This Week in Historic Alexandria - January 13, 2025

january 13-19, 2025

What's New

52nd Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Program

George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive
Wednesday, January 15
Reception 5:30 to 6:20 p.m.
Program 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Free
Please Register.

The City of Alexandria and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Planning Committee will host a community celebration of the life, dream, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The theme this year is Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice & Democracy.

We would like to invite you to attend this year's celebration.

• A Reception with light appetizers, drinks, and birthday cake will be offered from 5:30 p.m. to 6:20 p.m.
• The Program will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. and end at 8 p.m.

If you have the means, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Planning Committee would appreciate your donation of any size to support their work. All gifts are tax-deductible, and can be made from this link.

Archaeologists from Wetland Studies and Solutions and Alexandria Archaeology work to expose remnants of the wooden canal lock floor. Credit: Alexandria Archaeology

Join Alexandria Archaeology for a One Day Viewing of Alexandria Canal Lock and Basin Site

Visitors should meet at the Old Town North Farmer's Market, N. Royal Street, and Montgomery Street, Alexandria, to begin their tour.
Sunday, January 19
10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Free

The public is invited to view remains from an Alexandria Canal lock and basin at a site in Old Town North, discovered by archaeologists from Wetland Studies and Solutions, Inc., a Davey company. The City of Alexandria and Carr Properties have arranged for public viewing of the site, rain or shine, from the sidewalk.

Archaeologists will be on hand to provide information and answer questions. For more information about Alexandria Archaeology, visit alexandriava.gov/Archaeology.

The active construction site will not be open to the public during the viewing, but notable elements of the site will be visible from the sidewalk, including the canal lock walls. Street parking is limited; participants are encouraged to walk, bike, or ride DASH to the viewing or park in nearby garages or lots.

Alexandria City Archaeologist Eleanor Breen Presents at Society for Historical Archaeology 2025 Conference

Did you know our City Archaeologist Eleanor Breen presented at the Society for Historical Archaeology 2025 Conference on Historical and Underwater Archaeology in New Orleans January 8-11? Her topic - "Cities on the Move: Reflecting on Urban Archaeology in the 21st Century." We are proud to have Eleanor represent Historic Alexandria, sharing methods and best practices with colleagues across the country!

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

American History Trivia
Port City Brewing Company, 3950 Wheeler Ave., Alexandria
Thursday, January 16
7-8:30 p.m.
Free
RSVP

In honor of George Washington's birthday celebration this upcoming February, Port City Brewing Company is hosting American History Trivia on Thursday, January 16th!

Meaningful Conversations: Protecting Immigration and Refugees
Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street
Thursday, January 16
7-9 p.m.
Free

Join us this month as we focus on Protecting Refugees and Immigration. This new series of Meaningful Conversations will focus on how exemplary local non-profits are working to improve and uplift our community and how their work relates to key principles for promoting racial and social justice and empowering all people to flourish and to act as protagonists in uplifting our community.

Featured Panelist:

Archi Pyati is CEO of the Tahirih Justice Center, a national nonprofit that has served more than 35,000 immigrant women, girls, and other survivors of gender-based violence in its nearly 30 years. She is an attorney and advocate for human rights and has provided legal representation, researched and authored policy reports, trained front line service providers, testified before Congress, spoken with media, and managed small and large teams of experts. She worked at Human Rights First and Sanctuary for Families in New York City before coming to Tahirih in 2014.

Our meaningful conversations explore and celebrate the diversity of cultures and peoples in our area, address the attitudes and behaviors that still divide us, and seek remedies grounded in the recognition that we are one interconnected, interdependent human family. All are welcome!

Seán Gavin and Josh Dukes in Concert at the Lyceum
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
Thursday, January 16
7:30 p.m.
$25, $10 under 18
Purchase tickets.

A master of the uilleann pipes, Irish flute, and tin whistle, Seán Gavin is one of the most highly regarded performers and teachers of traditional Irish music. He is the first musician born outside Ireland to win the prestigious Seán Ó Riada Gold medal, and the author of a popular tin whistle book published by Hal Leonard. Seán is the founder and director of the Irish Music Institute - a non-profit music school based in Southeast Michigan. With recordings, lectures, and performances around the globe to his credit, Seán is back in his native Detroit, where he continues to play, teach, and promote traditional Irish music.

Josh Dukes is an All Ireland champion accompanist and a highly sought after music teacher in the Baltimore/Washington D.C. area. A multi-instrumentalist whose talents embrace the ceili drums, guitar, bouzouki, bodhran, flute, and tin whistle. He has shared the stage with such renowned musicians as John Doyle, Paddy Keenan, Billy and Sean McComiskey, Brendan Mulvihill, Kevin Crawford, Zan McLeod, and Myron Brethol. Josh lives in the greater D.C. Area with his wife and two daughters.

Gadsby's Tavern Museum Open House: Inauguration Weekend
Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Saturday, January 18, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, January 19, 1-5 p.m.
Free

Did you know Gadsby's Tavern hosted Thomas Jefferson for a presidential inaugural dinner? Visit Gadsby's Tavern Museum for FREE during Inauguration weekend to learn about this event and more during the early years of the nation.

Tables of Conscience Dinner
Tickets available.
Saturday, January 18
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. The dinner's discussion book must be purchased separately from a local bookstore.

Book: Of Poetry and Protest: From Emmett Till to Trayvon Martin by Phil Cushway (Compiler), Michael Warr (Editor), Victoria Smith (Photographer)

Join ACRP members in what is sure to be a lively conversation about this compilation of African American poets and essayists that give voice to the Black experience in America. The anthology highlights Pulitzer Prize winning poets such as Rita Dove, Natasha Tretheway, Yusef Komunyakaa and Tracy Smith, Essayists include Rev. Dr. William Barber II and Jeannine Amber. Each one provides an artistic, incisive take on our culture and times. Reserve your tickets at The Alexandria Shop.

Alexandria Association Lecture Series
The Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street
Monday, January 20
7:30 p.m. lecture; 7 p.m. light refreshments
Members free; Guests $10 at the door

Shawn Eyer, Executive Director of the Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden

Topic: "Lee-Fendall House Structural Survey: A Lesson in Historic Preservation"

The Lee-Fendall House entered its fiftieth year as a museum in 2024. This key local historic resource, built in 1785, has a complex architectural history. Thanks to a grant from the Alexandria Association, a comprehensive Historic Structure Review was completed. The new Executive Director will present the review's findings and the emerging priorities for restoration and improvement of the property. He will also relate exciting plans for celebrating Lee-Fendall's fiftieth anniversary.

Membership Information and the Association's Calendar are available at: alexandriaassociation.org

Martin Luther King Jr. Poster Exhibition
On view in the Vola Lawson Lobby of City Hall, 301 King Street
Tuesday, January 21 - Friday, February 28
Free

The City of Alexandria honors the memory and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with its annual Poster Exhibition and Program. Posters will be on view from Alexandria City Public School students in the Vola Lawson Lobby of City Hall from January 21, 2025 through February 28, 2025.

The Alexandria Black History Museum with the Office of Historic Alexandria sponsors an annual Student Poster Exhibition for Alexandria City Public School students, grades 2-5.

Outlandish Tour at the Apothecary Museum
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 South Fairfax Street
Sunday, January 26 through 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 arrive between 10:45 - 11a.m. as the museum is not open to the public until 1 p.m. and the doors will be locked when the tour begins. Please note the tour involves ascending and descending stairs.

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.

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

George Washington's Alexandria Tours
Old Town Alexandria
Every Sunday in February: the 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd
2-4 p.m.
Free
To register, visit eventbrite.com and search George Washington's Alexandria.

Explore historic Old Town Alexandria as George Washington knew it! This popular FREE two-hour guided walking tour will visit sites associated with Washington and his closest colleagues including Christ Church, Light Horse Harry Lee's house, the Lord Fairfax home, Washington's townhouse, Gadsby's Tavern, Duvall Tavern, Wise's Tavern, the Carlyle House, Market Square, Ramsay House, the Apothecary Shop, and Gentry Row.

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.

2025 George Washington Birthday Parade
Old Town Alexandria
Saturday, February 15
2-4 p.m.

In honor of the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War, the City of Alexandria is pleased to announce the 2025 parade's theme: "George Washington: America's Commander in Chief." View the parade route through Old Town Alexandria.

Parade registration is open, and participants can register a unit at an early bird rate of $75 through January 15. The parade relies on community support, with sponsorships and donations helping keep this tradition going each year.

Since 1801, Alexandria has commemorated Washington's legacy with a parade. This year, more than 1,000 participants are expected to march and perform along the historic route in Old Town Alexandria. The parade will showcase drum corps, color guards, bands, community and fraternal organizations, youth groups, local merchants, city dignitaries, and, of course, General George and Martha Washington.

Learn more and stay up to date on the parade and other celebration activities at 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.

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

Plan your Visit

Monday, January 20: All Historic Alexandria museums will be closed.

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

This Week in Alexandria's History

More from This Day in History

On January 16, 1947, the United Service Organization center on Cameron Street closed. Built during World War II, the USO center provided recreational and social activities for service members. The City of Alexandria later acquired the building for use by the Department of Recreation and today it's known as the Dr. Oswald Durant Memorial Center.

Upcoming Commission and Committee Events

Commissions Supporting Historic Alexandria

• January 15 Alexandria Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  8-9:15 a.m.

• January 15 Alexandria Archaeological Commission
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7 p.m.

• January 21 George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-8:30 p.m.

• January 21 Historic Alexandria Resources Commission
  City Hall - Room 1900 (First Floor), 301 King Street
  7-9 p.m.

• 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.

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