Alexandria Archaeological Commission Announces Winners of Brenman Archaeology Award

Alexandria Archaeological Commission Announces Winners of Brenman Archaeology Award

For Immediate Release: October 29, 2025

Media Contact: Eleanor Breen, Alexandria Archaeology Museum, [email protected] or 703.746.4399

Alexandria, VA - The Alexandria Archaeological Commission (AAC) is proud to announce the winner of the annual Bernard "Ben" Brenman Archaeology in Alexandria Award. The award was presented by Mayor Gaskins on Tuesday, October 28, at the Alexandria City Council meeting. Councilman R. Kirk McPike read the proclamation. Alison Wertzler, Senior Vice President, accepted the award on behalf of Carr Properties. The presentation of the award was part of a series of events and programs recognizing October as Virginia Archaeology Month.

The 2025 honoree is Carr Properties for their commitment to the highest quality archaeological preservation at the site of the Alexandria Canal in Old Town North. Earlier this year, Carr Properties partnered with the Alexandria Archaeology division, the Friends of Alexandria Archaeology, volunteers, and community members to share this significant find with the public. The volunteers that supported the project were also recognized during the award presentation. Carr worked closely with the City to relocate the excavated canal stones for future use in a park. The 2025 Brenman Award for Outstanding Developer highlights the excavation, preservation, and stewardship of significant aspects of Alexandria's seaport history, including a major segment of the fourth lock and third basin of the Alexandria Canal, built in 1845. Contributions like this enrich the lives of Alexandria residents and visitors with history, both today and for decades to come.

The Alexandria Archaeological Commission (AAC) established the Brenman Award in 2007 in honor of the late activist and retired U.S. Army colonel, Bernard "Ben" Brenman. Brenman had devoted himself to finding, preserving, and sharing Alexandria's rich and diverse heritage, and was a founding member of the AAC, serving as its chair for 21 years. The AAC, a City of Alexandria commission, was the first of its kind established in the United States.

The Brenman Award recognizes 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. A listing of past recipients can be found on the Visit alexandriava.gov/go/1343 to learn more about the Ben Brenman Archaeology in Alexandria Awards.

The 15-member AAC is appointed by the City Council and develops goals and priorities for Alexandria's archaeological heritage. The commission works closely with residents, government agencies, developers, and teachers to promote archaeology in the city.

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About the Office of Historic Alexandria

The Office of Historic Alexandria preserves and shares the history of the City of Alexandria with eight museums, historic sites, archives, archaeology, tours, exhibits and public programs. Through powerful storytelling and confronting the City's past, Historic Alexandria enriches the present and inspires the future. We enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors and serve as a partner in the City's equity and inclusion initiatives. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/Historic.

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