08/12/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/13/2026 01:13
Historic Alexandria will host the Alexandria Forum on Friday, September 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street. This day-long Forum, "Nothing But Independence," will explore Alexandria and Northern Virginia during the Revolutionary War and how these moments in time continue to reverberate through today.
The American Revolution in Virginia was more than a war - it was a Revolution of Ideas that continues today. From the creation of the Fairfax Resolves to the hometown of George Washington, Alexandria and this region played a unique role in the birth of the new nation. The Alexandria Forum, in partnership with Emerging Revolutionary War, will feature lectures by historians and researchers. The Forum will end with a reception at the museum. Purchase your ticket
8:30 a.m.
Doors open
9 a.m.
Welcome
The 25 Who Signed: Researching the Fairfax Resolves Signers
Kerry Mitchell, Historic Site Specialist at Carlyle House Historic Park
Break
A Tory in Old Town, The Revolutionary War Journal of Nicholas Cresswell
Ken Bancroft, public historian
11:30 a.m.
Lunch in Old Town Alexandria
1:30 p.m.
Alexandria City Hall, Market Square, and Slavery
Greg Beaman
For the first time, Greg Beaman will present his research on the history of Alexandria's Market Square, including its role as the seat of local government, a key economic hub, and a space of enslavement and racial oppression. His research was funded by a Commonwealth History Fund grant from the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. The City Hall, Market Square, and Slavery Documentary Study and accompanying StoryMaps are available online at alexandriava.gov/go/7216.
Break
Prelude to Yorktown: Lafayette and the 1781 Virginia Campaign
Dr. John Maass, Education Specialist at the National Museum of the United States Army
Concluding Remarks
4 p.m.
Reception at The Lyceum
Tickets are $60 per person, $40 for Office of Historic Alexandria members and students. Purchase your ticket at Alexandriava.gov/Shop.
After the Forum, join us at Gadsby's Tavern Museum's Tavern Game Night! Game night includes historic tavern games, a brief presentation, and trivia. You'll also be able to enjoy a beer or cider and light snacks! Cost is $10 - and Forum attendees will receive one free drink! Game night starts at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance.
For more information about the Alexandria Forum, visit Alexandriava.gov/AlexandriaForum.
About the Office of Historic Alexandria
The Office of Historic Alexandria preserves and shares the history of the City of Alexandria with eight museums, historic sites, archives, archaeology, tours, exhibits, and public programs. Through powerful storytelling and confronting the City's past, Historic Alexandria enriches the present and inspires the future. We enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors and serve as a partner in the City's equity and inclusion initiatives. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/Historic.
For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Nicole Quinn at [email protected] or call 703.746.4554, Virginia Relay 711.
If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you, please email [email protected] or call 703-746-3960.