June 3-9, 2024
What's New
Douglass Cemetery Remembrance
1367-1473 Wilkes Street
Saturday, June 15
11a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Free
Sponsored by the Social Responsibility Group (SRG) and Friends of Douglass Cemetery, this annual event honors those buried at Alexandria’s historic African American Cemetery. Learn about plans for the preservation of this Alexandria landmark. All are welcome.
Program includes speakers and tours of the Cemetery.
Street parking. Limited seating. Please wear appropriate shoes for uneven terrain.
The Alexandria Historical Society presents History Behind the Scenes Ivy Hill Cemetery Tour with Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Demonstration
Ivy Hill Cemetery, 2823 King Street, parking inside the grounds
Thursday, June 13
5:30 -7:30 p.m.
$15 Members, Non-members $25; must register in advance here.
The Tour: Ivy Hill Historian, Catherine Weinraub, will discuss the fascinating history behind the founding of Ivy Hill Cemetery (IHC), its historic Keeper’s Lodge, and the tragic events that resulted in the building of the Firemen’s Memorial Obelisk. She will also point out locations of some of the IHC’s many mysteries.
The GPR Demo: Registered Professional Archaeologist, Mark Michael Ludlow, will lead us to historic Section G for a hands-on demonstration of GPR imaging at the gravesites of IHC’s founding family. Mark will also explain how GPR findings are helping to unravel the many questions about the family and the creation of the cemetery. See live GPR images of the burial site and what can be deduced from such images. Those who wish to do so will be able to operate GPR equipment.
The Refreshments: Our outdoor tour concludes with a visit to the Historic Body Vault for lite refreshments starring the IHC’s famous Morbidity Cookies!
Photo credit: Fort Ward Museum Collection, gift of Joseph and Sharon Scopin.
Lewis Cass White Exhibit Opens at Fort Ward Museum
Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site, 4301 West Braddock Road
A new exhibit, “Lewis Cass White: Preserving the Legacy of Fort Stevens,” is now open at Fort Ward Museum. The exhibit, which explores the efforts of a Civil War veteran to preserve and recognize the site of Fort Stevens in the Defenses of Washington, is being held in recognition of the 160th anniversary of the Battle of Fort Stevens.
The exhibit features personal accounts, documents, and memorabilia from Fort Ward Museum’s Lewis Cass White Collection, as well as photographs and other items on loan from family descendants. A related theme of the exhibit is the Grand Army of the Republic, the largest and most effective Union veterans’ organization, which was a huge part of White’s postwar life.
More about the Lewis Cass White Collection online.
Upcoming Events
View the Historic Alexandria Calendar
Community Cookout
Casa Chirilagua, 4109 Mt. Vernon Avenue
Tuesday, June 4
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.
Presentation of Murray-Dick-Fawcett House Historic Structures Report
Zoom virtual presentation. The Zoom passcode is 968677.
Thursday, June 6
3 p.m.
Free
The City engaged Glavé & Holmes Architecture (G&H) in 2022 to perform a Historic Structure Report (HSR) to summarize the history and evolution of the Murray-Dick-Fawcett House and document its form, materials, and condition. This would precede the creation of a Comprehensive Plan to develop the property into a destination for public visitation and heritage tourism.
Annual D-Day Lecture, “How Patton’s ‘Ghost Army’ Beat Hitler”
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street
Thursday, June 6
7-9 p.m.
$10 per person. Tickets available online.
The Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee welcomes Dr. Kim Bernard Holien, U.S. Army Historian (retired) to share the true story of a top-secret mission in Normandy, France, that paved the way for a successful Allied invasion on “D-Day.” In 2024, more than 80 years after their mission, soldiers of the “Ghost Army” received the highest civilian honor of the United States, the Congressional Gold Medal, for their clever tactics outwitting the enemy in the most unlikely ways. Their tactics were unconventional, including inflatable convoys, sound effects, fake radio shows, and misinformation. A reception will follow the lecture.
Traditional Concert Series
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street
Friday, June 7
7:30-9:30 p.m.
$25 per person/$12 ages 12-17 online.
Irish music featuring Brian Conway (fiddle) and Brendan Dolan (piano, flute, and whistle). Doors open at 7 p.m. and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Free snacks; cash bar for beer, wine, and a specialty cocktail.
Story Time for Little Historians
Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street
Saturday, June 8
10-10:45 a.m.
Free event, no registration required.
This FREE, fun, and educational story time is geared to children ages 5-8 years old and features stories related to Black History. The 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 provides historical context and local community connections. Story time will be held in the Museum’s Parker-Gray Gallery. Call 703-746-4356 for more information.
Discovering Alexandria Architecture Walking Tour
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Saturday, June 8
10 a.m.
$20 per person, purchase in advance online.
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 Architecture 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 begins at Carlyle House,121 N. Fairfax Street. Tour is held rain or shine unless there is severe weather.
Having trouble registering? Please call 703-549-2997 or email carlyle@nvrpa.org
Specialty Tours: Colonial Herbs & Spices
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Saturday, June 8
11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
$7 per person, register online.
Colonists used herbs and spices in all aspects of their lives from cooking to medicinal. Join us in celebrating National Herb and Spice day with our specialty tours focusing on both native and imported herbs and spices that were used in colonial households.
Call for Strikes: American Labor in the 20th Century
Lee-Fendall House Museum, 614 Oronoco Street
Sunday, June 9
2 p.m.
$10 per person/Free for museum members
Tickets can be purchased online.
From deadly mine explosions to wartime strikes, the history of the 20th century American labor movement is full of violence and controversy. Explore the struggle for worker's rights at the home of one of its most powerful spokesmen, John L. Lewis.
The tour is limited to 12 participants. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Questions? Please call the museum at 703-548-1789 or e-mail contact@leefendallhouse.org.
Culture Queen: Juneteenth Jubilee
Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke Street
Friday, June 14
10:30 a.m.
Free. Visit: https://alexlibraryva.org/event/10676400
Join Grammy nominated performer Culture Queen for an interactive musical storytelling show and honor the meaning of the Juneteenth holiday. All ages. Beatley Central Library Reading Garden.
Trivia Nights at Historic Sites: Black History
Lee-Fendall House Museum, 614 Oronoco Street
Friday, June 14
7 p.m.
$12 per person
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 June 14th trivia night will be Black History.
Trivia nights are $12 a person which includes 1 drink ticket. Additional drinks can be bought at our cash bar. 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 start on June 14 and take place every other Friday at 7pm from June-August (June 14 & 28, July 12 & 26, August 9 & 23). For more information on how to register call 703-548-1789 or visit www.leefendallhouse.org.
Tavern Game Night
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Saturday, June 15
7-9 p.m.
$10, Tickets available online.
Taverns in the 18th and 19th century often operated to serve specific demographics and clientele, similarly to the way queer bars and other third-spaces operate today. Enjoy games that bridge the 18th and 21st centuries while learning about the local history of queer bars and clubs. $10 cover charge, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) available for purchase.
Family Day with Young Historians
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Every Sunday, June 16 through Labor Day weekend
2-5 p.m.
Fees included in regular admission.
Every Sunday, June 18 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!
National Juneteenth Holiday at Market Square
Market Square, 300 King Street
Wednesday, June 19
1:30 p.m. Programming starts with storytelling/Concert at 2 p.m.
Free
Join the Office of Historic Alexandria’s Division of African American History for storytelling and music that celebrate Juneteenth and African American heritage. The Washington Revels Jubilee Voices will present a lively, interactive concert featuring traditional music, dance, and spoken word that celebrates Juneteenth, local stories, history, and the enduring legacy of the African American quest for freedom and equality. This presentation is co-sponsored by Washington Revels and the Office of Historic Alexandria.
Juneteenth Celebration
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Wednesday, June 19
6-8 p.m.
Free
Carlyle House, a historic house museum, is hosting its annual Juneteenth celebration on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. The event is being presented in collaboration with The Athenaeum, a regional arts organization. The event will be held outside on the lawn of the Carlyle House located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. Discover the history of Juneteenth through hands-on activities, art, history, and poetry readings at this free event.
Bench Dedication and Juneteenth Activities
Charles Houston Recreation Center (CHR), 901 Wythe Street
Saturday, June 22
Free
11:00 am – Noon – A Civil Rights Appreciation: Saying Their Names. This event includes the dedication of a Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial bench sponsored by McArthur Myers at the Charles Houston Recreation Center.
Gather at 10:30 a.m. for refreshments and remarks.
(no parking in the CHR parking lot that day due to Juneteenth activities that begin at Noon)
Noon – 6:00 pm -Juneteenth Activities at the Charles Houston Recreation Center parking lot. Enjoy food and retail vendors, a moon bounce, information tables, music, and performances.
Coming Soon!!
Arts 275th Commemorative Program Grant
In 2024, Alexandria is celebrating its 275th anniversary. The Arts 275th Commemorative program grant is funded through a National Endowment for the Arts and the City of Alexandria, VA. The Commemorative grant program is established and is available to eligible nonprofit organizations to create art programs and events that may honor the past through artistic historical reflections or commissions, embrace the now with thought-provoking art projects mirroring neighborhoods’ culture, and celebrate the city’s future with innovative art projects.
The art programs and events will be representational of the city’s demographics and neighborhoods who reflect low income, underserved, and immigrant populations. Nonprofit organizations will engage artists and arts organizations for a variety of projects such as neighborhood celebrations, ethnic and culturally centric creative expressions, youth or intergenerational arts programs, temporary artisans’ markets, concert series, theatre or dance performances, visual arts demonstrations, or storytelling.
The Arts 275th Commemorative grant program will fund programs and events offered throughout the city between July 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024. Grants will range from $1,000 - $5,000 per award and will not have a cash match requirement.
The application will be submitted on the Foundant online grants portal. The grants portal will be live on Monday, June 3, 2024. Online applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Friday, June 21, 2024. Mailed or hand-delivered applications will not be accepted. It is anticipated that funding decisions will occur by Friday, June 28, 2024.
Sign-up for the grant webinar scheduled for June 4, 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.
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.
Archaeological Commission Now Accepting Nominations for Brenman Award
The Alexandria Archaeological Commission (AAC) is now accepting nominations for the Bernard “Ben” Brenman Archaeology in Alexandria Award. The AAC established this award to celebrate the contributions of the late Ben Brenman, who devoted himself to finding, preserving, and sharing Alexandria’s rich and diverse heritage.
The Brenman Award, established in 2007, is open to businesses, organizations, families, professional preservationists, volunteers, students, and other individuals who have demonstrated work or efforts in archaeological investigation, research, site protection, education, public interpretation, open space design, collections, or conservation. Nomination forms are available at alexandriava.gov/archaeology/ben-brenman-award-for-archaeology or by calling the Alexandria Archaeology Museum at 703.746.4399. The deadline for nominations is Friday, July 5.
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
Saturday, June 22, 10 a.m. – 5 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 June 4, 1870, the Friendship Firehouse on South Alfred Street (built 1855) was reported to be in structurally unsound condition, requiring the removal of all fire equipment stored in the building. Although the building had only been constructed fifteen years earlier, the massive steeple that then topped the building was often battered by high winds, twisting the small structure below and allowing rain water to penetrate the roof and framing. This issue, coupled with deferred maintenance during the Civil War period, required that the tall steeple be replaced by a lower cupola instead. Although the new cupola was an improvement, twisting and weather infiltration continued to plague the building for decades and was only rectified when the cupola was restored and strengthened by the City of Alexandria in 2010.
Upcoming Commission and Committee Events
Commissions Supporting Historic Alexandria
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June 4 HARC Advocacy Meeting
La Madeleine, 500 King Street
10 a.m.- 12 p.m. -
June 4 ACRP Planning for Benjamin Thomas Remembrance
Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St.
3:30-4:30 p.m. -
June 4 Alexandria Community Remembrance Project Steering Committee
Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St.
5 p.m. -
June 6 GWBCC Marketing and Public Relations Subcommittee
Register via Zoom.
6:30-7:30 p.m. -
June 10 Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee
Sister Cities Conference Room 1101, Alexandria City Hall, 301 King Street
7-9 p.m. -
June 12 Alexandria Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission
Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
8 a.m. -
June 12 Alexandria Archaeological Commission
1421 Wilkes Street
6-8 p.m. -
June 17 Sister Cities Committee (SCC) Dundee and Helsingborg
Sister Cities Conference Room 1101, Alexandria City Hall, 301 King Street
7-8 p.m. -
June 17 George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee (GWBCC)
Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
7-9 p.m. -
June 17 Public Records Advisory Commission
Archives and Records Center, 801 S Payne Street
7:30 p.m. -
June 18 Historic Alexandria Resources Commission (HARC)
Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
7-9 p.m.