january 20–26, 2025
What's New
Outlandish Tour at the Apothecary Museum
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 South Fairfax Street
Sunday, January 26 and Sunday, February 9
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
$15, $12 Historic Alexandria members
Purchase tickets.
Celebrate the wrap of Outlander Season 7! Tour this historic apothecary and learn about a few of the herbal medicines featured in Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series of novels from cascara to dauco seeds. The specialty tour also touches on the role of apothecaries and women in medicine in the 18th century. Recommended for ages 18 and up. Please note the tour involves ascending and descending stairs.
Martin Luther King Jr. Poster Exhibition
On view in the Vola Lawson Lobby of City Hall, 301 King Street
Saturday, February 1 - Friday, February 28
Free
The Alexandria Black History Museum, in partnership with the Office of Historic Alexandria, sponsors an annual Student Poster Exhibition for Alexandria City Public School students in grades 2-5. The posters will be on display in the Vola Lawson Lobby of City Hall. This event, which has been celebrated for over 30 years, showcases hundreds of student artworks centered around the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Annual Survey of Museum-Goers
What does history spark in you? Help Historic Alexandria answer this question! We want to know how we can support and engage residents and visitors in 2025 and beyond. Please share your thoughts by taking the Annual Survey of Museum-goers today.
The survey only takes about 9 minutes to complete, but in those 9 minutes you will help our team make better decisions for our future. And as a thank you there will be an opportunity for you to win one of ten $100 Visa gift cards! Simply go to https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8056406/historicalexandria to get started.
Thank you in advance for your time and thoughts!
Upcoming Events
View the Historic Alexandria Calendar
Explore the rich history of the Northeast Corridor with David Alff, a dynamic storyteller and historian.
Online Via Zoom
Wednesday, January 22
7 p.m.
Join the Alexandria Historical Society for a special presentation by David Alff, author of The Northeast Corridor: The Trains, the People, the History, the Region.
In this engaging discussion, Alff will delve into the transformative history of the Northeast Corridor, one of the most iconic rail systems in the United States. Attendees will learn how the region’s geography, culture, and politics shaped the creation of the tracks and how this infrastructure has defined the area from Washington, D.C., to Boston.
To attend, email AlexandriaHistoricalSociety@gmail.com with the subject line “Register for Jan 22nd.” Registered participants will receive the Zoom link.
For more information about this event and other AHS activities, visit AlexandriaHistoricalSociety.org or contact AHS directly at AlexandriaHistoricalSociety@gmail.com.
Restaurant “Cherry Challenge”
View participating restaurants at WashingtonBirthday.com
January 27-February 10
Are you in the mood for cherries during George Washington Birthday Celebration Month in Alexandria? The “Cherry Challenge” is a competition among the finer restaurants in Alexandria – with their customers as the judges! Each restaurant develops its own cherry beverage, appetizer, entrée, and/or dessert in honor of our distinguished native son. Enjoy these delicious offerings between January 27 and February 10! Winning restaurants will be invited to march in the February 15 George Washington Birthday parade, and their offerings will be highlighted in social media.
Tavern Games Night
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Friday, January 31
7 p.m.
$10
Purchase tickets.
Tavern Games Night is back, this time with Old Town Soul as its theme. A $10 cover includes tavern games and a themed presentation with the crowd-favorite jeopardy game featuring Alexandria’s Black History. Cash bar (non-alcoholic and alcoholic). Event takes place in the second floor ballroom. Due to its historic nature, the building does not have an elevator.
The African American Cowboy and the Forgotten Creators of Country Music
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street
Saturday, February 1
11a.m. - 1 p.m.
Free
Reserve tickets.
From renowned cowboy Bill Pickett to singer Beyoncé Knowles, African Americans have played a significant role in shaping country and western music and culture. Join us for a discussion on the many contributions of African Americans to this genre. This program is hosted by the NAACP in partnership with the Alexandria Black History Museum.
An Intimate Reception with General Washington
Historic Duvall House, 305 Cameron Street
Saturday, February 1
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
$150
Purchase tickets.
Join General Washington at the beautiful and historic Duvall House, where he was feted by leading Alexandrians upon his triumphant return from the Revolutionary War in 1783. The General will share his most poignant memories of the war and answer questions about his life and times. Libations and heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served. All proceeds benefit the George Washington Birthday Celebration. For more information about the celebration, visit WashingtonBirthday.com.
Story Time for Little Historians
Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street
Saturday, February 8
10 - 10:45 a.m.
Free
Designed for children ages 4-8, this event introduces young learners to African and African American culture through stories and songs.
American Hair Wrap History: The History of African American Salons
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street
Saturday, February 8
11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Free
Reserve tickets.
Dr. Darnella McGuire-Nelson will discuss her research on Black women’s natural hair in the workplace, exploring why society often feels the need to micromanage natural hairstyles. In this context, she will highlight the important role of local Black hair salons as spaces of refuge for Black women. Attendees will also learn about the CROWN Act and how to engage in discussions about differing perspectives on hair and identity.
Specialty Tour: Hamilton's BFF & Frenemies
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Saturday, February 8
6:30 p.m.
$15, $12 Historic Alexandria members
Purchase tickets.
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. Please note the tour involves ascending and descending stairs. Arrive no later than 5 minutes prior to tour time to check in. No need to print tickets--your name will be on a list after purchasing.
Unearthing History: Mount Vernon's Cherry Discoveries
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street
Tuesday, February 11
6:30 p.m. reception, 7:30 p.m. program
$30 per person (includes one drink ticket)
Purchase tickets.
Discover more about the amazing treasure trove of 250-year-old bottles and perfectly preserved cherries and berries that Mount Vernon archaeologists unearthed from under the Mansion in 2024! The Mount Vernon archeology team will talk about how this extraordinary discovery provides a powerful glimpse into 18th century culture. Event includes light refreshments. Proceeds to benefit the City of Alexandria’s 2025 George Washington Birthday Celebration.
Romance, Bromance, & BFFs
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street
Friday, February 14
6-9 p.m.
$25 per person (includes one drink ticket)
Purchase tickets.
Explore the history of love and friendship in Alexandria! Drop in for stories of good and bad relationships, learn about love in the animal kingdom with our friends from the Buddy Ford Nature Center, sip a specialty cocktail, and maybe even meet your match! Includes chocolate demonstrations, special make+takes, plus a pop-up shop with Friends to Lovers Bookshop. Bring your SO, your BFF, or just yourself!
2025 George Washington Birthday Parade
Old Town Alexandria, parade route
Saturday, February 15
2-4 p.m.
Thousands of spectators will line the streets of Old Town Alexandria to cheer on the oldest and largest George Washington Birthday Parade in the country! This year’s parade theme is George Washington: America’s Commander-in-Chief, marking the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War and founding of the United States Army, and the Grand Marshal is Lieutenant General Heidi J. Hoyle, Deputy Chief of Staff of the United States Army. Parade registration deadline is on January 31. For other parade information or to register, visit www.washingtonbirthday.com.
George Washington Birthnight Dinner
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Saturday, February 15
6:30 p.m.
$150
Purchase tickets.
Enjoy a four-course period inspired dinner with wine honoring Washington’s Birthnight at Gadsby’s Tavern. In honor of the 2025 Washington Birthday parade theme “George Washington: America’s Commander in Chief,” learn about Washington’s military career and the military exploits of some of his fellow Alexandrians. General Washington himself will be in attendance. Cocktail attire.
The Washington Revels Jubilee Voices Concert
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street
Sunday, February 16
2 - 3:30 p.m.
Free
Reserve tickets.
Join Washington Revels Jubilee Voices and the Office of Historic Alexandria’s Division of African American History to celebrate African American music, history and culture in a concert exploring the themes of freedom, resistance and resilience, from the Civil War through the present day. Enjoy traditional African American spirituals, poetry, dance, ring shouts, banjo tunes, stories, and audience participation.
Meaningful Conversations about Racism and What to Do About It
Topic: Safety and Self-Actualization
Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street
Thursday, February 20
7 - 9 p.m.
Free
Join us for a continued series of meaningful conversations aimed at exploring and celebrating the diversity of cultures and peoples in our community. We will address the attitudes and behaviors that continue to divide us and seek solutions grounded in the understanding that we are all part of an interconnected, interdependent human family.
Specialty Tour: A Magical Apothecary
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 South Fairfax Street
Sunday, February 23
11 a.m.
$15, $12 Historic Alexandria members
Purchase tickets.
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.
Tables of Conscience Book-Themed Dinners
Saturday, March 1
6-9 p.m.
Purchase tickets.
Back by Popular Demand! Tables of Conscience book-themed dinners 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; visit (https://www.alexandriava.gov/historic-alexandria/tables-of-conscience-fundraiser) for additional information on payment. The dinner’s discussion book must be purchased separately from a local bookstore.
Book: How To Be An Antiracist, by Ibram X. Kendi: Historian and author Ibram X. Kendi explores how racist ideas had become so engrained in society that those who countered them were considered radical and extreme. By peeling back layers of enculturated racism, Kendi helps readers see what they may not have previously understood. Relying on history, science, law, and ethics, Kendi rouses awareness and takes readers past polarizing arguments toward forming a more just society. Reserve your tickets at The Alexandria Shop.
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–Fridays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays, 1 – 5 p.m.
Alexandria Black History Museum
Thursdays & 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 & Fridays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays, 1 – 5 p.m.
Fort Ward Museum
Thursdays & 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
January closed.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
Thursdays & Fridays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays, 1 – 5 p.m.
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
Wednesdays–Fridays, 11 a.m.– 4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays 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 January 24, 1876, in response to growing complaints from residents and shopkeepers alike, Mayor Kosciusko Kemper ordered police to crack down on youthful offenders creating mayhem on the streets of Alexandria. Specifically, police were ordered to arrest anyone flying kites or playing the popular game of marbles on public streets or sidewalks, a directive that applied primarily to school-age children seeking amusement in the city.
Upcoming Commission and Committee Events
Commissions Supporting Historic Alexandria
January 27 Public Records Advisory Commission
Archives and Records Center, 801 South Payne Street
7:30 p.m.January 29 Schools and Libraries Action Committee
Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street
5-6 p.m.February 3 George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee
Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
7-8:30 p.m.February 10 Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee
City Hall, 301 King Street, Sister Cities Room 1101
7-9 p.m.February 13 Alexandria Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission
Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
8-9:15 a.m.