This Week in Historic Alexandria - December 22, 2025

december 22-28, 2025

What's New

FEATURED EVENT

Tavern Games Night: Bicentennial Mania
Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street, Alexandria
Friday, January 23
7 p.m.
$10
Purchase Tickets.

Kick off the year of the 250th with a Game Night that looks back to 1976-the nation's last big birthday! Part of our quarterly Game Night series, the evening includes a brief themed presentation and pub trivia around 7:30 p.m. Cash bar available during the event. Please note this event takes place up one flight of stairs in the historic Ballroom of Gadsby's Tavern Museum.

The 2025 Holiday Ornament is Here!

$28 - Still Available in Historic Alexandria museum stores and in our online store.

Celebrate Alexandria's 19th-century canal history with this beautifully crafted, American-made brass ornament. This year's design honors the Alexandria Canal, featuring a canal boat exiting Lock No. 4 heading eastward toward the Potomac River, uncovered by archaeologists in the winter of 2025 on N. Pitt Street. The Alexandria Canal was in use from 1843 to 1886. Learn more here.

Upcoming Events

View the Historic Alexandria Calendar

Tables of Conscience Book-Themed Dinners
Saturday, January 10
6 p.m.
Registration Information.

The Alexandria Community Remembrance Project (ACRP) is holding book-themed dinners to raise money for the 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.

The Hill We Climb by Amanda Gorman: The poem, The Hill We Climb, was written and performed by the young poet, Amanda Gorman, at the inauguration of President Joseph Biden on January 20, 2021. While it acknowledges the divisions that are deeply rooted in our history, the poem offers a hopeful message about the future, about unity and justice.

Traditional Music Series Concert
The Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
Sunday, January 11
7 p.m.
$30, $15 Ages 12-17
Purchase Tickets

Andrew Caden, Diarmuid Ó Meachair with Matt Mulqueen - Traditional Irish Fiddle, Accordion and Piano

Andrew Caden is a fiddle player originally from Bethesda, Maryland USA. He is now based in Dublin working at the Irish Traditional Music Archive and is completing an MA programme in Archives & Records Management at the University College of Dublin this year. Andrew was taught primarily by New York fiddle player, Brian Conway, and his musical influences come from people like Michael Coleman, James 'Lad' O'Beirne, Seán McGuire, and Frankie Gavin.

Diarmuid Ó Meachair is a traditional Irish accordion and melodeon player from Cúil Aodha, Co. Cork, and is also a sean-nós singer. In 2022, he was awarded the prestigious TG4 Ceoltóir Óg na Bliana (Young Musician of the Year). Diarmuid currently teaches Irish traditional music at University College Cork and also teaches at Holy Cross University in Worcester, Massachusetts. He is a current member of De Dannan, with whom he has performed internationally since 2022.

Matt Mulqueen was born in Baltimore, Maryland, into a musical family. His older brothers played button accordion and fiddle, and his sister became a champion step-dancer. This environment instilled in Matt an irresistible desire to learn and play Irish traditional music. His first music instruction came in the second grade when he joined the boys choir at his elementary school. At age nine, Matt asked his parents if he could learn to play the piano. He began with group piano lessons at a local community college. From there, he progressed to private lessons in Irish and Classical music with Donna Long, who has been the greatest influence on Matt's playing. Listening to the host of traditional musicians who haunt Irish pubs and to innumerable recordings allowed Matt to forge his own compelling style of accompanying Irish music. Matt returns to the Lyceum, having performed with many performers at the Lyceum in recent years.

Light refreshments will be available with wine, beer and non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase.

Dawn of Justice & Hope-The 53rd Anniversary Community Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 's Birthday in Alexandria City, VA.
The George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria
Thursday, January 15
6:30-8 p.m. (reception begins at 5:30 p.m. with light fare and birthday cake)
Free
Register Here.

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Planning Committee invites the community to join in commemorating the 53rd Anniversary of the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. The 2026 program theme is "Dawn of Justice & Hope."

Event Highlights

• Welcome reception from 5:30 -6:20 PM with light fare and birthday cake
• Main program at 6:30 - 8 PM
• The program will include uplifting music, dance, and poetry performances along with a diverse group of clergy as well as honored guests and dignitaries
• Suitable for all ages
• Free and ample parking
• Free admission for all - donations are welcome to support the cost of the event
• Sponsors this year include Affordable Signs & Banners, Jen Walker Team, Nautilus Coaching & Consulting, Tara Casagrande Yoga & Mindfulness, and many more.

In 1973, Alexandria civic leader and activist Alice P. Morgan initiated the city's first memorial program honoring Dr. King's birthday- an effort endorsed by then Mayor Charles Beatley and launched a decade before the federal holiday was signed into law.

Please register in advance at drkingmemorialprogram.org, and support the event through individual donations, sponsorship, or volunteer opportunities. Please email [email protected] for volunteer and sponsorship opportunities.

Volunteer Open House
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street, Alexandria
Saturday, January 17
4-6 p.m.
Free

Does your New Year's Resolution include volunteering in your community? Well then, you're in luck! The Carlyle House will be hosting a free Volunteer Open House for those interested in becoming a docent with us. At this event, you will have a chance to meet current volunteers and be provided with an open house tour. Additionally, our volunteer coordinator will be present to provide a description of volunteer duties and benefits as well as answer any questions. We look forward to sharing the enjoyment and fulfilment of volunteering at a historic house museum with you!

Carlyle at 50: Preservation of Carlyle House Tours
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street, Alexandria
Sunday, January 18
Noon-4 p.m.
$1 per person, donations suggested

On January 18, 1976, the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority opened Carlyle House after a six year restoration. In celebration of our 50th anniversary, join us for a 1976 museum price of $1 per person and learn about the preservation of Carlyle House from our experts. Registration not required. Last entrance at 3:30 p.m.

2026 George Washington Birthday Parade Registration is Now Open!

Registration for the George Washington Birthday Parade to be held Saturday, February 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. in Old Town Alexandria is now open! The theme of the parade is Virginia's Son ~ America's Founding Father, in honor of Washington's leading role in the founding of the country during its 250th Anniversary Year. Visit our Parade Registration Page for more information on how to register as a 2026 parade participant.

Help ACRP Share Our Whole History with ACHS Students

The Alexandria Community Remembrance Project (ACRP) still needs funds for the Banned Truth Tour for our Alexandria City High School students. Please consider donating - learn more and donate on ACRP's campaign page.

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

All Museums will be closed on December 25 and January 1. Additional closures listed below.

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.
Closed Friday, December 26

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.
Closed Friday, December 26

Fort Ward Museum
Thursdays & Fridays, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sundays, 1 - 5 p.m.
Closed Friday, December 26 and Saturday, December 27

Freedom House
Thursdays & Fridays, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sundays, 1 - 5 p.m.
Closed Friday, December 26

Friendship Firehouse Museum
Next open on Saturday, January 3, 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, 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.

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: "Disease and the Apothecary" - Now open

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.

Union Navy Exhibition Opens at Fort Ward Museum

A new exhibition, "Aboard Ship with the Jack-Tars of the Union Navy," opened October 2 at the City of Alexandria's Fort Ward Museum. 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. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/FortWard.

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 December 23, 1783, George Washington resigned his military commission at Annapolis, Maryland. He returned to Alexandria on December 31, where his arrival was announced by the firing of thirteen cannons. After the cannon discharge, General Washington was feted by the Town's leading citizens at a reception held at Duvall's Tavern, 305 Cameron Street.

Upcoming Commission and Committee Events

Commissions Supporting Historic Alexandria

• January 5 George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee (GWBCC)
  Via Zoom: Register here.
  7-9 p.m.

• January 6 Public Records Advisory Commission
  Archives and Records Center, 801 South Payne Street
  7:30 p.m.

• January 12 Sister Cities Committee (SCC) - Dundee and Helsingborg
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-8:30 p.m.

• January 19 George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee (GWBCC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-9 p.m.

• January 20 Historic Alexandria Resources Commission
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-9 p.m.