november 11–17, 2024
What's New
Alexandria Association Lecture Series Presents
"The Great Commoner Dethroned: William Pitt's Rise and Fall (and Rise) in British and American Art."
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
Monday, November 18
7:30 p.m.
Members: free; Guests: $10
Pre-register.
Join us for a captivating exploration of "The Great Commoner Dethroned: William Pitt's Rise and Fall (and Rise) in British and American Art." This lecture delves into the fascinating life of William Pitt, whose influence on politics and art shaped both British and American histories. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn more about Pitt’s journey from celebrated leader to polarizing figure. For membership information and full calendar of events, please visit alexandriaassociation.org/calendar.
Bienvenue Beaujolais
Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
Thursday, November 21
7 p.m.
$70
Purchase tickets.
Join us for an evening of indulgence as we tour the diverse and delicious regions of France. The Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee has curated a special food and wine-tasting experience that will delight your taste buds and transport you to the heart of France. We will enjoy the anticipated 2024 Beaujolais Nouveau and then explore beyond the Beaujolais region to showcase some of the finest French wines. To complement the wines, we will feature French cuisine, taking a tour through the flavors of France, featuring charcuterie, cheeses, and other delicacies. You will also receive a signature wine-tasting glass. For guests 21 and over.
Alexandria Cider Festival
Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
Saturday, November 23
1 - 5 p.m.
Pre-Sale tickets $55 November 1-22, and $25 for designated drivers. Online sales end at 5 p.m. on Friday, November 22. After that, tickets can be purchased at the door for $65.
Purchase tickets.
Celebrate Virginia Cider Week with a special tasting event on the grounds of historic Lloyd House in Old Town Alexandria. Event ticket includes cider tastings, a souvenir glass, live music, tavern games, access to a food truck, and a little history too! Online sales end at 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 22. After that, tickets can be purchased at the door for $65. Dress for the weather - the event is outdoors! Festival will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. Proceeds from the Cider Festival will benefit the Historic Alexandria Museums.
Upcoming Events
View the Historic Alexandria Calendar
Lecture: Scots in Servitude
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
Thursday, November 14
7 p.m.
Free, but a $10 donation is requested at the door.
Pre-register.
The Alexandria Sister Cities Committee presents Dr. Jimmie McClellan, Professor of History and Dean Emeritus, Northern Virginia Community College at The Lyceum. Please join us as Dr. McClellan gives a historical lecture titled “Scots in Servitude.” This lecture is part of the City’s ALX275 campaign commemorating the City of Alexandria’s 275th anniversary (1479 - 2024). Scots played a significant role in the city’s founding. More than three hundred thousand Scottish emigrants arrived in the English colonies of North America before the American Revolution. Few of them could afford to pay the costs of transportation across the sea. The question is ‘How did they pay for the passage?’ The answer is that most sold themselves into, or were forced into, a state of temporary servitude. This lecture explains the types and nature of the various forms of servitude inflicted upon Scottish and Scots-Irish immigrants to Virginia and Alexandria. Space is limited, so please register in advance.
American Roots Music with the Ken & Brad Kolodner Quartet
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
Friday, November 15
7:30 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.)
$30, $12 Ages 12-17
Purchase tickets.
The father-son team Ken & Brad Kolodner weave together a captivating soundscape on hammered dulcimer and clawhammer banjo blurring the lines of Old-Time, Bluegrass, and American Roots music. They are joined by bassist Alex Lacquement who locks everything together with his commanding presence and the dynamic multi-instrumentalist Rachel Eddy on fiddle and guitar. The quartet won 1st place in the Neo-Traditional Band Contest at the Appalachian Stringband Festival (Clifftop) in the summer of 2019. They released their fourth studio album Stony Run in March 2020, debuting at #4 on the Billboard Bluegrass Charts.
Discovering Alexandria Architecture Walking Tour
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 North Fairfax Street
Saturday, November 16
10 - 11:30 a.m.
$20
Purchase tickets.
Alexandria has grown from a small town in the 18th century to a bustling small city in the 21st century. Join us for a tour of Alexandria as we explore looking at the various Architectural styles that adorn the city streets and make it one of the best places to live and work.
Reservations are required as space is limited. Please wear comfortable shoes for this 1.5 hour guided tour. Tour is held rain or shine unless there is severe weather.
Having trouble registering? Please call 703.549.2997 or email carlyle@nvrpa.org.
Civil War Hospital Tour
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco Street
Saturday, November 16
2 - 3:15 p.m.
$10
Purchase tickets.
Learn how the Lee-Fendall House was confiscated during the Civil War and operated as a Union Army hospital. Explore what life was like in Union-occupied Alexandria, how the Lee-Fendall House witnessed medical history, and how political divisions impacted those living here.
Tickets are free for museum members. Members, please call the museum to reserve your ticket. The tour is limited to 12 participants. Please e-mail contact@leefendallhouse.org or call 703-548-1789 with any questions.
Tables of Conscience Dinner
Saturday, November 16
6 p.m.
$125 donation per person
Purchase tickets.
Back by Popular Demand! A new round of Tables of Conscience book-themed dinners is scheduled to raise money for the 2025 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. The dinner’s discussion book must be purchased separately from a local bookstore.
Discussion book: The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy: and the Path to a Shared American Future, by Robert P. Jones. The roots of white supremacy reach back to the 15th century according to author Robert P. Jones, who is also founder and president of the Public Religion Research Institute. This book explores the connection of past injustices and massacres perpetrated against native and Black Americans, while also examining current attempts to repair these historic wrongs.
Meaningful Conversations: African-American History
Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street
Thursday, November 21
7 - 8 p.m.
Free
Join us as we resume our meaningful conversations that explore and celebrate the diversity of cultures and peoples in our area, address the attitudes and behaviors that still divide us, and seek remedies grounded in the recognition that we are one interconnected, interdependent human family. The November 21 discussion will focus on Protecting African American History.
A Musical Celebration of Lafayette
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
Sunday, November 24
3 p.m.
$20
Purchase tickets.
In 1824, American Revolutionary War hero Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette visited the United States of America for a Grand Tour of all 24 states. For 13 months, Americans across the country celebrated Lafayette with ceremonies, balls, dignitary visits, parades, and concerts. The sounds of military wind bands greeted the Hero of Two Worlds nearly everywhere he went. On November 24, 2024, the period-instrument wind band Music of the Regiment will commemorate the 200th anniversary of Lafayette’s visit to Alexandria with a concert. The program, featuring works by Francis Johnson, anonymous women composing under the alias “A Lady…”, and others, will transport audiences to the sound world of Lafayette’s Grand Tour with grand marches, dance tunes, and America’s earliest patriotic airs performed on the instruments of Lafayette’s time. www.musicoftheregiment.com
Family Holiday Magic Show
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
Wednesday, December 4
7 p.m.
Free, but encouraged to bring unwrapped toys to donate to the Fund for Alexandria’s Child Holiday Sharing Program.
Pre-register.
Join us at the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum for a free holiday magic show, performed by professional magicians who are members of Ring 50, the DC-area chapter of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. Magic is a part of The Lyceum’s history and 19th-century magicians like Signor Blitz and Wyman the Wizard performed there in the 1840s. This modern family-friendly show will be geared toward children ages 5 to 12, but all are welcome. The show is free, but please bring new, unwrapped toys to donate to the Fund for Alexandria’s Child Holiday Sharing Program, which benefits kids who might otherwise go without holiday gifts this year. For more information, email info@ibmring50.org. Space is limited so please reserve a space at Alexandriava.gov/Shop.
Gingerbread Decorating
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Sunday, December 8
1-6 p.m.
$25
Purchase tickets.
Learn about local architecture as you decorate a flat ““façade”” (front) based on historic buildings around Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. Ticket includes one flat gingerbread “façade,” all the supplies needed to decorate, and admission to the museum. Inspiring samples highlight architectural details you can recreate in candy and search for in the neighborhoods on your way home. Event ideal for families or adult groups; up to four people welcome per ticket. Hot cider available for purchase during the event (spiked optional). $25 per decorating set for up to four people.
Story Time followed by a Kwanzaa Workshop!
Gather around for an engaging story celebrating African American heritage and values, then stay to learn about the principles of Kwanzaa.
Story Time for Little Historians
Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street
Saturday, December 14
10 a.m.- 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.
Kwanzaa Workshop
Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street
Saturday, December 14
11 a.m.- 12 p.m.
$3 per person
Come out and learn about the origins, concepts, practices, and foods of Kwanzaa! Members of the staff will share the historical foundation of Kwanzaa and its seven principles. Program includes a candle lighting, a food tasting, and information on craft projects will be shared.
Christmas in Camp
Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site, 4301 W. Braddock Rd.
Saturday, December 14
12 p.m.- 4 p.m.
Free
Get in the holiday spirit and learn how Christmas was observed during the Civil War at this popular family-oriented event. Enjoy a patriotic Civil War Santa Claus, reenactors in winter camp settings, period decorations, fort tours, and kids' activities.
Specialty Tour: A Toast to the Ladies!
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Saturday, December 14 and Saturday, December 21
5:30 p.m.
$20, $15 Historic Alexandria Members
Purchase tickets.
This special tour and discussion will highlight the many women over the centuries associated with Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. From Hannah Griffith, the first woman to operate a coffeehouse in the tavern, to the spearheading preservationist Rebecca Ramsay Reese, these women’s stories will spark conversations about political, economic, and social conditions for women in the past and the present. Ticket includes tea, which can be carried throughout the tour and discussion.
Colonial Handbell Ringers Concert
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
Sunday, December 15
2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Free, donations accepted
The Colonial Ringers Present: Repeat the Sounding Joy! The Colonial English Handbell Ringers will bring some joy to your world this year as we proudly present “Repeat the Sounding Joy!” The 2024 holiday concert will feature fun, uplifting classics such as “Caroling, Caroling” and “Jingle Bells,” beautiful arrangements of “The Little Drummer Boy,” “Simple Gifts” and “In the Bleak Midwinter,” and the rousing finale “Three Carols for Three Countries.” We will hopefully hear from you as well, as you participate in our sing-a-long! As always, we thank you for your support over the years, and we hope you enjoy our sounds of the season! The event is free, donations accepted. Seating will be first-come-first-served.
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
Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays, 1 – 5 p.m.Freedom House is open on weekends only through early January. Group visits available by special appointment.
- Friendship Firehouse Museum
Saturday, December 7, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday, December 28, 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., closed Monday – Wednesday.- Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
Wednesdays–Fridays, 11 a.m.– 4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays 1 - 5 p.m., closed Mondays & Tuesdays.
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 November 13, 1873, the Alexandria City Council granted permission to the Electro-Magnetic Telegraph Company, created in 1845 by inventor Samuel Morse, to run its lines through Alexandria providing instant communication for the first time from New York all the way to Richmond. Morse was a well-respected American painter, who in 1825 was commissioned to do a portrait of the Marquis de Lafayette in Washington, D.C. Halfway through completing the artwork he received word that his wife was seriously ill at their home in New Haven, Connecticut. He left for New England at once, only to find her dead and buried upon his arrival. Thereafter he decided to commit his endeavors to creating a device which could convey important communication instantaneously, without reliance on the daily mail. After witnessing a series of electro-magnetic experiments, he later developed the concept of the single-wire telegraph and the Morse code system of telegraphy.
Upcoming Commission and Committee Events
Commissions Supporting Historic Alexandria
November 13 Alexandria Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission (AHRPC)
Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
8-9:15 a.m.November 18 Schools and Libraries Action Committee
Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street
6-7 p.m.November 18 George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee
Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
7-9 p.m.November 18 Alexandria Sister City Committee Dundee and Helsingborg
Sister Cities Conference Room 1101, City Hall
7-8:30 p.m.November 18 Public Records Advisory Commission (PRAC)
Archives and Records Center, 801 S. Payne Street
7:30 p.m.November 19 Historic Alexandria Resources Commission (HARC)
Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
7-9 p.m.- November 20 Alexandria Archaeological Commission (AAC)
Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
7-9 p.m.