Programs & Events at the Alexandria Black History Museum

Come to the Alexandria Black History Museum for lectures, workshops, film screenings, children’s activities and more.
Page updated on June 8, 2024 at 3:20 PM
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Annual Events

Martin Luther King Jr. image

Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial Program

The annual program is sponsored by the City of Alexandria in cooperation with local religious, spiritual, civic and social organizations. The Museum also sponsors an annual Student Poster Exhibition for Alexandria City Public School students, grades 2-5.

Celebrate Black History Month

Black History Month

Black History Month is an annual recognition and celebration of the history, culture, achievements and contributions of African Americans and persons of African descent in U.S. history.

Juneteenth sign: Celebrating with the Alexandria Black History Museum

Juneteenth

Although dates of emancipation vary from state to state, June 19th has come to be celebrated throughout the United States as a day to commemorate the end of slavery.

Lillian Patterson lights the Kwanzaa candles at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 2021

Kwanzaa

The Alexandria Black History Museum hosts an annual Kwanzaa “How-To Workshop” that teaches the origins, concepts, practices, and foods of Kwanzaa. Visitors learn about the seven Kwanzaa principles and symbols, as well as easy crafts and activities to create their own Kwanzaa celebration.

Woman holding a picture book, with child

Story Time for Little Historians

The monthly StoryTime program uses books written by and about African American people and other communities of color to educate and inspire our youngest visitors. Along with the book reading, Museum Staff has been providing historical context and local community connections.

Washington Revels, Jubilee Voices (Photo, Tim Ervin/NPS)

Virtual Programming

The Alexandria Black History Museum has hosted numerous virtual events. Watch lectures, concerts and more about Alexandria’s African American history and culture.

Learn about upcoming Events

Children at the Teddy Bear Tea at the Black History Museum
Teddy Bear Tea, May 2009.

See the Historic Alexandria Calendar for upcoming events. If you would like to receive advanced notice, sign up for eNews or ask to be on our mailing list, through Alex311 or by calling the museum at 703.746.4356.  

Some examples of Museum programs

  • Book Signings
  • Children’s Programs
  • Concerts
  • Exhibition Openings
  • Film Screenings
  • Genealogy Workshops
  • Holiday Activities
  • Lectures
  • Plays
  • Storytelling Workshops

Alexandria eNews

Learn what is going on at all of the City of Alexandria's museums and historic sites by signing up Alexandria eNews. You will receive This Week in Historic Alexandria and occasional press releases, information, to keep you up to date on the latest historical happenings. 

The City's free eNews service lets you sign up to receive information on nearly 100 topics, including vital emergency alerts. The messages, ranging from news releases and department newsletters to public meeting dockets and payment deadline reminders, can be sent as email messages, text messages, or voice messages. Don't miss out on important news and emergency alerts -- sign up or login today!