This Week in Historic Alexandria - June 8, 2026

june 8-14, 2026

What's New

FEATURED EVENT

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

Starting Friday, June 12, join us on the Alexandria waterfront for Sails on the Potomac and the 48th Annual ALX Jazz Fest. Friday through Sunday, explore historic tall ships-Gazela, Kalmar Nyckel, Providence, and Sultana-and enjoy family activities, educational programs, live music, art, and history as we celebrate Alexandria's role in the birth of our nation. Fireworks at Alexandria Waterfront, Saturday at 9 p.m.!

Festival Kick-Off Ceremony at the Old Waterfront Park Stage on Friday, June 12. Gather at 11:30 a.m. for the ceremony, which will take place from noon to 1 p.m. For more information: alexandriava.gov/Sails250.

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 (no class June 13 or July 4)
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.

Historic Happy Hours
The Wharf, 119 King Street
Thursday, June 11
5 - 7:30 p.m.
10% of proceeds from the evening will go towards supporting the 250th commemorations.

Unwind in Old Town at Historic Happy Hours while connecting with the work of Historic Alexandria as we mark the nation's 250th! Historic Alexandria staff will share recent research during the event.

For more information, visit Alexandriava.gov/America250.

Alexandria Community Cookouts
Fairlington Presbyterian Church, 3846 King Street
Thursday, June 11
6-7:30 p.m.
Free

Join us for the City of Alexandria Community Cookouts! A great time for neighbors and families to come together and connect with community resources. What began as a small departmental project has grown into a major community initiative. Today, more than 50 City agencies and nonprofit organizations participate in the cookouts. These events have reached and served over 20,000 residents and are now proudly supported by the City Manager's Office.

For more information and a list of upcoming Alexandria Community Cookouts, go to https://www.alexandriava.gov/rpca/alexandria-community-cookouts

Concert: Music of the American Revolution
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street
Thursday, June 18
7 p.m.
$20
Purchase tickets

Come celebrate the 250th anniversary of America's War for Independence with renowned music historians David & Ginger Hildebrand for performances of special period music. The Hildebrands will don period attire to discuss and perform music associated with Alexandria's sister cities: Caen, France; Dundee, Scotland; Helsingborg, Sweden; and Gyumri, Armenia. Scottish music was especially influential in the American colonies, and once the French joined the Revolutionary cause there were musical celebrations for Generals LaFayette, Rochambeau and other French leaders. This concert event is part of the "Alexandria commemorates America's 250" campaign. David & Ginger specialize in researching, recording, and performing early American music. Since 1980 they have presented concerts and educational programs throughout the country and abroad at museums, historic sites, schools and universities. Mount Vernon, The National Gallery of Art, The National Archives, and Colonial Williamsburg are among their many past sponsors.

Celebrate Juneteenth in 2026
Friday, June 19
10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Free

The City of Alexandria invites the public to commemorate Juneteenth 2026 and celebrate African American history and culture through a series of free, family-friendly events this June. Programs include a Memorial at Douglass Cemetery, concert by the Washington Revels Jubilee Voices, Pioneer Awards, Juneteenth Festival, and more! These programs reflect the City's commitment to honoring the resilience, achievements, and ongoing contributions of the Black community. For a complete schedule of events, visit https://www.alexandriava.gov/juneteenth

African American sites open for Juneteenth in Alexandria
Admission Charged / Free to Alexandria Residents

• Freedom House Museum - 1315 Duke Street
  open from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. - 703.746.4702
• Alexandria Black History Museum - 902 Wythe Street
  open from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. - 703.746.4356
  

Memorial at Douglass Cemetery
Douglass Cemetery, 1421 Wilkes Street, Alexandria, VA
Friday, June 19
10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Free

Kick-off Juneteenth with a Memorial at Douglass Cemetery. The Keynote speaker will be Dr. Elgin Klugh, a Professor and Chairperson in the Department of Applied Social and Political Sciences at Coppin State University. His research interests include heritage, cultural landscapes, community revitalization, and genealogy.

Specialty Tours: Tell Me Your Name
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Friday, June 19
10 a.m.
$8
Purchase Tickets

Join Carlyle House staff for a tour focusing on the experiences of the enslaved community at Carlyle House and his plantations. The guided tour will explore the historical context of slavery in 18th century Alexandria and the importance of ongoing research efforts. Reservations are required as space is limited. Tour will be offered at 10am. Reservations are required as space is limited.

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

Washington Revels Jubilee Voices Concert
Shiloh Baptist Church Worship Center, 1401 Jamieson Ave, Alexandria, VA
Friday, June 19
1-3 p.m.
Free

Join us for an afternoon of traditional African American spirituals, poetry, ring shouts, banjo tunes, stories, and lively audience participation.

During the concert the Revels will highlight 4 churches that were established during the Civil War. The churches are Shiloh Baptist Church, Beaulah Baptist Church, Zion Baptist Church and Third Baptist Church.

This special Juneteenth Concert is part of a collaboration between the Revels Jubilee Voices and the Division of African American History. Admission is Free!

Discovering Alexandria Architecture Walking Tour
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Saturday, June 20
10 a.m.
$20 per person
Purchase Tickets

Alexandria has grown from a small town in the 18th century to a bustling small city in the 21st century. Join us for a tour of Alexandria as we explore looking at the various Architecture styles that adorn the city streets and make it one of the best places to live and work.

Reservations are required as space is limited. All tours start at Carlyle House Historic Park. Please wear comfortable shoes for this 1.5 hour guided tour. Tour is held rain or shine unless there is severe weather.

Please call 703-549-2997 or email [email protected] for more information.

Community Open House - Celebrating America's 250th Birthday!
American Legion Post 24, 400 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA
Saturday, June 20
Noon - 8 p.m.
Free
Food available for purchase (Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie and Birthday Cake).

Celebrate America's 250th Birthday with American Legion Post 24. Hear Great American Stories from Local Patriots!

• Noon - 3 p.m. - Gettysburg Foundation presents Dr. James A. Christian- "Those Buried at Gettysburg and Their Stories"
• 3-4 p.m. - U.S. Navy CAPT (ret) Eugene "Red" McDaniel - POW at the Hanoi Hillon: Stories of Courage and Faith
• 4-5 p.m. - U.S. Air Force BG (ret) Harold "Buck" Adams - SR-71 Pilot, One of the Fastest Men Alive
  

The Perfect Figure for $1: Why the Past Was More Body Positive Than We Are
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco Street
Saturday, June 20
2 p.m.
$15 per person
Purchase tickets

Join fashion history expert Emma Rowland as she explores how 18th, 19th, and early 20th century dress culture approached body image very differently than we do now and what that history can tell us about the way we think about bodies today. From stays to flat-front corsets to the earliest ready-to-wear sizing charts, this lecture takes a fresh look at a familiar story.

Summer Solstice: Yoga Lee-Fendall Garden
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco Street
Sunday, June 21
8 a.m.
$30 per person
Purchase tickets

Start Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, with Yoga in Lee-Fendall Historic Garden (614 Oronoco St., just a block from Radiance studio), focusing on your connection with nature and the process of grounding yourself.

Radiance Yoga instructors will guide you through a series of poses suitable for all levels, leaving you refreshed and energized.

Bring your mat, water bottle, and a spirit ready for rejuvenation.

Reserve your spot in advance to explore the local history, wildlife sanctuary, and peaceful oasis which make this Garden to be Old Town's best kept secrets! Ticketing through Radiance Yoga.

Carlyle House: Self-Guided Sundays
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Sunday, June 21
Noon - 3 p.m.
$5 per person (children 5 and under are free)

On the third Sunday of every month, explore the first floor of Carlyle House at your own pace. Docents will be available throughout the house if you have questions. Tickets can only be purchased the day of in the museum shop.

Specialty Tour: Poisons at the Apothecary Museum
The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 South Fairfax Street
Sunday, June 21 through Sunday, July 12
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
$15 per person, Historic Alexandria Members: $12/person
Purchase tickets

Explore the sinister side of medicine during this one-hour guided tour examining historic poisons, their uses at the Apothecary, and what modern science tells us today. Recommended for adults. Please arrive a few minutes early to check in.

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. (Only 2 spots available!)
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.

Alexandria Historical Society Presents The American Revolution and the Fate of the World with Dr. Richard Bell
Wednesday, June 24
7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.)
Admission is $5 for non-members and free for members.
Learn more

The Alexandria Historical Society will host award-winning historian Dr. Richard Bell for a lecture, The American Revolution and the Fate of the World, on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 7 p.m. at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street, Alexandria. As Alexandria and the nation approach the 250th anniversary of American independence, Dr. Bell's presentation will offer a timely and thought-provoking look at the global consequences of the American Revolution and its impact far beyond the thirteen colonies.

Conversational Tour: America250-Who We Remember
Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N Royal Street
Friday, June 26 through Friday, July 17
5 p.m.
$15 per person, Historic Alexandria Members: $12/person
Purchase tickets.

Kick-off the weekend with a conversational tour that uses the history of Gadsby's Tavern Museum to reflect on who we remember in history and why. Participants will build connections with each other as well as between past and present. Option to purchase water, soda, or locally crafted beer or hard cider available upon arrival.

9th Annual Alexandria Pride Festival
John Carlyle Square Park
Saturday, June 27
2-6 p.m.
Free

The Alexandria LGBTQIA+ Task Force invites you to the 9th Annual Alexandria Pride Fair! Enjoy live music, DJ, LGBTQ+ story time, 100 exhibitors, food trucks, health services, mobile art lab, dancing, the annual reading of the Pride Proclamation by City Council members, and more! All ages welcome!

For more information, visit the Task Force's homepage.

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.

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.

Alexandria Archaeological Commission Now Accepting Nominations for Brenman Award​

The Alexandria Archaeological Commission (AAC) is now accepting nominations for the Bernard "Ben" Brenman Archaeology in Alexandria Award. The AAC established this award to celebrate the contributions of the late Ben Brenman, who devoted himself to finding, preserving, and sharing Alexandria's rich and diverse heritage. Brenman was a founding member of the AAC, a City of Alexandria commission that was the first of its kind established in the United States, and served as its chair for 21 years.

The Brenman Award, established in 2007, is open to businesses, organizations, families, professional preservationists, volunteers, students, and other individuals who have demonstrated work or efforts in archaeological investigation, research, site protection, education, public interpretation, open space design, collections, or conservation. Nomination forms are available at alexandriava.gov/archaeology/ben-brenman-award-for-archaeology or by calling the Alexandria Archaeology Museum at 703.746.4399. The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, July 1.

Ben Brenman Awards are presented during Virginia Archaeology Month in October and are announced by Alexandria City Council proclamation at a City Council meeting.

Recent recipients of the Brenman Award include: Carr Properties, Marian Van Landingham, Archaeology Summer Camp counselors, EYA RTS Construction, LLC, AECOM, Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory, African American Heritage Trail Committee, Eagle Scout Griffin Burchard, the Fort Ward Interpretive Committee, community historian McArthur Myers, retired City Archaeologist Francine Bromberg, preservation advocate S. Kathleen Pepper, volunteer Anna Lynch, and preservation advocate Bill Dickinson. Past winners include: archaeologists, educators, grassroots organizations, cultural resource management firms, Alexandria residents, former Alexandria Archaeological Commission members, historians, developers, and generous donors.

For a complete list of past Award recipients and details, please go to the AAC website.

Appointed by City Council, the 15-member AAC develops goals and priorities for Alexandria's archaeological heritage. The commission works closely with residents, government agencies, developers, and teachers to promote archaeology in the city.

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
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. - 7 p.m.;* Sundays & Mondays 1 - 5 p.m.

*Extended Saturday hours at the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum every Saturday in June and July, giving visitors additional time to explore one of Alexandria's most unique historic sites.

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 the morning of June 14, 1906, 18 year-old aviator Lincoln J. Beachey, nicknamed "The Man Who Owns the Sky," ascended from Luna Park at the north end of the city and sailed over Alexandria in an airship built by Ray Knabenshue. Similar to the airship flown by Knabenshue a year earlier at the St. Louis World's Fair, the airship flight startled Senators and Congressmen at the U.S. Capitol, who left committee meetings and crowded balconies and terraces to get a view of the aerial flight over Washington. After completing two complete trips around the Washington Monument, at a height of about 400 feet, Beachey returned the airship to Alexandria, completing the one-hour flight.

Upcoming Commission and Committee Events

Commissions Supporting Historic Alexandria

• June 9 Sister Cities Committee 250th Planning Sub-Committee
  Lily's Chocolate and Coffee, 631 King Street
  6 p.m.

• June 9 Committee of Inquiry Research Team
  Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street
  7 - 8:30 p.m.

• June 10 Alexandria Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission (AHRPC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  8-9:30 a.m.

• June 10 Alexandria Community Remembrance Project Steering Committee
  Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street
  5:30 p.m.

• June 16 Historic Alexandria Resources Commission (HARC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-9 p.m.

• June 22 George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee (GWBCC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-8:30 p.m.

• June 27 Alexandria Archaeological Commission (AAC)
  Freedom House Museum, 1315 Duke Street
  6:30 p.m.