This Week in Historic Alexandria - May 18, 2026

may 18-24, 2026

What's New

FEATURED EVENT

D-Day Reenactors

Alexandria To Hold 82nd Anniversary D-Day Commemoration in John Carlyle Square

The City of Alexandria will once again honor the heroes of D-Day with two special events marking the 82nd anniversary of the Allied invasion of Normandy. Hosted by the Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee, the 16th Annual D-Day Commemoration and a special lecture by Rear Admiral Samuel Cox, U.S. Navy (Ret.), Director of the Naval History and Heritage Command.

The 16th Annual D-Day Commemoration will take place on Sunday, May 31 from 1 - 4 p.m. at John Carlyle Square (300 John Carlyle St.). The event has moved from Market Square due to ongoing construction at City Hall.

This free, family-friendly event will bring the spirit of the 1940s to life with:

• World War II reenactors and historical displays
• Live 1940s jazz music and swing dancing
• Children's activities and educational exhibits
• A commemorative ceremony featuring special guests and local officials, including representatives from the U.S. Armed services and Allied countries

Lecture: Operations Tiger and Neptune - D-Day at Sea

Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street
Thursday, June 4
7 p.m.
Admission is $15 per person and $10 for Historic Alexandria members.
Purchase Tickets

The lecture, "Operation Tiger and Neptune - D-Day at Sea" by Rear Admiral Samuel Cox, US Navy (Ret.) and Director of the Naval History and Heritage Command, will explore the strategic, historical, and human dimensions of D-Day and the Allied campaign in Normandy. A brief reception with refreshments will follow the lecture. Sponsored by the Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee.

Upcoming Events

View the Historic Alexandria Calendar

Yoga on the Magnolia Terrace
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
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. Tickets are non-refundable unless class is cancelled by the museum.

Preservation Tours: Lost Buildings of Alexandria Urban Renewal
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Saturday, May 23
10 a.m. - Noon
$20 (7 openings remaining)
Purchase Tickets

In honor of National Preservation Month, join Carlyle House on a tour of "Lost Alexandria." Urban renewal projects across the country took place starting in the 1950s, where government and private initiatives aimed at addressing urban decay, upgrading infrastructure, and revitalizing city neighborhoods. In the 1960s, the Gadsby Commercial Urban Renewal Project changed and demolished portions of multiple blocks including the 300-500 block of King Street.

During May's Preservation Tours, tour guides will lead groups through the south side of the 300-500 blocks of King Street and parts of the 100 blocks of N. Fairfax, N. Royal, & N. Pitt Streets to discuss what had been here, why they were destroyed, and how that impacted Alexandria.

Specialty Tour: Peeling Back the Layers-Behind the Scenes
Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N Royal Street
Saturday, May 23 (10 spaces remaining) and May 30 (SOLD OUT)
11 a.m.
$15 per person, Historic Alexandria Members: $12/person
Purchase tickets.

Explore Gadsby's Tavern Museum top to bottom, including spaces rarely opened to the public, and understand how the buildings have changed over time. Wear comfortable shoes and bring your camera! Please note this tour involves ascending and descending multiple sets of stairs, including into the rarely on view fourth floor, complete with historic graffiti!

They Lived Here Too: Work and Slavery at Lee-Fendall
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco Street
Saturday, May 23
11 a.m. - Noon
$15
Reserve 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 House
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Saturday, May 23
1:30 - 3 p.m.
$8 per person
Reserve Tickets (6 openings remaining)

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 experts in an in depth exploration of the changes the architects made using photographs and artifacts.

Yellow Fever: Impact on American History
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco Street
Saturday, May 23
2-3 p.m.
$15
Reserve tickets

Visit the Lee-Fendall House on Saturday, May 23rd for a fascinating lecture presented by Dr. Mary Dianne Murphy, Lee-Fendall Board of Directors member. This presentation will discuss the Yellow Fever and throughout American History.

Lecture: Shipwreck on the Potomac: Disaster in Pursuit of Lincoln's Killer
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street
Wednesday, May 27
7 p.m.
Admission is $5 for non-members and free for members.
Learn more

The Alexandria Historical Society will host author Karen E. Stone for a lecture on her book, Shipwreck on the Potomac: Disaster in Pursuit of Lincoln's Killer. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and light refreshments will be available.

Stone's talk will explore the little-remembered Black Diamond disaster of April 1865, a tragic Potomac River collision that occurred during the pursuit of John Wilkes Booth following Lincoln's assassination.

The Alexandria Historical Society promotes the history of Alexandria, Virginia, through lectures, tours, publications, and public programs that connect the community with the city's past.

Specialty Tour: Women in Medicine
The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 South Fairfax Street
Friday, May 29
5 - 6 p.m.
$15 per person, Historic Alexandria Members: $12/person
Purchase 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.

Please note the tour involves ascending and descending stairs.

Clara Barton & The Missing Soldiers Office
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco Street
Saturday, May 30
2 - 3 p.m.
$15 per person, Historic Alexandria Members: $12/person
Purchase tickets

Madeleine Thompson will be highlighting the remarkable discovery of the Missing Soldiers Office, operated from 1865-1868 by Clara Barton.\

This discussion will explore Barton's life, her pivotal role during the Civil War, her efforts in identifying missing soldiers, and the impact of her work on humanitarian efforts. Additionally, Madeleine will shed light on the preservation process that brought this once-forgotten site to its current life as a museum.

Madeleine Thompson is the Site Administrator of the Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office Museum, part of the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, in Washington, D.C.

Traditional Concert Series at The Lyceum - Caitlin Warbelow and Chris Ranney
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street
Monday, June 1
7 - 9 p.m.
$35/$15 ages 12-17
Purchase tickets

Fiddler Caitlin Warbelow and pianist and accordionist Chris Ranney in concert at the Historic Lyceum.

Caitlin Warbelow hails from a family of entrepreneurs and bush pilots in Alaska and for the last seven years served as the violinist/fiddler in the original Broadway cast of the Tony Award-winning and Grammy Award-nominated musical, Come From Away. When not on Broadway, Caitlin performs and tours as a solo artist and with numerous ensembles, including Grammy Award-nominated Cherish the Ladies, Riverdance's Heartbeat of Home, Sting's Broadway musical "The Last Ship", The Alt, Mick Moloney and the Green Fields of America, Michael Londra & Celtic Fire, Trinity Dance Company, and the Cathie Ryan Band, among many others.

Chris Ranney grew up in the state of Washington and has studied piano since age six. His skills as a pianist, musical director, and conductor have led him to perform on stages all over the United States, including seven years as the Associate Conductor and Musical Director of the Tony Award-winning and Grammy Award-nominated Broadway musical "Come From Away" in New York City. Chris has performed at festivals around the US, including the O'Flaherty Irish Music Retreat, the Alaska Folk Festival, and the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival, among others.

City of Alexandria to Host Sails on the Potomac and ALX Jazz Fest, June 12-14

Sails on the Potomac is a free community event from June 12 to 14. You can view and tour historic tall ships, including the Gazela, Kalmar Nyckel, Providence, and Sultana. Join us for family activities, art, and history as we recognize Alexandria's role in the birth of our nation.

Ship Tours and Tickets

You can tour the ships for free while they are docked in Alexandria. Everyone, (including children) needs a free timed ticket. Reserve your tickets online in advance at alexandriava.gov/Sails250.

A walk-up line will be available, but entry is not guaranteed without a ticket.

Experience ALX Jazz Fest During Sails on the Potomac

As part of Sails on the Potomac, the annual ALX Jazz Fest will celebrate its 48th year! Three days of music kicks off on Friday, June 12 at noon. Admission to the Festival is free!

Celebrate three days of live music at the Alexandria Waterfront as the ALX Jazz Fest expands for its 48th year as part of Sails on the Potomac.

Volunteer at the Event Ship Tours and Tickets

We will be hosting thousands of people this weekend and need your help! Sign up to volunteer to receive more information and select volunteer shifts.

Historic Alexandria is encouraging residents and businesses to show their local 250th spirit by adorning their gardens with Alexandria's very own America250 garden flag and joining the citywide Plant for America250 initiative.

Purchase Alexandria's America250 garden flag online in the Historic Alexandria Shop.

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 here: https://www.alexandriava.gov/America250#PlantforAmerica250

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

Monday, May 25: Gadsby's Tavern Museum and the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum will be open 1 to 5 p.m. All other 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
Thursdays & Fridays, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sundays, 1 - 5 p.m.

Friendship Firehouse Museum
Saturday, June 13, 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: Civil War Music - Now open

Fort Ward Museum (4301 W Braddock Rd.) in Alexandria opened a new exhibit, "Buglers & Brass Bands: Soldier Musicians in the Civil War" on May 16, 2026. The exhibit 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.

New Exhibit: Women in Business: We Were Always Here - Now open

Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N Royal Street
Visit the Historic Alexandria website or see below for museum hours.
Included with cost of admission
Adults: $5, Children (ages 5-12): $3, Children four and under are free with a paying adult. Admission is free for City of Alexandria residents.

Gadsby'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" - 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.

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 May 22, 1802, Martha Dandridge Custis Washington, wife of the nation's first president, died of a severe fever at age 70 in the small, third-floor bed-chamber at Mount Vernon. She had moved into this room after her husband's death in 1799. In the extended period of her bereavement, her health declined steadily, leading a visitor to Mount Vernon in 1801 to remark, "She speaks of death as a pleasant journey." Although technically America's first "First Lady," that term was not in presidential jargon at the time George Washington served as Commander in Chief. Instead, she was referred to simply as "Lady Washington." She was interred beside the "Father of Our County" on the grounds of the estate.

Upcoming Commission and Committee Events

Commissions Supporting Historic Alexandria

• May 18 George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee (GWBCC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-8:30 p.m.

• May 19 Historic Alexandria Resources Commission
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-9 p.m.

• May 20 Alexandria Archaeological Commission
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7 p.m.

• May 21 Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee (ACSCC) D-Day Subcommittee
  Virtual meeting
  7-9 p.m.

• May 26 Alexandria Sister Cities Committee - Dundee, Scotland and Helsingborg, Sweden
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-8:30 p.m.