June 24-30, 2024
What's New
City of Alexandria Pipes & Drums Summer Concerts on Market Square
Celebrate Alexandria’s Scottish heritage as bagpipes and drums provide the soundtrack!
The City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums will present two free concerts on Market Square this summer. The concerts will be held on Thursday, July 11, 2024, and Thursday, August 1, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. on Market Square, 300 King Street in Old Town Alexandria. Combining precision marching with innovative musical arrangements, the band has been delighting audiences for over 50 years. Come down to Market Square and enjoy the marching, piping, and drumming. After the concert, meet the band members, snap some selfies, and find out what it takes to become a member of the City of Alexandria Pipes & Drums!
For weather-related updates, check the band’s Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/CityofAlexandriaPipesandDrums
Bench Dedication
On Saturday, June 22, we gathered at the Charles Houston Recreation Center to celebrate + honor the incredible contributions of civil rights activists in our community. The dedication of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial bench, sponsored by McArthur Myers, was a heartfelt tribute to Dr. King’s enduring legacy. A special thank you to our speakers: Mayor Justin Wilson, Hon. James P. Moran, Andy Evans, Rosa Byrd, George Seghers, and McArthur Myers for their inspiring words. Mayor Wilson presented a proclamation honoring Ira Robinson to the Robinson Family. Together, we continue to honor and remember those who have made a significant impact in our community.
Upcoming Events
View the Historic Alexandria Calendar
Community Cookout
900 W. Glebe Rd.
Tuesday, June 25
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
The Alexandria Historical Society presents From Buckets to Motors: The History of the Alexandria Fire Department, A Lecture by Catherine Weinraub, Friendship Firehouse Historian
Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St.
Wednesday, June 26
7 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30)
Tickets are available at the door - $5 for non-members and free to members of the Alexandria Historical Society. Memberships can be purchased or renewed at the event.
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of Alexandria’s Friendship Fire Company as historian Catherine Weinraub takes us back through the centuries to reveal the history of fire-fighting in our city. The Friendship Fire Company, established in 1774, was the first fire company in Alexandria. Friendship members were volunteers concerned for the well-being of the community. By the mid-19th century, there were five Alexandria volunteer fire companies: Friendship, Sun, Relief, Star and Hydraulion. They fought fires large and small, including three major fires in 1827, 1855 and 1871. Today the historic Friendship Firehouse on South Alfred Street in Old Town is a City of Alexandria museum.
Light refreshments will be served.
For additional information, please visit the AHS website.
Yoga on the Magnolia Terrace-Happy Hour
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Last Friday of the month June-September (June 28th, 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.
Specialty Tour, Hamilton’s BFFs & Frenemies
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Friday, June 28 - SOLD OUT! Friday July 5 and Friday, July 12
6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
$15 per person/$12 for Historic Alexandria Member or Volunteer
Tickets can be purchased online.
Get your tickets before it’s sold out! Inspired by the musical Hamilton, learn how the paths of Washington, Lafayette, Jefferson, Madison, and Burr all intersected with this local tavern. Includes discussion of the issues they faced and how their choices impacted local citizens. Arrive no later than 5 minutes prior to tour time to check in.
Trivia Nights at Historic Sites: First Ladies
Lee-Fendall House Museum, 614 Oronoco Street
Friday, June 28
7 - 9 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 28th trivia night will be First Ladies.
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 take place every other Friday at 7pm from June-August (June 28, July 12 & 26, August 9 & 23). For more information on how to register call 703-548-1789 or visit www.leefendallhouse.org.
Specialty Tour, Midwifery
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 S. Fairfax Street
Sunday, June 30
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
$15 per person/$12 for Historic Alexandria Member or Volunteer
Tickets can be purchased online.
Midwives did more than deliver babies! Explore the role, knowledge, and challenges of Midwives through the lens of the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum and its collection of historic medicines and archives. Content note: this tour will cover the complex history around contraception, abortion, and miscarriage; recommended for ages 18 and older. Please arrive between 10:45-11:00 a.m. as the museum is not open to the public until 1:00 p.m. and the doors will be locked when the tour begins at 11:00 a.m.
Family Day with Young Historians
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Every Sunday, June 30 through Labor Day weekend
2-5 p.m.
Fees included in regular admission.
Every Sunday, June 30 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!
Specialty Tour, A Magical Apothecary
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 S. Fairfax Street
Sunday, July 7
11 a..m.-12 p.m.
$15 per person/$12 for Historic Alexandria Member or Volunteer
Tickets can be purchased online.
Learn about the muggle botanical science that inspired the potions and herbology of Harry Potter's wizarding world on a tour of this 19th century apothecary, and make your own magical potion! Recommended for ages 8 and up.
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!
Story Time for Little Historians
Alexandria Black History Museum
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.
Fairfax Resolves Program and Marker Dedication
Market Square, 301 King Street
Thursday, July 18
5 - 7 p.m.
Free
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.
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.
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
July 6, 11 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 29, 1929, the Federal government finally announced plans to construct the George Washington Memorial Parkway from the Memorial Bridge to Mount Vernon. The proposal had been promoted for several decades by Alexandrians, who had formed a committee to support the proposal for what was first called “Mount Vernon Avenue” originated by Mr. M.B. Harlow. The plan, dating to the turn of the century, first envisioned a wide boulevard for automobiles, carriages, bicycles and horses running from the U.S. Capitol to Washington’s home on the Potomac, crossing over that river and Hunting Creek on two Memorial Bridges. Harlow’s concept also espoused lining the parkway’s 17 mile length with numerous pavilions dedicated to the original states of the American Union, forming a combination “Apian Way and Westminster Abbey.” But the monumental design features originally conceived were later adapted along the designs of the Long Island State Parkway System created in the early 1920s by master builder Robert Moses. That system, which crisscrossed Long Island, connecting the region’s numerous State Parks, innovated the concept of a limited-access “park” roadway for recreational motorists, incorporating scenic vistas, lavish landscaping, stone-arched overpasses and rustic signage and lighting. But unlike the roadways created on Long Island, the new Virginia parkway largely utilized at grade crossings, including the utilization of the existing Washington Street in Alexandria.
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.