This Week in Historic Alexandria - October 6, 2025

october 6-12, 2025

What's New

FEATURED EVENT

Union Navy Exhibition Opens 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 Federal Navy, which began as a small and unprepared force at the outbreak of the Civil War, quickly expanded to succeed in blockading over 3,500 miles of Confederate coastline, securing the South's major waterways, and engaging in a number of significant combat operations. By the end of the war in 1865, the U.S. Navy was the world's largest naval force and a key factor in the North's eventual victory.

The strength of the U.S. Navy would not have been possible without the service of the thousands of sailors, or "jack-tars," who manned the ships. A typical ship's crew included men and boys of various ages and ethnic backgrounds, including a significant number of Black seamen who served on integrated crews. The exhibition features examples of the tools, equipment, clothing articles, weapons and personal items used by Union sailors from Fort Ward Museum's Civil War collection. Major themes focus on naval dress, communications aboard ship, navigation, and weaponry used in combat. The exhibition includes a special profile on Commander James Harmon Ward, Fort Ward's namesake, who was the first Union Navy officer to die in the Civil War.

Fort Ward is the best preserved of the extensive system of Union forts that comprised the Civil War Defenses of Washington. Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site is located at 4301 West Braddock Road in the City of Alexandria. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/FortWard.

Upcoming Events

View the Historic Alexandria Calendar

Traditional Music Series Concert - Critton Hollow String Band
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
Friday, October 10
10-11:30 a.m.
$28, $10 for ages 17 and under
Purchase tickets

This concert features the Critton Hollow String Band. Since 1975, the Critton Hollow String Band has brought traditional American music to audiences throughout the United States, Canada, Japan, Ireland, and Scotland. With fiddle, hammer dulcimer, banjo, and guitar, the band tends a stable of songs from the first settlements of Appalachia to the best of contemporary American folk music. The three members of the band - Joe Herrmann, Sam Herrmann, and Joe Fallon - combine precise instrumentation, melodic interplay, and three part harmony to create a warm and engaging sound. Free snacks/beer and wind for sale. Your name will be on a check-in list at the door. Co-sponsored by the North American Morris Dance Organization and the Office of Historic Alexandria.

For more information, direct questions to [email protected].

Meet Us at the Market!

Old Town Farmer's Market -Become a Steward of Buried History
Saturday, October 11
7 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Market Square, 301 King Street

Celebrate Virginia Archaeology Month with Alexandria Archaeology! Talk with archaeologists about recent projects in the city.

For the full schedule of events and more information, visit alexandriava.gov/Archaeology.

Beyond the Battlefield: A Civil War Walking Tour of Alexandria
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco St.
Saturday, October 11
10-11:30 a.m.
$15
Purchase tickets

This walking tour shares the stories of soldiers, citizens, and self-liberated African Americans in Civil War Alexandria. It covers the military occupation, the conversion of public and private buildings into hospitals, and emancipation.

The tour is limited to 12 participants and lasts approximately an hour and a half. Walking tours take place rain or shine, so please wear appropriate shoes and clothing. Members of Lee-Fendall House are free but must call or email to make a reservation (703) 548-1789 or [email protected].

Civil War Hospital Tour
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco St.
Saturday, October 11
2-3 p.m.
$15
Purchase tickets

Learn how the Lee-Fendall House was confiscated during the Civil War and operated as a Union Army hospital. Explore what life was like in Union-occupied Alexandria, how the Lee-Fendall House witnessed medical history, and how political divisions impacted those living here.

The tour is limited to 12 participants. Members, please call the museum to reserve your ticket. Please e-mail [email protected] or call (703) 548-1789 with any questions.

Meet Us at the Market!

West End Farmer's Market - Preserving Historic Ships
Sunday, October 12
8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Ben Brenman Park, 4800 Ben Brenman Park Drive

Celebrate Virginia Archaeology Month with Alexandria Archaeology! Talk with archaeologists about recent projects in the city.

For the full schedule of events and more information, visit alexandriava.gov/Archaeology.

George Washington and Slavery Lecture
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
Tuesday, October 14
7 p.m.
$15, $12 for Historic Alexandria members
Purchase tickets

George Washington was the only Founder to present a plan to free his enslaved workers, but he lived with slavery and off slavery throughout his life. In this assessment of Washington and slavery, Professor Henriques attempts to examine the dilemma Washington (and the nation) faced and what his actions, or lack of actions, reveal about the man and the country he founded. After the lecture, a book signing will be held in the Museum Shop. Proceeds benefit the Historic Alexandria Museums.

Lecture: The Vikings at Home
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
Thursday, October 16
7 p.m.
$15, $12 for Historic Alexandria members
Purchase tickets

Join the Alexandria Sister Cities Committee and the Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee for lectures that connect Vikings to Alexandria's own sister cities. For the first lecture, Dr. Jennifer Paxton will explore the question, "Why did Scandinavians suddenly leave their homelands in large numbers to plunder and trade in distant territories?" Learn about the society that gave rise to the Vikings and explore new research about the early years of the Viking raids. Wine and dessert reception to follow the lecture.

Program: Death at City Hotel
Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Friday, October 17
7 p.m.
$35, $30 Historic Alexandria Members
Purchase tickets.

You might know some of Alexandria's famous ghost stories, but do you know the real story behind them? Compare ghost stories, including two associated with Gadsby's Tavern, with what actually happened, and "dig" into why these stories evolved into the tales told today. Ticket also includes making a paranormal (or is it?) communication pendulum tool and one drink ticket. Come ready to mingle and share your thoughts. These stories might reveal more about the present than the past…are you ready to find out?

Screams & Disease
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco St.
October 17, 18, 24, 25
Tours are offered every half hour starting at 7 p.m. with the last tour at 8:30 p.m. (7, 7:30, 8, 8:30 p.m.)
$15
Purchase tickets

Step back in time to when the Lee-Fendall House was the Grosvenor Branch Hospital, a Civil War hospital that was in operation from 1863-65. Many were admitted into this house. Many were treated. Many died. Learn what would have taken place in each of the rooms, where amputated limbs would be sent, soldier stories, and more. Do the ghosts of the surgeons, nurses, and soldiers still haunt the house today? Find out yourself this Halloween season.

Tickets are $15 and must be purchased in advance. The tour is limited to 12 participants. Tickets can also be purchased by calling (703) 548-1789 or emailing [email protected]. No walk-ups.

Enter if you dare.

Discovering Alexandria Architecture Walking Tour
Tour begins at Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 North Fairfax Street
Saturday, October 18
10 - 11:30 p.m.
$20 admission
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. Please wear comfortable shoes for this 1.5 hour guided tour. Tour is held rain or shine unless there is severe weather. This program is non-refundable unless the museum cancels the program.

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

Pumpkin Palooza
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco St.
Saturday, October 18
11-4 p.m.
$10 per adult and $5 per child (ages 2+). Children under 2 are admitted for free,
Purchase tickets

Celebrate spooky season at the Lee-Fendall House! Bring the whole family for an afternoon of fall-themed fun, treats, and learning. Garden doors open at 11:00 AM. An optional family-friendly house tour will be offered at 1 p.m. for an extra $5 per person.

All-Day Activities

• Historic home scavenger hunt - with prizes!
• Fall holidays educational table
• Face painting and arts & crafts
• Paint your very own pumpkins!
• Listen to ghost stories (family-friendly)
• Sweet treats & delicious drinks

• Questions? Please e-mail [email protected] or call the museum at 703-548-1789.

Specialty Tour: Outlandish Apothecary
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 South Fairfax Street
Sunday, October 19
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 arrive between 10:45-11:00 a.m. as the museum is not open to the public until 1 p.m. and the doors will be locked when the tour begins. Please note the tour involves ascending and descending stairs.

Slip into the Past at Art Safari
Alexandria Archaeology Museum, 105 N Union Street, 3rd floor
Saturday, October 25
12 - 4 p.m.
Free, no registration required

Experiment with 19th-century pottery slip designs, like marbling and dendritic patterns, and apply your own temporary tattoo in the style of transfer printed ceramic, while supplies last. This activity coincides with Art Safari at the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

For the full schedule of events and more information, visit alexandriava.gov/Archaeology.

Meet the Authors of "How to Kill a Witch"
Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
Saturday, October 25
3 p.m.
Free registration online.

The Alexandria Sister Cities Committee and the Scottish-American Women's Society of Washington, DC welcome you to meet Scottish authors Zoe Venditozzi and Claire Mitchell who will be presenting their new non-fiction history book "How to Kill a Witch." They will hold an exclusive talk followed by a Q&A session. You will have a chance to purchase the new book at the event. In "How to Kill a Witch," they unravel the grim yet absurdly bureaucratic process of identifying, accusing, trying, and executing women as witches. With sharp wit and keen feminist insight, they reveal the inner workings of a patriarchal system designed to weaponize fear and oppress women. This captivating (and often infuriating) account, which weaves a rich tapestry of trial transcripts, witness accounts, and the documents that set the legal grounds for the witch hunts, exposes how this violent period of history mirrors today's struggles for justice and equality. The book is a powerful, darkly humorous reminder of the dangers of superstition, bias, and ignorance, and a warning to never forget the past, while raising the question of whether it could ever happen again.

Zoe Venditozzi and Claire Mitchell, KC, are hosts of the popular Witches of Scotland podcast. Zoe lives in NE Fife, Scotland, and has worked in education for more than twenty years. Claire works as a criminal lawyer. Light refreshments will be served at the event. The event is free, but space is limited, so please register in advance.

Ben Brenman Awards
Tuesday, October 28, 7 p.m.
Alexandria City Council Meeting

The Alexandria Archaeological Commission (AAC) presents awards for those who enhance the City's archaeological resources.

Poe in Alexandria
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
Wednesday, October 29 and Thursday, October 30
8 p.m.
$25, $20 for Historic Alexandria Members
Purchase tickets

Don't miss an unforgettable evening with America's earliest master of the macabre - Edgar Allan Poe! Actor David Keltz returns to The Lyceum's lecture hall to re-create Poe's visit to Virginia in 1849, shortly before his death. This year's performance will include short stories, poems, musings, and literary criticism. Mr. Keltz's performance has been lauded by The Poe House and Museum in Baltimore, The Poe Museum in Richmond, and the Poe National Historic Site in Philadelphia. Reservations strongly recommended. Doors at 7:15 p.m., performance begins at 8 p.m. Wine and beer bar will be available before the show (credit and cash accepted).

Help ACRP Share Our Whole History with ACHS Students

The Alexandria Community Remembrance Project (ACRP) still needs funds for the Banned Truth Tour for our Alexandria City High School students. Please consider donating - learn more and donate on ACRP's campaign page.

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
Closed to Visitors During Front Door Restoration
Freedom House Museum is temporarily closed to visitors as the exterior restoration is completed. We plan to reopen in November of 2025.

To learn more about the ongoing rehabilitation, visit the Freedom House Rehabilitation Project page. Project updates will be posted regularly on the Freedom House webpage.

Friendship Firehouse Museum
Saturday, October 11, 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-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.

City of Alexandria Federal Government Shutdown - Information and Resources

While the federal government is shut down, the City of Alexandria remains open and is ready to provide help and information to our residents, businesses, and visitors. Learn more at alexandriava.gov/Federalshutdown. Federal employees can show their ID at the Visitor's Center for a free Key to the City coupon book!

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.

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 guideconnecting all of Alexandria's museums via walking, biking, and transit. The guidealso acts as a passport-visit every site and earn a prize! Available at museums, rec centers, public libraries, and more.

CIDER FESTIVAL 2025 - Tickets on Sale Now! Purchase tickets.

Celebrate Virginia Cider Week with a special tasting event on the grounds of historic Lloyd House in Old Town Alexandria. Event ticket includes cider tastings, a souvenir glass, live music, tavern games, access to a food truck, and a little history too! Tickets $50 per person through November 2, $55 November 3-21, and $25 for designated drivers. Online sales end at 5 p.m. on Friday, November 21. After that, tickets can be purchased at the door for $65. Dress for the weather - the event is outdoors! Festival open 1 to 5 p.m.Proceeds from the Cider Festival will benefit the Historic Alexandria Museums.

2025 Historic Alexandria Holiday Ornament - Available Now in Historic Alexandria museum stores and in our online store!

Celebrate Alexandria's 19th-century canal history with this beautifully crafted, American-made brass ornament. This year's design honors the Alexandria Canal, featuring a canal boat exiting Lock No. 4 heading eastward toward the Potomac River, uncovered by archaeologists in the winter of 2025 on N. Pitt Street. The Alexandria Canal was in use from 1843 to 1886. Learn more here.

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 October 6, 1796, the City Tavern welcomed its new tavern keeper, John Gadsby. The Englishman had excellent credentials having previously run a tavern on Union Street. Gadsby remained as the proprietor of tavern on North Royal Street until 1808.

Upcoming Commission and Committee Events

Commissions Supporting Historic Alexandria

• October 6 Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee
  City Hall, Sister Cities Room 1101, 301 King St.
  7-9 p.m.

• October 7 Alexandria Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission
  Public Records Advisory Committee, Archives and Records Center, 801 South Payne Street
  7:30 p.m.

• October 8 Alexandria Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  8-9:15 a.m.

• October 15 Alexandria Archaeological Commission
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-9 p.m.

• October 20 Alexandria Sister City Committee - Dundee and Helsingborg
  City Hall, 301 King Street, Sister Cities Room 1101
  7 - 8:30 p.m.

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

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