The City of Alexandria has been a leader in the field of historic preservation, from the creation of the country’s third oldest historic district in 1946 to the start of Alexandria Archaeology in 1961. 

May is Preservation Month, a time when communities across the country celebrate historic preservation locally.  The City is hosting a series of events to highlight Alexandria’s historic preservation initiatives whether you want to hear experts on the Murray-Dick-Fawcett House, learn about hands-on archaeological practices, tour a site, or view the newly restored 1858 Prettyman Fire Hose Reel Carriage, the 2019 Virginia’s Top Endangered artifact.

For the Murray-Dick-Fawcett House’s 250th anniversary, Historic Alexandria is offering the public a unique opportunity to talk with former City Architect Al Cox about the house on Saturday mornings. The talks will be on Saturdays at 10 a.m. at 517 Prince Street. These are the scheduled topics:

May 7: CANCELLED due to inclement weather.   517 Prince Street – Owners and Architectural Changes Since 1772
May 14:  Replacing Your Historic Roof, what was it originally and what should it be today?  
May 21:  Historic Window Restoration
May 28:  Identifying & Replicating Historic Moldings & Trim

Learn about the recent roof restoration.

Alexandria Archaeology offers the public two events to learn more about the ship timbers unearthed at the Robinson Terminal Site.

May 13: The Torpedo Factory Art Center hosts a Late Shift Event from 7-10 p.m. The Alexandria Archaeology Museum will highlight its new exhibit SeeWorthy, featuring 3D-models of the ships

May 15: CANCELLED due to inclement weather.  Alexandria Archaeology is hosting a public day at Lake Ben Brenman, staff will be on hand to answer questions about the ship ponding process

Friendship Firehouse welcomes back the 1858 Prettyman Hose Reel on April 30th at 1 p.m. with a “Movement” ceremony. The public can also view the newly conserved object on May 14th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Learn more about the Prettyman Hose Reel and see a photo gallery of the April 30th event.

The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum celebrates its National Historic Landmarks Designation with a plaque dedication Friday May 20 at 10 a.m.

These articles appeared in the Alexandria Times, and appear here with their permission. The Out of the Attic column is written weekly by Historic Alexandria staff, and an archive of the columns is available online.

Preservation easements: The Lord Fairfax House, April 28, 2022.

Celebrating Historic Preservation in Alexandria, May 5, 2022.

Freedom House Museum to reopen, May 19, 2022.

Caring for Alexandria's merchant fleet, May 26, 2022.