mayor and City Council and three local officers, as well as state and federal representatives.

      • City Council
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • Commonwealth's Attorney
      • Sheriff
      • Voting in Alexandria
    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards & Commissions
      • City of Alexandria Academy Programs
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Transparency

      The City government acts with integrity in an open process, and provides timely access to clear, trustworthy information, presented and employed by all parties from the beginning to the end of the process, including the reasoning that leads to and supports the policy conclusion.

      • Operating Budget & Capital Improvement Program
      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Performance Analytics
      • Alexandria's Strategic Plan
      • Race & Social Equity
      • Community Policing Review Board
      • Collective Bargaining
      • City Code
      • Open Data
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  • Projects & Plans

    Much of our work involves creating and improving infrastructure and planning for the future. Learn more about major projects and plans here, and how you can get involved!

    • Arts & Culture

      Information about arts, culture and historic projects in the City.

      • Arts & Culture Master Plan
      • Public Art Implementation Plan
    • Development

      Information about commercial and residential development projects in the City.

      • Landmark/Van Dorn Area Planning
      • North Potomac Yard Implementation / Virginia Tech Innovation Campus
      • Potomac River Generating Station Redevelopment
    • Environmental

      Information about environmental and "green" projects in the City.

      • 500 Block N. Pitt St. Sewer Separation Project
      • Flood Action Alexandria
      • Franklin St. Sewer Relocation Project
      • Holmes Run Trail Repairs
      • Lucky Run Stream Restoration
      • Oronoco Outfall Remediation Project
      • Wheeler Ave. Sanitary Sewer Pipe Relining
      • Windmill Hill Park Project - Phase II
    • Neighborhoods

      Information about neighborhood projects in the City.

      • Alexandria West Planning
      • Duke Street and West Taylor Run Project
      • Eisenhower Avenue Metrorail Station Pedestrian Crossing Improvements
      • King-Callahan-Russell Intersection Improvement Project
      • Mount Vernon Avenue North Complete Streets
    • Parks & Recreation

      Information about parks and recreation projects in the City.

      • Beauregard Street Multi-Use Trail Project
      • Bicycle Parking
      • Eugene Simpson Park Renovation Projects
      • Joseph Hensley Park Renovation
      • Old Cameron Run Trail Project
      • Robinson Terminal South Update: Historic Ship Stabilization
    • Public Facilities

      Information about public facilities projects in the City.

      • Alexandria Waterfront
      • King Street-Old Town Metro Access Improvement Project
      • Municipal Broadband
      • Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project
    • Social Services

      Information about social services projects and plans in the City.

      • Aging and Adult Services
      • Early Care & Education Common Agenda
      • The Partnership to Prevent & End Homelessness
    • Transportation

      Information about transportation projects and plans in and around the City.

      • Adaptive Traffic Signal Control
      • Alexandria Mobility Plan
      • Complete Streets
      • Duke Street in Motion
      • Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project
      • Smart Mobility
      • Traffic Mitigation
      • Vision Zero
      • West End Transitway
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  • Calendar

    There's always something to do in Alexandria! Browse community events, government meetings and activities, and important deadlines.

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Alexandria Archaeology Museum

Visit the Alexandria Archaeology Museum to learn how the City’s archaeologists, volunteers and students work with residents and developers to study and manage archaeological resources important to the community's past.
Page updated on March 22, 2023 at 11:05 AM

Alexandria Archaeology

  • About Historic Alexandria
    • The Museums
      • Museum Collections
      • Rentals and Private Events
    • Other Historic Sites
    • Alexandria Community Remembrance Project
    • Alexandria's History
    • Educational Resources
    • Historic Preservation
    • Museum Store
    • Self-Guided Tours
    • Stay Connected
    • Support Historic Alexandria
  • Alexandria Archaeology Home Page
  • Alexandria Archaeological Commission
  • Archaeological Process
    • Alexandria Archaeology Bibliography
    • Documentary Research and Historical Archaeology
  • Archaeology and Alexandria's First People
  • Archaeology and Preservation
    • Archaeological Protection Code
    • Archaeological Standards
    • GIS Tools for the Archaeologist
    • Metal Detecting Code
    • Resource Management Firms
  • Archaeology on the Waterfront
  • Donate
  • News Releases
  • Programs & Events
    • Alexandria Archaeology Summer Camp
    • Educational Resources
  • Projects and Publications
  • Visit the Museum

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The Alexandria Archaeology Museum

The Alexandria Archaeology Museum is dedicated to preserving and studying Alexandria’s rich archaeological heritage and fostering within residents and visitors a connection between the past and present while inspiring a sense of stewardship and adventure.

Visit the museum and lab on the third floor of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, at 105 N. Union Street in historic Old Town Alexandria.

Registration Now Open

An archaeologist and summer camper record soil color, using a Munsell Color Chart

Alexandria Archaeology Summer Camp

Aspiring archaeologists, ages 12-15, can now register for this year's camp, July 17-21, 2023. Camp is held at the Shuter's Hill archaeological site and the Alexandria Archaeology Museum.

What's New

Cover page of African American Heritage Trail storymap, south route

African American Heritage Trails

Alexandria’s African American history is told through online StoryMaps and can be experienced in-home on your computer or on your smartphone as you walk the trail along the Potomac River. The South Waterfront Route is new in 2023.
Archaeologist inspects sink hole.

Backyard Archaeology

What can home and business owners can do when they encounter sinkholes or small circular depressions in their backyard? These backyard features may be the buried remains of historic wells or privies. As archaeologists, we want to protect and save them!
 store the timbers in Ben Brenman Pond to preserve them for study and conservation

Historic Ship Stabilization

This project, completed in June 2022, includes the stabilization and storage of three historic ship remnants excavated at the Robinson Landing Site (archaeological site 44AX235). The overall goal of the project is to transport and store the timbers in Ben Brenman Pond in a manner that preserves the possibility of future study and conservation.

About Alexandria Archaeology

Alexandria Archaeology Museum 2019

Plan Your Visit

The Alexandria Archaeology Museum, 105 N. Union Street Studio #327, is open Tuesday - Friday (11-4), Saturday (11-5), and Sunday (1-5). This page has everything you need to know to plan your visit.

Archaeology Volunteer

What is Archaeology?

Archaeology is the scientific study of the human past, through excavation and related research. Alexandria Archaeology reviews development projects to determine their impact on archaeological resources and administers the Archaeology Protection Code included in the City’s Zoning Ordinance.

Archaeology Crew posing on a backhoe, 500 King Street excavation

The History of Alexandria Archaeology

The City of Alexandria has funded archaeology in Alexandria since 1973. Learn about the long history of the archaeology program, from its beginnings at Fort Ward in 1961 to today.

Archaeology in the City

Archaeologist recording a ship during excavation

Current Work

As redevelopment takes place, archaeologists are learning more about the city’s past. Learn about recent archaeological work in the city.

Archaeologist Eleanor Breen climbs down a ladder on site

Projects and Publications

Search past archaeological projects in the city, including reports and other publications. The bibliography includes site reports and public summaries, as well as books, journal articles and in-house publications.

Archaeology crew at Robinson Terminal site, with City Archaeologist Eleanor Breen

Implementing the Code

Alexandria Archaeology reviews development projects to determine their impact on archaeological resources, and administers the Archaeology Protection Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, included in the City’s Zoning Ordinance.

Museum and Outreach

A participant at Archaeology's Family Dig Day program holds up an artifact found in the screens.

Programs and Events

Alexandria Archaeology offers tours, lectures, and programs for adults and children. View videos of past lectures, take a self-guided tour, or check out upcoming events on the calendar.

Alexandria Archaeology Museum Ship Exhibit (2019)

Exhibits

Check out what is on view in the museum. Current exhibits include Archaeologists at Work: The Lee Street Site, Preserving Alexandria’s Maritime Heritage, and hands-on activities that show how archaeologists study Alexandria’s past.

Archaeology Educational Program, sorting seeds

Educational Programs

Alexandria Archaeology offers programs for schools and other groups, a summer camp for teenagers, and internships for college students.

Whiteware pitcher with blue transfer print, pieced together from sherds

Collections

The Alexandria Archaeology Museum has an extraordinary collection of well-preserved artifacts from excavations in the city of Alexandria, Virginia.

Get Involved

Alexandria Archaeological Commission at City Council Meeting

Alexandria Archaeological Commission

The mission of the AAC is to establish goals and priorities to promote Alexandria Archaeology, encourage volunteerism, and to advise on the preservation and interpretation of Alexandria’s extraordinary sites and collections.

Friends of Alexandria Archaeology march in the George Washington Birthday Parade with Celebrate Archaeology in Alexandria banner

Friends of Alexandria Archaeology

The Friends of Alexandria Archaeology is a not-for-profit organization formed to support Alexandria Archaeology and to provide opportunities to participate in the excitement of uncovering the past.

An archaeology intern shows artifacts to children during a family program at the Shuter's Hill site.

Internships

Internship opportunities are available on a limited basis to students who will receive credit through their colleges or universities, or students who have graduated no more than twelve months before the application deadline.

Archaeology volunteers washing artifacts

Volunteer

Learn new skills and indulge your curiosity about the past. Historical research, artifact study, educational interpretation, and other opportunities may be seasonally available. Each year more than 100 volunteers work alongside City Archaeologists to discover and share our past.

Archaeologists scanning wood from excavation of ships

Stay Connected

Stay up to date with the latest events, news, and research by signing up for eNews or following Alexandria Archaeology on social media.

Adult handing toy teapot lid to a child. Image used on poster for Virginia Archaeology Month

Support

Alexandria Archaeology is dedicated to preserving and studying Alexandria's rich archaeological heritage. Your donation will directly support interpretation of the museum as well as preservation of its collections.

More Information

Contact the Museum

Alexandria Archaeology Museum
105 N. Union Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
703.746.4399

Contact the Museum (Alex311)

Social Media

Stay Connected with Historic Alexandria

  • Like us on Facebook: Alexandria Archaeology Museum 
  • Follow us on Twitter: @AlexArchaeology
  • Watch us on YouTube: Alexandria Archaeology Museum
  • See us on Instagram: Alexandria Archaeology

Mission Statement

The Alexandria Archaeology Museum is dedicated to preserving and studying Alexandria’s rich archaeological heritage and fostering within residents and visitors a connection between the past and present while inspiring a sense of stewardship and adventure. The Alexandria Archaeology Museum is dedicated to preserving and studying Alexandria’s rich archaeological heritage and fostering within residents and visitors a connection between the past and present while inspiring a sense of stewardship and adventure.

Archaeology in the City

Project Highlights: African American Archaeology

Alexandria Slave Pen
At the site of the Alexandria Slave Pen, archaeologists uncovered structural remains relating to the whitewashed brick wall surrounding the men's yard and a line of post holes for posts which once supported a shed roof. A few of the artifacts relate to the slave pen, while others were discarded at the site by soldiers held there during the Civil War when the building was used as a jail. Read the site report. Now known as Freedom House Museum, 1315 Duke Street is open to the public.

Bruin Slave Jail
Joseph Bruin, a slave trader, used the building at 1707 Duke Street from 1844-1861, to house slaves before he shipped them to the south. The Bruin Slave Jail is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Shuter's Hill Plantation
An ongoing excavation on Shuter's Hill near the Masonic Memorial is exploring the Mills/Lee/Dulaney plantation, built in 1782. Excavations have focused on a laundry outbuilding where enslaved African Americans lived and worked. Read a brochure.

Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery
Archaeological investigations at Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery on South Washington Street focused on the identification of burial locations to ensure protection during development and future maintenance of the site, and the recovery of information about the cemetery for use in the memorial design process.   

The Fort
The Office of Historic Alexandria is engaged in an effort to study and preserve the historic resources related to The Fort African American community formerly located at Fort Ward Park. Learn more about 2009-2012 archaeological excavations focusing on resources relating to the post-Civil War African American community. In 2009, The City of Alexandria’s  ground-penetrating radar (GPR) survey identified 38 possible unmarked burials in six known and potential cemetery and grave locations in “The Fort” (44AX90) and the Old Grave Yard (44AX153). The adjacent photo shows "Fort" community leader Clara W. Adams' gravestone. Further archaeological work took place in 2012.

Project Highlights: Alexandria's Potters

Alexandria's Potters

The Piercy Pottery
Henry Piercy was Alexandria’s first potter. He came from Philadelphia in 1792, and made slip-decorated earthenware in the Philadelphia style. Read In the Philadelphia Style: The Pottery of Henry Piercy, in Ceramics in America.

The Wilkes Street Pottery
The Wilkes Street Pottery is the site of stoneware potters John Swann and B. C. Milburn. The Virginia Research Center for Archaeology conducted rescue excavations here on four weekends in 1977, recovering thousands of pottery fragments, pieces of kiln furniture used to stack the pottery, and a fragment of a brick interior arch from a kiln. Learn more about the pottery of Swann and Milburn from articles published in Ceramics in America.

Tildon Easton
Tildon Easton, a lesser known potter, manufactured both earthenware and salt-glazed stoneware for a very short period of time, between 1841 and 1843. His kiln, on the 1400 block of King Street, was excavated in 1985. Read A New Look at Old Stoneware: The Pottery of Tildon Easton, in Ceramics in America.

Project Highlights: Business and Industry

Robert Portner Brewing Company
The large Robert Portner Brewing Company made Tivoli Brand lager beer from 1868 until Prohibition. A site report and extensive history are available for this site.

Shuter's Hill Brewery
Shuter's Hill Brewery, an early German lager brewery was built in 1858 and burned in 1893. The brick-vaulted beer cellar was excavated, and has been preserved under the corner of Duke and Dulaney Streets. Read the site report.

Virginia Glass Company
In 1997, Archaeologists working at the Carlyle development on Duke Street discovered foundations, furnaces, ovens, a chimney base, and thousands of artifacts from the Virginia Glass Company (1894-1916). Archaeologists also found evidence of a fire known to have taken place in 1895, and the fire that destroyed the business in 1916. Read the site report.

Potomac Yard
Alexandria Archaeology has been interested in the history and landscape of Potomac Yard for decades. Since the 1980s, archaeological firms have conducted historical studies and investigations of various segments of the area either for developers as part of the City’s archaeological code or for planning efforts. A vast amount of information has been acquired on the history, prehistoric and historic landscapes, and architecture of the area. 

  • History and Archaeology at Potomac Yard
  • The History of Potomac Yard: A Transportation Corridor through Time, by Francine Bromberg, Alexandria Archaeology.

The following archaeological site reports were prepared for the Potomac Yard project:

Adams, Robert M.

  • 1996 - Report on R, F & P Potomac Yard – Track Relocation Project. International Archaeological Consultants, Hayes, Virginia. (This report not available online.)
  • 1996 - The Archaeological Investigation of the Former Preston Plantation and Alexandria Canal at Potomac Yard. Alexandria, Virginia. International Archaeological Consultants, Hayes, Virginia.

Cheek, Charles D. and Dana B. Heck

  • 1996 - Archeological Observations at the Townes at Slater's Village Alexandria, Virginia. John Milner Associates, Inc., Alexandria, Virginia.

Johnson, Edward and Tammy Bryant

  • 2012 - Letter Report: Archaeological Investigations within Landbay L, Potomac Yard Property, City of Alexandria, Virginia. Thunderbird Archaeology, Gainesville, Virginia

Kaye, Ruth Lincoln

  • 1988 - Study of Local Maps and Plats for the Potomac Yard Property. (This report not available online.)

Mullen, John P. and Curt Breckenridge

  • 2007 - Archaeological Resource Management Plan for the Potomac Yard Property, Landbays E, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M, City of Alexandria, Virginia. Thunderbird Archaeology, Gainesville, Virginia. Report Part I. Report Part II. Appendices.

Mullen, John P. and William P. Barse

  • 2012 - Archaeological Investigations within a Portion of Potomac Avenue and Associated East/West Roads and of Site 44AX0204, Potomac Yard Property, City of Alexandria, Virginia. Thunderbird Archaeology, Gainesville, Virginia. Plates and Appendices.

Rose, Craig

  • 2011 - Geoarchaeological Investigations of a Portion of Landbay G, Potomac Yard Property, City of Alexandria, Virginia. Thunderbird Archaeology, Gainesville, Virginia.

Wagner, Daniel P.

  • 2003 - Sedimentological and Geomorphological Interpretations of Borings Along a Planned Outfall Pipe at the Potomac Greens Development in Alexandria, Virginia. Geo-Sci Consultants, Inc. University Park, Maryland. (This report not available online.)

Walker, Mark K. and Marilyn Harper

  • 1989 - Potomac Yard Inventory of Cultural Resources. Engineering Science, Inc., Washington, D.C.
     

Project Highlights: Civil War Archaeology

The Archaeology of Civil War Crimean Ovens

Two intriguing discoveries were made in Alexandria in 2003 and 2004. These were underground heating structures built by Union troops during the Civil War to heat hospital tents. It is believed that these are the first features of this exact type to be excavated. These structures were called Crimean Ovens and may have been somewhat experimental in nature.

Archaeological Site Reports

  • Battery Heights, 44AX186: Fiedel, Stuart J. and Bryan Corle,  Results of Archeological Survey Battery Heights, Alexandria. John Milner Associates, Inc., Alexandria, Virginia, 2001.
  • Bontz Site/West End Village, United States Military Railroad Complex, 44AX103 and 105 (1989 Phase II investigation):  Cromwell, T. Ted,  A Phase II Cultural Resource Evaluation of Duke Street (Route 236), Between the 1100 and 1900 Blocks, in the City of Alexandria, Virginia. James Madison University, Archæological Research Center, Harrisonburg, Virginia, 1989.       
  • Bontz Site/West End Village, Spring Garden Farms/United States Military Railroad Complex, 44AX103 and 105 (1989 Phase III investigation):  Cromwell, T. Ted and Timothy J. Hills, The Phase III Mitigation of the Bontz Site (44AX103) and the United States Military Railroad Station (44AX105) located on the South Side of Duke Street (Route 236) in the City of Alexandria, Virginia. James Madison University Archaeological Research Center, Harrisonburg, Virginia, 1989.  Appendices,  Public Summary.
  • Bush Hill, 44AX111:  Gardner, William M. and Gwen Hurst, A Phase IA Background and Documentary Study of Three Properties at 2201 Eisenhower Avenue and 2310 and 2318 Mill Road, Alexandria, Virginia. Thunderbird Archeological Associates, Inc., Woodstock, Virginia, 2002.
  • Bush Hill, 44AX111:  Gardner, William M. and Gwen Hurst,  Phase IA Documentary Study of 10.67 Acres at 4840 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia. Thunderbird Archeological Associates, Inc., Woodstock, Virginia, 1999.
  • Custom Homes:  Walters, Patrick and Michael Clem,  A Phase I Archaeological Survey of 12 Lots on Taft Avenue and Donelson Street and Adjacent Stream Restoration Area, City of Alexandria, Virginia. Cultural Resources, Inc., Frederick, MD, 2008.  Public Summary.
  • Episcopal High School Faculty Housing, 44AX200:  Balicki, Joseph, Kerri Holland, Bryan Corle, Archaeological Evaluation and Resource Management Plan for Episcopal High School Faculty Housing, 1200 Quaker Lane, Alexandria, Virginia. John Milner Associates, Inc., Alexandria, Virginia, 2006.  Public Summary 
  • Fannon Petroleum Fuel Company (2007 investigation):  Bryant, Tammy, Documentary Study of the 1300 Block of Duke Street, Alexandria, Virginia. Thunderbird Archaeology, Gainesville, Virginia, 2007.  Public Summary.
  • Fort Ward, 44AX90:  Larrabee, Edward McM.,  Fort Ward, Alexandria, Virginia: Exploratory Excavation of the Northwest Bastion, 1961.
  • Franklin and Armfield Slave Pen/Alexandria Hospital, 44AX75:  Artemel, Janice G., Elizabeth A. Crowell and Jeff Parker,  The Alexandria Slave Pen: The Archaeology of Urban Captivity. Engineering-Science, Inc., Washington, D.C., 1987.
  • 1400 Janney's Lane, 44AX191:  Jirikowic, Christine, Gwen J. Hurst and Tammy Bryant,  Phase I Archeological Investigation at 1400 Janney's Lane, Alexandria, Virginia. Thunderbird Archeological Associates, Inc., Woodstock, Virginia, 2004.  Public Summary 
  • Keith's Wharf/Battery Cove/Ford's Landing/"Old Ford Plant," 44AX119:  Artemel, Janice G. Elizabeth Crowell, Donald A. Hull and Dennis Knepper,  A Phase IIA Archaeological Study, Old Ford Plant Site, Alexandria, Virginia.  Appendices. Engineering-Science, Inc., Washington, D.C., 1988.
  • Keith's Wharf/Battery Cove/Ford's Landing/"Old Ford Plant," 44AX119:  Cheek, Charles D. and Cecile G. Glendening,  A Phase I Archaeological Survey of the Old Ford Plant Property, City of Alexandria, Virginia. John Milner Associates, Inc., Alexandria, Virginia, 1986.
  • Keith's Wharf/Battery Cove/Ford's Landing/"Old Ford Plant," 44AX119:  Engineering-Science, Inc., 1993  Maritime Archaeology at Keith's Wharf and Battery Cove (44AX119): Ford's Landing, Alexandria, Virginia Chapters I-VI,  Chapters VII-X,  Appendices Washington, D.C., 1993.
  • L'Ouverture Hospital/Shiloh Baptist Church:  Traum, Sarah, Joseph Balicki and Brian Corle,  A Documentary Study, Archeological Evaluation and Resource Management Plan for 1323 Duke Street, Alexandria, Virginia, 2007. John Milner Associates, Inc., Alexandria, VA.  Public Summary.
  • 1226 North Pegram Street, 44AX198:  Balicki, Joseph, Kerri Holland, Bryan Corle and Lynn B. Jones,  Documentary Study and Archaeological Investigation, 1226 North Pegram Street and Polk Avenue (44AX198), Alexandria, Virginia, John Milner Associates, Inc., Alexandria, Virginia, 2008.
  • Potomac Yard:  Walker, Mark K. and Marilyn Harper,  Potomac Yard Inventory of Cultural Resources. Engineering Science, Inc., Washington, D.C., 1989.
  • Potomac Yard/Potomac Yard Center:  Adams, Robert M., Report on R, F & P Potomac Yard – Track Relocation Project. International Archaeological Consultants, Hayes, Virginia.
  • Potomac Yard/Townes at Slater's Village:  Cheek, Charles D. and Dana B. Heck,  Archeological Observations at the Townes at Slater's Village Alexandria, Virginia. John Milner Associates, Inc., Alexandria, Virginia, 1996.
  • 206 North Quaker Lane, 44AX193:  Jirikowic, Christine, Gwen J. Hurst and Tammy Bryant, Phase III Archeological Investigations at 206 North Quaker Lane, Alexandria, Virginia. Thunderbird Archeological Associates, Inc., Woodstock, Virginia. Public Summary.
  • Quaker Ridge, 44AX195:  Balicki, Joseph, Bryan Corle, Charles Goode and Lynn Jones,  Archaeological Investigations for Quaker Ridge Housing (44AX195), Alexandria, Virginia. John Milner Associates, Inc., Alexandria, Virginia, 2005.  Public Summary.
  • Spring Garden/Old Town Village (1999 investigation):  Gardner, William M., Kimberly A. Snyder, Gwen Hurst, Joan M. Walker and John P. Mullen,  Excavations at the Old Town Village Site, Corner of Duke and Henry Streets, Alexandria, Virginia: An Historic and Archeological Trek Through the 200 Year History of the Original Spring Garden Development, Volume I, and  Volume II (Artifact Inventory). Thunderbird Archeological Associates, Inc., Woodstock, Virginia, 1999.
  • Spring Garden/Southern Plaza/Old Town Village (1988 investigation):Seifert, Donna J., Ph.D., Cecile G. Glendening and Walton Owen,  An Archæological Assessment of the Southern Plaza Project Area, Alexandria, Virginia, John Milner Associates, Inc., Alexandria, Virginia, 1988.
  • Stonegate Parcel C (1996 investigation):  Adams, Robert M.,  Preliminary Archaeological Investigation of the Stonegate Development (Parcel C) West Braddock Road, City of Alexandria, Virginia. International Archaeological Consultants, Rawlins, Wyoming, 1996.
  • Virginia Theological Seminary Faculty Housing, 44AX173a:  Embrey, James W., Lynn D. Jones and Joseph Balicki,  Documentary Study, Archaeological Evaluation and Resource Management Plan for Virginia Theological Seminary Faculty Housing, Alexandria, Virginia, John Milner Associates, Inc., Alexandria, Virginia, 2005.  Public Summary -  Artifact Inventory 
  • Weicking Property:  Straka, Jeffrey and Michael Clem,  Phase I Archaeological Survey and Monitoring of the Weicking Property, Lots 701, 702, 704, and 705 Arell Court, Alexandria, Virginia, KCI Technologies, Inc., Mechanicsburg, PA, 2006.  Public Summary  

Project Highlights: Early Archaeological Projects in Alexandria

Archaeology of the 500 Block of King Street

The site of the Alexandria Courthouse, on the 500 block of King Street, was the last of the six Urban Renewal blocks to be excavated in the 1960s and 1970s.
 

Archaeology at the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Shop

Between 1982 and 1989, Alexandria Archaeology conducted a series of excavations in the cellar of the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum at 105-107 South Fairfax Street. City archaeologists and volunteers excavated two brick-lined shafts, portions of the old earthen floor, and half of a trash pit that pre-dated the brick buildings housing the Apothecary Shop.

Project Highlights: Native American Archaeology

Archaeology and Alexandria's First People

Human occupation of Alexandria began thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans. Despite the past 250 years of construction and development, remnants of this Native American past still remain buried within the City. To date, archaeologists have identified more than 30 sites containing Indian artifacts and features and have registered them with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources.

Project Highlights: Waterfront Archaeology

Archaeology on the Waterfront

As redevelopment takes place along Alexandria's waterfront, archaeologists are exploring the properties undergoing development. Excavations took place in 2015-2016 at the Hotel Indigo Site at 220 S. Union Street and in 2017-2018 at Robinson Terminal South, at 2 Duke Street. 

At the Hotel Indigo Site, Archaeologists uncovered the remains of the hull of a fifty-foot vessel, as well as John Carlyle's 1755 public warehouse. Excavation took place in 2015-2016, and remains of this ship and warehouse are now undergoing conservation.

At Robinson Terminal South archaeologists have located the remains of three 18th century ships, as well as foundations of Hooe's 18th century warehouse and store and the 19th century Pioneer Mill.

  • Archaeology
  • Historic Alexandria
  • Museums
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