This Week in Historic Alexandria - July 20, 2026

july 20-26, 2026

What's New

FEATURED EVENT

Specialty Tour: Magical Apothecary

The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 S. Fairfax Street
July 31, 10 a.m. & 4:30 p.m.
August 2, 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
$15 per person, Historic Alexandria Members: $12/person
Purchase Tickets

Learn about the historical botanical science that inspires our pop-culture concepts of potions and magic on a tour of this 19th-century apothecary. Includes making your own magical potion! Recommended for ages 8 and up. Children must be accompanied by a ticket-holding adult.

Upcoming Events

View the Historic Alexandria Calendar

Yoga on the Magnolia Terrace
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
July 21 - October 22
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.

Trivia Night at Historic Sites
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Friday, July 24
7 p.m.
$15 per person (includes snacks and mocktails)
Purchase Tickets

Staff at Carlyle House Historic Park host bi-weekly trivia nights throughout the summer in the beautiful Carlyle House gardens. Test your knowledge on everything from pop culture to history! July's theme is "mystery literature," with prizes awarded to the winning team each week and a grand prize for the team that earns the most points over the summer.

Advance registration is required. Capacity is limited, so register early! Teams are limited to 6 people. No outside alcohol is permitted.

Specialty Tour: Civil War Medicine
Fort Ward Museum, 4301 West Braddock Rd.
Saturday, July 25
10-11 a.m.
$15 per person, Historic Alexandria Members: $12/person
Purchase Tickets

Medicine in the Civil War isn't all just amputations and dysentery! Come explore the wild world of medicine in the 1860s at Fort Ward Museum. The 1-hour tour will include a brief background of Alexandria's role in medicine during the war and a deeper dive into medicine in both the field and hospitals. The tour will also include a look at artifacts not currently on display! Don't worry about the heat--this tour is indoors.

They Lived Here Too: Work and Slavery at Lee-Fendall
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco St.
Saturday, July 25
10:30 a.m.
$15/person
Purchase 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
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax St.
Saturday, July 25
1:30-3 p.m.
$8 per person
Purchase Tickets

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

1776 Sing-Along & Discussion
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
Saturday, July 25
7 - 9:30 p.m.
$10
Purchase Tickets

In partnership with Emerging Revolutionary War, join us for a fun sing-a-long and panel discussion of 1776 (1972). This ground-breaking movie written by a history teacher, inspired Hamilton and provides insight into people and politics of the 18th and 20th centuries.

Due to the movie's run time, we will be fast forwarding through certain sections to facilitate discussion. We suggest watching the movie on your own before attending the program. Snacks and drinks (alcoholic and nonalcoholic) will be available for purchase.

Family Day with Jr. Docents
Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Sundays, July 26 through the summer
2-5 p.m.
Included in regular admission

Every Sunday afternoon this summer, guests can learn from and be inspired by the museum's Jr. Docents--students 4th grade and older. In addition to stationed tours, Jr. Docents offer additional hands-on activities and a chocolate-making demonstration.

Alexandria Digital History Museum Launch Party
The Athenaeum, 201 Prince Street, Alexandria
Tuesday, July 28
7 p.m.
Free, RSVP here to our Athenaeum Co-Host

The launch party will introduce the Alexandria Digital History Museum, a new online resource created to share the stories of Alexandria's people, places, and past with all those interested in the city's history. The evening will feature a panel of Alexandria historians and archaeologists who will discuss their work researching, interpreting, and sharing the Port City's history. Panelists will reflect on the stories that have stood out to them, the challenges and rewards of public history, and the importance of preserving and presenting Alexandria's past for broad public audiences. Refreshments will be served.

Traditional Music at The Lyceum
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
Friday, July 31
7:30 p.m.
$40 per person, $15/person for ages 12-17
Purchase Tickets

John Doyle returns to the Lyceum with traditional songs and those he has composed. John Doyle performs songs from his new album: Free by Nature: Songs of the Irish in the American Revolution. Name many of the most notable recordings and/or performers in Irish music and it's a fair bet that John Doyle had something to do with them. Liz Carroll; Eileen Ivers; Karan Casey; Solas; Michael Black; Mary Black; the trio of McCusker, McGoldrick and Doyle; The Teetotalers (Martin Hayes, Kevin Crawford, John Doyle); and now Usher's Island (Andy Irvine, Donal Lunny, Mike McGoldrick, Paddy Glackin and John Doyle) - a vertible who's who of the greatest names in Irish music. These are just a very few of the stellar artists for whom John Doyle's signature guitar sound, singing or songwriting is essential.

From a musical family in Dublin, John's influences include well known English folk singers Nic Jones, Martin Carthy, Richard Thompson, and The Watersons; Scottish singers Dick Gaughan and John Martin; and fellow Irishmen Paul Brady and Al O'Donnell as well as his father, Sean Doyle - probably the biggest influence of all.

The Annual Friendship Firehouse Festival
100 block of South Alfred Street
Saturday, August 1
9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Admission to the festival and the Friendship Firehouse Museum is free during festival hours!

Presented by the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association in partnership with Historic Alexandria, this free, family-friendly festival brings neighbors and visitors together in front of the historic Friendship Firehouse Museum for a lively celebration of Alexandria's firefighting heritage, public service and vibrant local community. The festival includes fire trucks, live music, local vendors, food and beverages, children's activities and community exhibits along with free admission to the Friendship Firehouse Museum.

Historic Happy Hours
Josephine's Brasserie and Bar, 109 South Saint Asaph St.
Thursday, August 6
5 - 7 p.m.
Free

Join us for Historic Happy Hours as we deep dive into history in a fun setting throughout the city! . Join us on Thursday, August 6 at Josephine's Restaurant,119 King St, Alexandria, VA. 10% of all checks will benefit Historic Alexandria and America250 events.

For more information, visit Alexandriava.gov/America250.

Historic Alexandria is encouraging residents and businesses to show their local 250th spirit by 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.

Another Successful Alexandria Archaeology Summer Camp!

This summer, aspiring archaeologists ages 13-15 had the unique opportunity to work alongside Alexandria's City archaeologists during the 2026 Alexandria Archaeology Summer Camp. Campers learned professional excavation, recording, and artifact processing methods while helping uncover Alexandria's buried past at a real archaeological site. Thank you to everyone who participated in another memorable week of hands-on discovery and exploration!

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, August 1, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. as part of the Friendship Firehouse Festival

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: Stories of U.S.: Collections Capture Our History - Now open

A silver coffee pot, a family story, a business letter, or a photograph -- each provide a glimpse into the past. The Office of Historic Alexandria collects these items and memories to reflect our community and preserve the moments that define us. This exhibition, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, showcases recently acquired objects, many on view for the first time at the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum. These pieces provide a powerful, tangible connection to both our local history and national story..

New Exhibit: Buglers & Brass Bands: Soldier Musicians in the Civil War - Now open

Fort Ward opened a new exhibit on May 16, 2026 that 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.

Exhibit: Women in Business: We Were Always Here

Gadsby's Tavern Museum'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

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: Aboard Ship with the Jack-Tars of the Union Navy

A new exhibition at Fort Ward Museum opened October 2. 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 July 24, 1946, court approval was sought by the owners of the former residence of Dr. and Mrs. Hugh McGuire at 201 S. Washington Street to demolish the historic structure to make way for contemporary office development of the site. This action prompted a major citizen effort to preserve the structure, built in 1837 as a center for learning and knowledge known as The Lyceum. The original concept to build such a structure in Alexandria was led by local schoolmaster Benjamin Hallowell and, when finished, included the Alexandria library, exhibits of natural history and science, and a large lecture hall on the second floor. Today, the building houses Alexandria's History Museum at The Lyceum and is one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the city.

Upcoming Commission and Committee Events

Commissions Supporting Historic Alexandria

• July 20 George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee (GWBCC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-9 p.m.

• July 21 Historic Alexandria Resources Commission (HARC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-9 p.m.

• August 3 Public Records Advisory Commission (PRAC)
  Archives and Records Center, 801 south Payne street
  7:30 p.m.

• August 10 Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee Meeting
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7p.m.