July 8-14, 2024
What's New
Celebrate 275 Years with Alexandria!
Please join us on Saturday, July 13, at Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison St.) as the City of Alexandria celebrates its 275th birthday. New this year, we have additional activity and food truck locations and viewing spots for visitors to celebrate our milestone year with us.
- Canal Center Plaza (44 Canal Center Pl.) from 6-10 p.m.
- Waterfront Park (1A Prince Street) from 6-10 p.m.
- George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Dr.
The main event location at Oronoco will include live music by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, cupcakes, and activities, ending with the Grand Finale -- a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Admission is free!
In case of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled to Sunday, July 14 at 6 p.m. Visit alexandriava.gov/birthday for more information or call the Special Events Hotline at 703.746.5592.
Mapping Alexandria: Stories of a Changing City - Exhibition Now Open!
Explore Alexandria block by block! This engaging exhibition, now open at Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street, dives into the city’s history through the voices of its residents. It’s a unique opportunity to understand the evolution of Alexandria and discover the oral history narratives that have shaped its neighborhoods. Visitors are also encouraged to add their own stories, helping to document and preserve our shared history for future generations. Visit The Lyceum as we celebrate 275 years through community stories!
More about the Mapping Alexandria: Stories of a Changing City exhibition online.
Learn more about the Alexandria Oral History Center.
Upcoming Events
View the Historic Alexandria Calendar
Community Cookout
Mount Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave.
Tuesday, July 9
6- 7:30 p.m.
Free
Join us for Community Cookouts in 2024! A great time for neighbors and families to come together and connect with community resources. There will be free food, face painting and activities, games for the kids and giveaways. For more information, contact Michael Johnson at 703.898.5115, michael.johnson@alexandriava.gov or Officer Bennie Evans at 703.627.0728
USA vs Scotland Rugby at Audi Field
Audi Field, Washington, DC
Friday, July 12
6:30 p.m.
$39 per person
Tickets can be purchased online.
Join the Alexandra Sister Cities Committee on Friday, July 12, 2024 at 6:30 pm at beautiful Audi Field in Washington DC to watch the USA and Scotland national rugby teams in a "friendly" rugby match! We will be in a reserved block of tickets in Section 117 graciously made available by the British American Business Association (BABA), the Scottish Government, and AEG Sports, with tickets still available on the BABA website
(https://www.babawashington.org/index.php/component/jcalpro/59-baba/347-us-vs-scotland-rugby-at-audi-field). After the game, our Committee members will be at The Point D.C., located at 2100 2nd Street SW, Washington DC 20024.
We'll see you at the pitch!
Trivia Nights at Historic Sites: Alexandria History
Lee Fendall House Museum, 614 Oronoco Street
Friday, July 12
7- 9 p.m.
$12 a person which includes 1 drink ticket. Additional drinks can be bought at our cash bar.
Tickets can be purchased online.
The Lee-Fendall House Museum and Carlyle House Historic Park have combined their random nerd knowledge to create bi-weekly trivia nights in the beautiful gardens located at Lee-Fendall House. Join us all summer to test your knowledge on all things from pop culture to history! The theme of our July 12th trivia night will be Alexandria History and will be sponsored by Alexandria Colonial Tours.
Teams may have up to 6 members on them. Registration slots are first come, first served, so we recommend paying ahead of time to save your spot. Ages 21 and over only.
Trivia nights will take place every other Friday at 7pm from July-August (July 12 & 26, August 9 & 23). For more information on how to register call 703-548-1789 or visit www.leefendallhouse.org.
Alexandria Historical Society Walking Tour
Fighting for Freedom and Protesting for Civil Rights: The U.S. Colored Troops in Civil War Alexandria
Meet at the corner of Duke and West Streets
Saturday, July 13
9-11 a.m.
Tickets: Members $15, Non-members $25
Step back in time with the Alexandria Historical Society (AHS) as we explore the experiences of African American soldiers in our city during the Civil War. After President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1,1863, more than 200,000 African American men enlisted in the Union Army. The United States Colored Troops (USCT) valiantly fought for the freedom of those enslaved and changed the course of the war. With Alexandria occupied by the federal government and serving as a staging ground and supply center for the war effort, many USCT found themselves on the streets of our city. Often sent here for treatment of diseases or battleground injuries, some sadly succumbed to their illnesses, not living long in freedom.
Join us for this leisurely walking tour where you learn about how the USCT petitioned federal authorities in one of the first successful civil rights actions in Alexandria!
For registration, including package deal on this event and special membership options, click here.
Story Time for Little Historians
Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street
Saturday, July 13
10 - 10:45 a.m.
Free
Dynamic storytellers use books written by and about African American people and other communities of color to engage with ages 5-8.
Beyond the Battlefield: A Civil War Walking Tour
Lee-Fendall House Museum, 614 Oronoco Street
Saturday, July 13
10 a.m.
Tickets are $15 to the general public and free for museum members. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Tickets can be purchased online.
This walking tour shares the stories of soldiers, citizens, and self-liberated African Americans in Civil War Alexandria. It covers the military occupation, the conversion of public and private buildings into hospitals, and emancipation.
The tour is limited to 12 participants and lasts approximately an hour and a half. Walking tours take place rain or shine, so please wear appropriate shoes and clothing. For more information, please call 703-548-1789 or e-mail contact@leefendallhouse.org.
Family Day with Young Historians
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Every Sunday, July 14 through Labor Day weekend
2- 5 p.m.
Fees included in regular admission.
Every Sunday, July 7 through Labor Day weekend, guests can meet our Junior Docents, young historians grade 4 and up, as they share the stories of the tavern. The afternoon includes historic chocolate-making demonstrations. Past visitors have described the student presentations as an “exciting treat” that brings a “fun element” to the tour. Don’t miss out!
Fairfax Resolves Program and Marker Dedication
Market Square, 301 King Street
Thursday, July 18
5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Free
5 p.m. – History Booths and Activities
6 p.m. – Program begins, concludes with marker dedication
Join us on July 18 - exactly 250 years after British colonists in Virginia wrote radical and influential words that forged the path to revolution. The evening includes history booths, a marker dedication, the United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps Performance, and remarks by reenactors portraying George Washington and George Mason. Keynote remarks will be given by Carly Fiorina, Virginia’s National Honorary Chairperson of the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission.
Step into history and witness the birth of American defiance at the Fairfax Resolves Program and Marker Dedication.
For more details, visit Fairfax Resolves 250th Anniversary Events.
Outlandish Tour
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 S. Fairfax Street
Sunday, July 21
11 a.m. -12 p.m.
$15 per person, recommended for ages 18 and up.
Tickets can be purchased online.
Join us for the Outlandish Tour! Learn about the role of 18th century female healers on this tour that focuses on the herbal medicines featured in Diana Gabaldon’s celebrated Outlander series of novels. Find everything from cascara to dauco seeds. Please arrive between 10:45 - 11a.m.
Yoga on the Magnolia Terrace-Happy Hour
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Last Friday of the month July-September (July 26th, Aug 30th, & Sept 27th)
6 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
$20
Join our yoga instructor for an hour long Yoga class on Carlyle’s Magnolia Terrace. Afterwards, enjoy a mocktail with yoga participants and staff. Mocktails will change based on the month and will be announced on our social media! Yoga Happy Hours are a fundraiser for new exhibit cases in the museum and sponsored by the Friends of Carlyle House.
For more details, visit the event website here.
Science Behind Harry Potter
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 S. Fairfax Street
Sunday, July 28
1 p.m. -6 p.m.
$15 per person
Tickets can be purchased online.
In honor of Harry Potter’s birthday, tour the Apothecary Museum to see the historic muggle herbology and potions referenced in the Harry Potter series and make your own potion! Recommended for ages 8 and older. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Don’t forget your camera!
Friendship Firehouse Festival
Friendship Firehouse Museum, 107 S. Alfred Street
Saturday, August 3
9 a.m. -2 p.m.
Free
Join us on Saturday, August 3, for the Friendship Firehouse Festival to celebrate Friendship’s 250th year. Learn about fire safety today and yesterday and see City firefighting equipment up-close. There will be music, displays by community organizations, craft vendors, and food and beverages available. Children will receive free fire helmets and can visit the City’s fire trucks. This family event is presented by the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association and Historic Alexandria.
The Friendship Fire Company, established in 1774, was the first fire company in Alexandria. Today the Friendship Firehouse, built in 1855, is a museum open to the public. In addition to the day’s outdoor events, festival participants will enjoy visiting the Friendships Firehouse Museum.
For more information, call 703.746.3891.
Arts Enrichment Programs for Youth Grant Program
The Alexandria Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities’ Office of the Arts is collaborating with the Recreation Services Division to create Arts Enrichment Program for Youth – Grant Program (AEPY) which is funded by the American Rescue Fund Program for Alexandria. The AEPY is a program to provide funding for nonprofit organizations and teaching artists to develop high quality summer and afterschool arts programs which could be Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math; art, musical performance, culture, both traditional and nontraditional arts; and other creative projects will be in the City’s Recreation Centers.
Arts Enrichment Programs for Youth should:
1. Take place in one of the dedicated neighborhood recreation centers which are inspiring, welcoming spaces for all youth who want to participate and affirm the value of the arts and artists.
2. Focus on hands-on skill building using art supplies.
3. The culmination of the residency could result in a public event with audiences showcasing the work the youth have accomplished.
4. To actively involve youth in the implementation of the program.
The AEPY programs will be offered throughout the city between September 2 - December 15, 2024. Grant awards will be for $5,000 per residency, per location. Applicants can submit up to two applications and will not have a cash match requirement.
The application will be submitted on the SurveyMonkey online grant portal. The grant portal will be live on July 15, 2024. Online applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Friday, August 16, 2024. Mailed or hand-delivered applications will not be accepted. It is anticipated that funding decisions will occur by Friday, August 23, 2024.
Sign-up for the grant webinar scheduled for July 16, 2024, 12 p.m. To request a webinar link, email: arts@alexandriava.gov with the name and email address of the person who will be attending.
In addition to attending the webinars for the Arts 275th Commemorative Grant Program and the Arts Enrichment Programs for Youth Grant webinars, to help grantees build their grants writing capacity, and produce stronger applications, applicants are provided with one-on-one coaching sessions. If necessary, the Office will provide language support. To request a coaching session or language support email: arts@alexandriava.gov.
Support Historic Alexandria
Historic Alexandria receives City operational funding to support its mission; however, these resources do not cover the full scope of the department’s strategic goals and projects. Donations, special revenue, and grant funding help supplement staff, conservation work, and educational programs. Please consider making a gift today.
Historic Alexandria Museum Hours
- Alexandria Archaeology Museum
Tuesdays through Fridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays, 1-5 p.m. - Alexandria Black History Museum
Thursdays and 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 and Fridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays, 1-5 p.m. - Fort Ward Museum
Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays, 1-5 p.m. - Freedom House Museum
Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays and Mondays, 1-5 p.m. - Friendship Firehouse Museum
August 3, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. - Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays through Tuesdays, 1-5 p.m. - Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
Wednesdays–Fridays, 11 a.m.– 4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays & Mondays 1 - 5 p.m.
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
On July 8, 1946, the first public meeting of the Alexandria Historical Society was held at Gadsby’s Tavern on North Royal Street. The new organization dedicated to preserving and disseminating information on Alexandria’s heritage followed an emerging trend focusing on history and historic preservation in the city that had begun two decades earlier when Gadsby’s Tavern was acquired for preservation purposes by American Legion Post 24. Although the city’s early buildings had suffered from benign neglect during, a move to highlight the city’s proud heritage, association with George Washington and the founding fathers, and preservation of historic buildings through a new Old and Historic Alexandria District designated that year provided a renewed interest in the history of Alexandria and a force for economic sustainability in the future of the city.
Upcoming Commission and Committee Events
Commissions Supporting Historic Alexandria
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July 8 Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee
Sister Cities Conference Room 1101, Alexandria City Hall, 301 King Street
7-9 p.m. -
July 10 Alexandria Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission (AHRPC)
Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
8 a.m. -
July 15 Sister Cities Committee (SCC) Dundee and Helsingborg
Sister Cities Conference Room 1101, Alexandria City Hall, 301 King Street
7-8 p.m. -
July 15 George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee (GWBCC)
Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
7-9 p.m. -
July 15 Public Records Advisory Commission
Archives and Records Center, 801 S Payne Street
7:30 p.m. -
July 16 Historic Alexandria Resources Commission (HARC)
Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
7-9 p.m. -
July 17 Alexandria Archaeological Commission
Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
7-9 p.m.