This Week in Historic Alexandria - July 13, 2026

july 13-19, 2026

What's New

FEATURED EVENT

Conversational Tour: America250 - Who We Remember
Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N Royal Street
Friday, July 17
5 p.m.
$15 per person, Historic Alexandria Members: $12/person
Purchase tickets.

Kick-off the weekend with a conversational tour that uses the history of Gadsby's Tavern Museum to reflect on who we remember in history and why. Participants will build connections with each other as well as between past and present. Option to purchase water, soda, or locally crafted beer or hard cider available upon arrival. For more information, visit Alexandriava.gov/America250.

Upcoming Events

View the Historic Alexandria Calendar

Yoga on the Magnolia Terrace
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
July 14 - October 22
Tuesdays & Thursdays: 6 p.m.
Saturdays: 9 a.m. & 10:15 a.m.
$10 a class
Purchase Tickets

Join our friends at Carlyle House for an hour-long gentle flow Yoga Class on Carlyle House's Magnolia Terrace. Please bring water, a towel, and a yoga mat. Wear comfortable yoga wear. Class may be canceled due to inclement weather, you will receive an email if class is canceled.

Alexandria Pipes and Drums Summer Concert
Waterfront Park, 1A Prince Street
Fridays, July 17 and August 21
7:45 - 8:30 p.m.
Free

Don't miss the City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums Summer Concert Series! Join us for two special evenings - Friday, July 17 and Friday, August 21, from 7:45 to 8:45 p.m.at Waterfront Park, Market Square, 1A Prince St, for performances filled with music, energy, and community spirit. Combining precision marching with powerful and stirring musical arrangements rooted in Scottish heritage, the City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums has been captivating audiences for over 50 years. Come enjoy the unforgettable sound of bagpipes and drums echoing through Old Town Alexandria. After each performance, meet the band members, take photos, and learn what it takes to join the City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums. This event is free and open to all ages. Bring your friends, family, and your love for live music in the heart of the city!

Those Who Signed The Fairfax Resolves Walking Tour
The tour will meet at the Old Christ Church Cemetery located at 118 N. Washington Street
Saturday, July 18
10 a.m.
$20 per person
Purchase tickets, registration is required

On July 18, 1774, 25 gentlemen from Fairfax County (including Alexandria) signed the Fairfax Resolves which rejected the British Parliament's claim of supreme authority over the American colonies. Many of these men had ties to Alexandria and some of the buildings related to them are still standing. Join us on this walking tour to learn more about some of the signers and see sites that would have been familiar to them. Please wear comfortable shoes for this 1.5 hour guided tour. The tour will be held rain or shine unless there is severe weather.

Having trouble registering? Please email [email protected] or call 703-549-2997.

Alexandria Historical Society Presents "Alexandria's Patriots Remembered: A Revolutionary Walk Through the Old Presbyterian Meeting House"
Old Presbyterian Meeting House, 323 South Fairfax Street
Saturday, July 18
10 a.m.
$25 for non-members and $20 for Alexandria Historical Society members
Purchase tickets

Join the Alexandria Historical Society on "Alexandria's Patriots Remembered: A Revolutionary Walk Through the Old Presbyterian Meeting House." Presented as part of the Alexandria Historical Society's History Behind the Scenes series and Alexandria's 250th celebration, this tour will explore one of the city's most significant founding era landmarks: the Old Presbyterian Meeting House, its 18th-century burial ground, and the men and women whose lives connected the congregation directly to the American Revolution and the early republic. More information about the Alexandria Historical Society is available at AlexandriaHistoricalSociety.org.

Specialty Tour: Hamilton's BFF & Frenemies
Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Saturdays, July 18 and 25
11 a.m. - noon
$15 per person, Historic Alexandria Members: $12/person
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 tour involves ascending and descending stairs. Arrive no later than 5 minutes prior to tour time to check in.

America 250 Footsteps to Freedom History Walk
Walk Start: William and Ann Ramsay House (now the Alexandria Visitor's Center) at 221 King Street in Old Town.
Saturday, July 18
Noon - 2 p.m.
Free
Reserve Your Free Tickets Online

Join Alexandria Celebrates Women (ACW) for a monthly walking tour highlighting Alexandria's heroines of the past. If you have wondered how women helped put our city on the map, now is your chance to learn about them. Selected historic sites include the Ramsay House, the Carlyle House, City Hall, Gadsby's Tavern Museum, the Kate Waller Barret House, and others.

This family-friendly ACW walk will begin at the William and Ann Ramsay House (now the Alexandria Visitor's Center) at 221 King Street in Old Town. Comfortable shoes and water are recommended.

Carlyle House Historical Fiction Book Club
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Saturday, July 18
1 - 2 p.m.
Free (donations welcome)

Do you love reading historic fiction? Join the Carlyle House staff quarterly for our free historical fiction book club. All books will be focused on 18th Century America and can be found at your local library or bookstore.

July 18th: Agent 355 by Marie Benedict & 355: The Women of Washington's Spy Ring by Kit Sergeant
October 17th: The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

Space is limited so we just ask that you call 703-549-2997 or email [email protected] to register so we know how many people to expect.

Grown-Up Field Trip: Archaeology Museum
Alexandria Archaeology Museum, 105 North Union Street, #327
Sunday, July 19
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
$15 per person, Historic Alexandria Members: $12/person
Purchase tickets (only 5 tickets left!)

Historic Alexandria's popular grown-up field trip series continues with a trip to Alexandria Archaeology Museum for Ship Science.

Why would a ship be found underground? Use dendrochronology and other scientific methods to uncover the mystery behind one of Alexandria's 18th century ships discovered along the waterfront. Join other adults as you explore objects and primary sources, dive into conversations, and get hands-on as you learn more about Alexandria's history.

Carlyle House Self-Guided Sundays
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Sunday, July 19
Noon - 3 p.m.
$5 per person (children 5 and under are free)

On the third Sunday of every month, explore the first floor of Carlyle House at your own pace. Docents will be available throughout the house if you have questions. Tickets can only be purchased the day of in the museum shop.

Family Day with Jr. Docents
Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Sundays, July 19 through the summer
2-5 p.m.
Normal admission fee for self-guided visit

Every Sunday afternoon this summer, guests can learn from and be inspired by the museum's Jr. Docents--students 4th grade and older. In addition to stationed tours, Jr. Docents offer additional hands-on activities and a chocolate-making demonstration.

Trivia Night at Historic Sites
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Friday, July 24
7 p.m.
$15 per person (includes snacks and mocktails)
Purchase Tickets

Staff at Carlyle House Historic Park host bi-weekly trivia nights throughout the summer in the beautiful Carlyle House gardens. Test your knowledge on everything from pop culture to history! July's theme is "mystery literature," with prizes awarded to the winning team each week and a grand prize for the team that earns the most points over the summer.

Advance registration is required. Capacity is limited, so register early! Teams are limited to 6 people. No outside alcohol is permitted.

Specialty Tour: Civil War Medicine
Fort Ward Museum, 4301 West Braddock Rd.
Saturday, July 25
10-11 a.m.
$15 per person, Historic Alexandria Members: $12/person
Purchase tickets

Medicine in the Civil War isn't all just amputations and dysentery! Come explore the wild world of medicine in the 1860s at Fort Ward Museum. The 1-hour tour will include a brief background of Alexandria's role in medicine during the war and a deeper dive into medicine in both the field and hospitals. The tour will also include a look at artifacts not currently on display! Don't worry about the heat--this tour is indoors.

They Lived Here Too: Work and Slavery at Lee-Fendall
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco St.
Saturday, July 25
10:30 a.m.
$15/person
Purchase tickets

Learn about the enslaved and free African Americans who lived and worked in the home throughout its years as a private residence. Hear the stories of their experiences and their contributions to the site and its history.

Specialty Tours: Preservation of Carlyle
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax St.
Saturday, July 25
1:30-3 p.m.
$8 per person
Purchase Tickets

In the 19th century, James Green made renovations to John Carlyle's stone mansion to bring it up-to-date. When NOVA Parks purchased Carlyle House in 1970, the decision was made to bring it back to Carlyle's 18th century mansion. Join our experts in an in depth exploration of the changes the architects made using photographs and artifacts.

1776 Sing-Along & Discussion
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
Saturday, July 25
7 - 9:30 p.m.
$10
Purchase tickets

In partnership with Emerging Revolutionary War, join us for a fun sing-a-long and panel discussion of 1776 (1972). This ground-breaking movie written by a history teacher, inspired Hamilton and provides insight into people and politics of the 18th and 20th centuries.

Before the movie, visit the America250 exhibit at The Lyceum: Stories of U.S.: Collections Capture Our History.

Due to the movie's run time, we will be fast forwarding through certain sections to facilitate discussion. We suggest watching the movie on your own before attending the program. Snacks and drinks (alcoholic and nonalcoholic) will be available for purchase.

Specialty Tour: Magical Apothecary
The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 S. Fairfax Street
July 26, 11 a.m. (Sold Out); July 31, 10 a.m. & 4:30 p.m.
August 2, 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
$15 per person, Historic Alexandria Members: $12/person
Purchase tickets

Learn about the historical botanical science that inspires our pop-culture concepts of potions and magic on a tour of this 19th-century apothecary. Includes making your own magical potion! Recommended for ages 8 and up. Children must be accompanied by a ticket-holding adult.

Historic Alexandria is encouraging residents and businesses to show their local 250th spirit by joining the citywide Plant for America250 initiative. The Plant for America250 initiative, promoted by the City of Alexandria and the Alexandria Beautification Commission, encourages residents and businesses to plant native species in patriotic colors as a way to honor America's milestone anniversary while supporting a more resilient and sustainable future.

Learn more about Plant for America250.

The City of Alexandria Hosts Street Rededication Breakfast Honoring Moses Stevens

On Saturday, July 11, Mayor Alyia Gaskins, members of the City Council Naming Committee, and staff from the Office of Historic Alexandria hosted a Rededication Ceremony at the Alexandria Black History Museum to honor Moses Stevens's legacy and celebrate his descendants.

Moses Stevens was a pioneering Black entrepreneur in post-Civil War Alexandria. He operated a successful livery business, founded Mt. Jezreel Baptist Church, and was among the first in the city to adopt both telephone and automotive infrastructure.

Speakers included Mayor Gaskins, author and historian Char McCargo Bah, and family members of Moses Stevens.

More information on Moses Stevens' life is available in the 2019 Alexandria Gazette Packet article "Life and Times of the Livery Man: The story of Moses Stevens" by Char McCargo Bah, a published author, freelance writer, independent historian, genealogist, and Living Legend of Alexandria.

Street Renaming in Alexandria

This celebration is part of the City's multi-year Street Renaming and Rededication process. This rededication of Stevens St. removes honors previously granted to a Confederate figure and uplifts an individual whose contributions reflect Alexandria's present-day values, a symbolic but meaningful milestone for our community.

No changes to addresses, mailing information, voter registration, or official documents are required for this rededication.

More information about the multi-year project is available at alexandriava.gov/StreetRenaming.

Support Historic Alexandria

Your gift fuels preservation, education, and programs that bring Alexandria's past to life. Donations, special revenue, and grants make it possible to expand educational programs, conserve treasured collections, and support our dedicated staff. Your gift today helps preserve Alexandria's history for generations to come.

Historic Alexandria Museum Hours

Plan your Visit

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
Thursdays & Fridays, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sundays, 1 - 5 p.m.

Friendship Firehouse Museum
Saturday, July 18, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Gadsby's Tavern Museum
Thursdays & 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. - 7 p.m.;* Sundays & Mondays 1 - 5 p.m.
*Extended Saturday hours at the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum every Saturday in June and July, giving visitors additional time to explore one of Alexandria's most unique historic sites.

Virginia 250 Passport

Historic Alexandria is proud to join 70 premier historic destinations across Virginia in the launch of the Virginia 250 Passport, a first-of-its-kind statewide tourism journey celebrating America's 250th. Featured Alexandria museums include Gadsby's Tavern Museum, the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, and the Alexandria Black History Museum. The passport offers prizes and discounts to encourage families to explore Virginia's rich history together. Beginning November 11, 2025, free passports will be available at major historic sites and Virginia Welcome Centers. Learn more at VirginiaHistory.org/250Passport.

New Exhibit: Stories of U.S.: Collections Capture Our History - Now open

A silver coffee pot, a family story, a business letter, or a photograph -- each provide a glimpse into the past. The Office of Historic Alexandria collects these items and memories to reflect our community and preserve the moments that define us. This exhibition, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, showcases recently acquired objects, many on view for the first time at the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum. These pieces provide a powerful, tangible connection to both our local history and national story..

New Exhibit: Buglers & Brass Bands: Soldier Musicians in the Civil War - Now open

Fort Ward opened a new exhibit on May 16, 2026 that explores the essential role that music played in the daily life of the Civil War soldier, both in camp and on the battlefield. The exhibit features a variety of musical instruments and sheet music of the period from the Museum's extensive Civil War collection. The exhibit will be on view through May 2027.

Exhibit: Women in Business: We Were Always Here

Gadsby's Tavern Museum's new exhibit featuring Hannah Griffith, a female coffeehouse operator at this location, is now open! The exhibit is included in regular admission. Visitors will be able to see primary sources up close to explore how women appear (and don't) in the historical record in the 18th century. In addition to Hannah's story, visitors will learn about the female business owners on the block around City Hall today, highlighting how women continue to be an important part of Alexandria's business community. All of the women-owned businesses facing City Hall are included in this exhibit-14 total owned by 17 women! The exhibit will be up through March 2027.

Exhibit: Disease and the Apothecary

Explore how epidemics like Smallpox, Yellow Fever, and Influenza shaped Alexandria's past and how science and public health saved lives. Included with admission. Free for Alexandria residents! The new exhibit is also available online.

Exhibit: Aboard Ship with the Jack-Tars of the Union Navy

A new exhibition at Fort Ward Museum opened October 2. The exhibit focuses on the U.S. Navy during the Civil War and is being held in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Navy on October 13, 1775. The exhibition will continue through 2026. The exhibit, with pictures of select objects, is also available online.

Explore with Ease - The New Museum Mobility Guide

Historic Alexandria and the Department of Transportation & Environmental Services (T&ES) have launched a colorful, easy-to-use map and guide connecting all of Alexandria's museums via walking, biking, and transit. The guide also acts as a passport-visit every site and earn a prize! Available at museums, rec centers, public libraries, and more.

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 [email protected] or call 703.746.4554, Virginia Relay 711.

This Week in Alexandria's History

More from This Day in History

On July 15, 1870, the Alexandria Police Department was formally organized by an act of the Board of Alderman and Common Council. The act stated that each "policeman and officer shall wear a badge in the form of a star, made of block tin, not less than two and a half inches in diameter."

Upcoming Commission and Committee Events

Commissions Supporting Historic Alexandria

• July 15 Alexandria Archaeological Commission (AAC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-9 p.m.

• July 20 George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee (GWBCC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-9 p.m.

• July 21 Historic Alexandria Resources Commission (HARC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-9 p.m.