This Week in Historic Alexandria - March 16, 2026

march 16-22, 2026

What's New

FEATURED EVENT

Tavern Games Night: To Lafayette! A Franco-American Game Night
Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N Royal Street
Friday, March 27
7 p.m.
$10 per person
Purchase tickets.

Join us for our Game Night, featuring tavern games and a brief themed presentation and pub trivia around 7:30 p.m. Cash bar available during the event. The theme for March 27 is To Lafayette! A Franco-American Game Night, in partnership with the Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee.

Please note this event takes place up one flight of stairs in the historic Ballroom of Gadsby's Tavern Museum.

Alexandria Archaeology Summer Camp - Registration Now Open!
Alexandria Archaeology Summer Camp
Monday - Friday, June 22-26
9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Ages 13 - 15
$400, with scholarships available, purchase tickets.
Registration is limited; apply here.

Help City archaeologists excavate a real archaeological site and preserve Alexandria's historic resources! Campers, ages 13 - 15, will learn scientific excavating and artifact processing methods.

Registration is limited and applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. The week-long camp is $400 with scholarships available. Sign up by first making a payment for the camp at The Alexandria Shop or by calling 703.746.4399, and then sending in an application online or picking up forms from the Alexandria Archaeology Museum, 105 N Union St., #327. Refunds cannot be made after May 1, 2026. Camper space is not guaranteed until payment is made.

Upcoming Events

View the Historic Alexandria Calendar

Discovering Alexandria Architecture Walking Tour
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Saturday, March 21
10 a.m.
$20 per person
Registration is full. Join the Waiting List

Alexandria Women's History Walk
221 King Street, in the garden of the Visitor's Center
Saturday, March 21
Noon - 2 p.m.
Free
Click here to RSVP.

Join Alexandria Celebrates Women for a monthly walking tour highlighting Alexandria's heroines of the past. As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, Alexandria Celebrates Women!

Did you know Alexandria was home to one of the most revered female fundraisers of the American Revolution, or that President Woodrow Wilson sent an Alexandria woman on a mission aboard a U.S. battleship?

If you have wondered how women helped put our city on the map, now is your chance to learn about them. Join ACW Vice President Gayle Converse on a three-mile trek through the city, while making brief outdoor stops at historic sites associated with women to discuss Alexandria's heroines of the past and the history of each site. Participants are welcome to join all or any portion of the Walk.

Specialty Tour: Women in Medicine
The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 S Fairfax Street
Sunday, March 22
11 a.m.- noon
$15 per person, Historic Alexandria Members: $12/person
Reserve tickets.

While men often take the spotlight, women have always shaped the practice of medicine. This tour will explore many objects in the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum used by women from the late 18th through early 20th centuries, as well as the women's influence on medicine in Alexandria and the wider world during this period.

Saving America's Past: Women in Preservation
Lecture with Public Historian Amanda Roper
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S Washington Street
Wednesday, March 25
7 p.m.
Tickets $5/ Free for AHS members.
Learn more

The Alexandria Historical Society (AHS) invites the public to a lecture titled "Saving America's Past: Women in Preservation," presented by public historian Amanda Roper on Wednesday, March 25 at 7:00 PM at The Lyceum, Alexandria's History Museum. Doors open at 6:30 PM, and light refreshments will be available.

This illustrated talk explores the significant and evolving role women have played in the historic preservation movement, particularly through the creation and stewardship of house museums. In the decades following America's founding, women helped shape how the nation remembers its past by leading efforts to preserve important historic sites. The program will highlight influential figures, key preservation moments, and notable properties, with special attention to Alexandria area sites including Mount Vernon and the Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House.

New Exhibition Opens - Women in Business: We Were Always Here
Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N Royal Street
Opens Thursday, March 26
Included with cost of admission

Gadsby's Tavern Museum, which includes a 1785 and a 1792 tavern building, was named after John Gadsby, a male tavernkeeper during the early years of our nation's founding. But while he was operating the 1792 tavern, Hannah Griffith was operating the 1785 tavern. Female tavern keepers were common, and Griffith's story reminds us that the idea of female entrepreneurs isn't a new one. Her story also highlights how the American Revolution continued to shape lives in personal and sometimes surprising ways even years later.

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.

LAST CHANCE: Specialty Tour: Fort Ward & Lewis Cass White
Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site, 4301 West Braddock Rd.
Saturday, March 28
10 a.m.
$15, $12 Historic Alexandria Members
Purchase tickets.

Come explore the special exhibition, "Lewis Cass White: Preserving the Legacy of Fort Stevens," at Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site. The exhibition highlights the efforts of a Civil War veteran to recognize and preserve the site of Fort Stevens, where the only battle in the Defenses of Washington occurred. Personal accounts, documents, photographs, and veterans' memorabilia are featured to tell this inspiring story. Then head outside to tour the earthwork remains and fully restored Northwest bastion of Fort Ward, the best preserved of the Union forts that comprised the historic defense system. Please be sure to arrive 5 minutes before tour time. Wear appropriate shoes for walking on the earthwork fort. This is the last chance for this tour before the exhibit closes!

Easter Egg Hunt #1
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco Street
Saturday, March 28
11a.m. - 4 p.m.
$15 per participating child. Accompanying adults are $5 each and infants under 2 are free.
Reserve tickets

Celebrate Easter in the Lee-Fendall garden with our popular annual egg hunt! In this family-friendly event, collect Easter eggs all around the Lee-Fendall garden during our popular annual egg hunt! Sessions also include crafts, games, a cupcake walk, special gift shop deals, and a visit from the Easter Bunny.

Sessions are offered on Saturday, March 28th at 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM.

Attendance is limited and reservations MUST be made in advance. Be sure to bring your own basket.

Homeschool Day: Life in the 18th Century
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Saturday, March 28
Noon - 3 p.m.
$10 per child, $5 for pre-k aged children, Parents/Chaperones free
Learn more

The Carlyle House is hosting a special event for homeschool children and their families. Come to visit us to learn about colonial life in the 18th century. We will have a variety of hands-on crafts and activities for children, targeting ages K-5. This program requires 1-1.5 to complete. Groups do not need to arrive at 12 pm. However, groups should arrive before 1:30 to complete all activities.

It's recommended that children bring a bag to carry crafts. This program is outdoors and will take place rain or shine. Please dress for the weather. This program is non-refundable unless the museum cancels the program.

Capacity is limited. If capacity is reached, a waitlist will be created. To register and pay for this special program, Homeschool leaders should email [email protected] or call 703-549-2997.

Specialty Tour: Outlandish Apothecary
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 South Fairfax Street
Sunday, March 29
11 a.m. - noon
$15 per person/$12 for Historic Alexandria Members
Purchase tickets.

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 tour also touches on the role of apothecaries and women in medicine in the 18th century. Recommended for ages 18 and up. Tour is 11 a.m.-noon. Please note the tour involves ascending and descending stairs.

Trivia Night at Historic Sites-Wrong Answers Only
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Wednesday, April 1
6 - 8 p.m.
$20 per person
Purchase Tickets

Have you ever gone to Trivia and the Trivia questions were so nit picky or hard that you just write whatever pops in your head? In honor of April Fools, join Carlyle House and Lee-Fendall House for their first ever Wrong Answers Only Trivia Night. Special guest judges will give out points for the most creative wrong answers and the team with the most points at the end of the night wins a special prize. Ticket price includes snacks and two mocktail tickets, additional mocktails will be available for purchase.

Registration must be done in advance. Limited capacity so register early! Teams are limited to 6 people. No alcohol is allowed at this program due to space restrictions. Trivia will be held in the Bank of Alexandria Building with check-in at the Carlyle House. Tickets are non-refundable unless the museum cancels the program.

Guest judges are:

1. Amy Rutherford (Penny Post)
2. Kristin Cowan (Mount Purrnon)
3. Adam Patterson (Mount Purrnon)
4. Castiel the Cat (Special Appearance - Mount Purrnon)

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

Easter Egg Hunt #2
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco Street
Saturday, April 4
11a.m. - 4 p.m.
$15 per participating child. Accompanying adults are $5 each and infants under 2 are free.
Purchase Tickets

Celebrate Easter in the Lee-Fendall garden with our popular annual egg hunt! In this family-friendly event, collect Easter eggs all around the Lee-Fendall garden during our popular annual egg hunt! Sessions also include crafts, games, a cupcake walk, special gift shop deals, and a visit from the Easter Bunny.

Sessions are offered on Saturday, April 4th at 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM.

Attendance is limited and reservations MUST be made in advance. Be sure to bring your own basket.

Specialty Tour: Poisons at the Apothecary Museum
The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 S Fairfax Street
Saturdays, April 4, April 11 and April 18
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
$15 per person, Historic Alexandria Members: $12/person
Reserve tickets.

Explore the sinister side of medicine on the Apothecary Museum's Poisons Tour. This one-hour tour explores several different types of poisons, their historic uses at the Apothecary, and what we know today. Recommended for adults.

Historic Happy Hours
Vola's Dockside Grill, 101 North Union Street
Thursday, April 9
5-7:30 p.m.

Join us for Historic Happy Hours to learn more about the research taking place in Historic Alexandria. 10% of all checks will benefit Historic Alexandria and America250 events.

Upcoming Historic Happy Hours:

April 9 - Vola's Dockside Grill, 101 North Union Street
Presentation topic: 1814 :A Tale of Two Cities, Two Men, and One Song

May 14 - O'Connell's Irish Pub, 112 King Street

June 11 - The Wharf, 119 King Street

Grown-Up Field Trip: Archaeology Museum
Hayti: Uncovering an African American Neighborhood at the Alexandria Archaeology Museum
Alexandria Archaeology Museum, 105 N. Union St.
Suite #327
Friday, April 10
6:30 - 8 p.m.
$15 per person, Historic Alexandria Members: $12/person
Purchase tickets.

For the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, venture out on a four-part field trip series for adults highlighting African American history around Alexandria. Explore objects and primary sources, dive into conversations, and be ready to be hands-on as you learn more about Alexandria and American history. All field trips are based on ones offered to school-age children, but with extra time, so we can go even deeper!

The Alexandria Forum: Nothing But Independence is being rescheduled to the fall. Visit alexandriava.gov/historic for updates.

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
Next open on Saturday, April 4, 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. - 5 p.m.; Sundays & Mondays 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.

New Exhibit: Union Navy Exhibition 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. 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 March 21, 1813, a group of representatives from Alexandria met with Secretary of War James Armstrong in Washington requesting that arms be provided to protect the southern approaches to the nation's capital from a possible British invasion during the War of 1812. Although newly appointed to the post by President James Madison, Armstrong was convinced that enemy forces would not attack the city; therefore he took few steps to support the Alexandria appeal. Alexandria's Common Council lent the federal government $35,000, obtained through bank loans, to improve fortifications and defenses southward along the Potomac. A year and a half later, after the burning of Washington and surrender of Alexandria to the enemy, Armstrong was forced to resign.

Upcoming Commission and Committee Events

Commissions Supporting Historic Alexandria

• March 18 Alexandria Archaeological Commission
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-9 p.m.

• March 23 Sister Cities Committee (SCC) - Dundee and Helsingborg
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-8:30 p.m.

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

• April 8 Alexandria Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission (AHRPC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  8 a.m.

• April 20 George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee (GWBCC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-8:30 p.m.

• April 21 Historic Alexandria Resources Commission
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-9 p.m.