This Week in Historic Alexandria - April 6, 2026

april 6-12, 2026

What's New

FEATURED STORY

Historic Alexandria Joins Inaugural Cohort of Virginia History Affiliates Program

Historic Alexandria is among the inaugural affiliates in the Virginia History Affiliates program, a statewide initiative launched by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) to strengthen history engagement in Virginia through connections and shared resources ahead of America's 250th anniversary.

Organized and funded by the VMHC, the professional museum collective is designed to connect historical sites, history museums, and related organizations of all sizes from across the Commonwealth. The initial group of 24 affiliates will collaborate in four key areas: education and engagement; professional connection; collections and preservation; and sustainability.

Representing a multi-million-dollar, long-term commitment from the VMHC to strengthening historical work happening throughout Virginia, the program is offered at no cost to participating organizations, and aims to add more than 100 affiliates within just a few years.

"There is power in sharing history together across the Commonwealth. There is no limit to the impact of elevating our collective stories to help us all understand the history of Virginia-ultimately informing where we are headed in the future."

- Liz Williams, Deputy Director of the Office of Historic Alexandria

The Virginia History Affiliates program is made possible through private support from numerous donors to the VMHC, including Dominion Energy and the Anne and Gene Worrell Foundation. Most recently, the VMHC received a major investment from the Anne Mullen Orrell Charitable Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee, to form a permanent endowment supporting the program's continued growth and success.

For more information and a list of the inaugural cohort of Virginia History Affiliates participants, visit the Virginia Museum of History and Culture website.

Whisky Tasting at the Lyceum - Tickets Now Available
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum
Saturday, May 2
6 - 8 p.m.
Early bird general admission tickets are $65 through April 15 and $75 beginning April 16.
Early bird VIP tickets are $90 through April 15 and $100 beginning April 16. VIP tickets are listed as a separate event on Alexandriava.gov/Shop.
Purchase tickets

The City of Alexandria's Sister Cities Committee invites whisky lovers and curious sippers alike to its annual signature event. Guests will enjoy a guided tasting across the whisky regions of Scotland, gaining insights into the craftsmanship and culture behind each pour. This informative program will help you learn all about the rich tapestry that is Scotch whisky, enable you to sample five different whiskies from across Scotland, and provide an opportunity to ask questions and share personal insights.

VIP ticket holders will receive two additional exclusive samples of rare whiskies. All attendees will take home a souvenir Glencairn glass, perfect for continuing their whisky journey.

General admission and VIP tickets include hors d'oeuvres. Wine and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for non-whisky drinkers. A raffle will also be held with prizes, with tickets available for cash purchase at the event. Minimum age: 21. All proceeds support the Alexandria Sister Cities Committee and its mission to support the educational and cultural exchanges between Alexandria, VA and her sister cities of Dundee, Scotland and Helsingborg, Sweden.

Upcoming Events

View the Historic Alexandria Calendar

Historic Happy Hours
Vola's Dockside Grill, 101 North Union Street
Thursday, April 9
5-7:30 p.m.
Presentation topic: 1814 :A Tale of Two Cities, Two Men, and One Song

Join us for Historic Happy Hours to learn more about the research taking place in Historic Alexandria. 10% of all checks will benefit Historic Alexandria and America250 events.

Upcoming Historic Happy Hours:

May 14 - O'Connell's Irish Pub, 112 King Street

June 11 - The Wharf, 119 King Street

Grown-Up Field Trip: Archaeology Museum
Hayti: Uncovering an African American Neighborhood at the Alexandria Archaeology Museum
Alexandria Archaeology Museum, 105 N. Union St., Suite #327
Friday, April 10
6:30 - 8 p.m.
$15 per person, Historic Alexandria Members: $12/person
Purchase tickets. (only 3 tickets available!)

The Hayti program explores who lived in this early African American neighborhood through the lens of archaeology. This is part of the grown-up field trip series, where adults can explore objects and primary sources, dive into conversations, and learn about history through hands-on activities. All events are based on ones offered to school-age children, but with extra time, so we can go even deeper!

Remember the Pearl Weekend
Freedom House Museum, 1315 Duke Street
Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12
Mention Remember the Pearl for free admission

All weekend, visitors can join in docent-led discussions during regular museum hours about the history of the Pearl and its impact on society.

Women of Alexandria: Leadership Across Public and Private Life
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum
Saturday, April 11
10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
$23.18 (includes a $3.18 service fee)
Purchase tickets

Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring four accomplished women who live in the City of Alexandria and have excelled in their respective fields. Representing public service, law, business, and cultural leadership, these panelists will share their personal and professional journeys, offering insight into the challenges, opportunities, and milestones that shaped their paths.

From leading a museum and running local businesses to serving as Mayor of Alexandria and practicing law, each speaker brings a unique perspective on leadership, community engagement, and balancing public roles with private lives. Together, they will reflect on what it means to lead in Alexandria, how their work impacts the city, and the lessons they have learned along the way.

Featured Speakers:

Alyia Gaskins
Mayor of Alexandria
Alyia Gaskins is the first African American woman to serve as the Mayor of Alexandria. Serving as Mayor since 2024, she is a tenacious fighter for families, communities, and health equity.

Amy Rutherford
Owner, Penny Post Paper Goods, Red Barn Mercantile & Pippin Toy Co.
A longtime Alexandria entrepreneur, Amy Rutherford has built three successful local businesses while also advocating for small business growth in downtown Old Town.

Karyn Kenny-Dougherty, Esq.
Attorney
An attorney with the New York City law firm, DeMarco Law, Karyn Kenny-Dougherty is an expert in cyber and financial crime and counterterrorism, and has been a consultant for the World Bank, a U.S. Supreme Court Fellow, and a Fulbright Scholar.

Jenny Waters
Museum Manager, Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden
At 26 years old, Jenny Waters leads one of Alexandria's top cultural institutions, with a career dedicated to preservation, education, and community access.

Alexandria Historical Society announces Hayti Walking Tour with Dr. Pam Cressey
The tour will begin at the corner of Wilkes and South Royal Streets, near the Wilkes Street
Saturday, April 11
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Tickets are $25 for non-members and $20 for members.
Online registration is required.
Purchase tickets

The Alexandria Historical Society's Hayti Walking Tour will explore the history of Hayti, one of Old Town Alexandria's most important historic Black neighborhoods, and will be led by Dr. Pam Cressey as part of the Society's 250th Celebration and Behind the Scenes series.

Participants will explore the history of Hayti, a neighborhood established by free Blacks in the early 1800s within the southeastern quadrant of Old Town. The area remained a place where Black families lived, worked, and worshiped well into the twentieth century.

The tour will highlight Hayti's notable people and places, along with the archaeological research that has helped uncover and preserve its history. The neighborhood's name likely reflected the spirit of liberation associated with Haiti, whose revolution inspired free Black communities throughout the Atlantic world in the early nineteenth century.

Street parking is available in the neighborhood. In case of inclement weather, the tour will be rescheduled and registrants will be notified.

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.

Carlyle House Family Fun Day
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Saturday, April 11
Noon - 3p.m.
Free

Read and craft with your friends on the Carlyle House front lawn for Family Fun Dayon the first Saturday of the month from March-November! From 12-3 (unless otherwise noted), you can sit in on story time and participate in crafts and other activities that relate to the theme of the month. April's Family Fun Day will highlight Braddock Day: Colonial Life. Please note that there is no Family Fun Day in July. This program is for all ages, though some of the crafts might be challenging for guests under 4. There is no fee to join this program, but donations are encouraged.

The "Grandest Congress": The French and Indian War in Alexandria
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Saturday, April 11
Noon - 4 p.m.
Free ($5 donation is suggested)
Learn more

Visit Carlyle House on April 11th as they commemorate the French and Indian War. John Carlyle's home was host to General Edward Braddock and five of the Royal Governors in April 1755. Learn about what happened at that meeting and how that affected the future of the 13 colonies. Living historians and hands-on activities will be available for visitors of all ages.

Girl Scout Day: The French and Indian War in Alexandria
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Saturday, April 11
Noon - 4 p.m.
$12 per scout, $6 per tagalong (non-Girl Scout siblings), chaperones free.
Reserve tickets!

Learn about the French and Indian War through visiting Carlyle House during our commemoration of General Braddock's meeting in 1755. Scouts will complete activities that will help them earn a variety of Scout badges including: Daisies: Good Neighbor, Brownies: Celebrating Community, and Juniors: Detectives & Playing the Past.

The program is nonrefundable and will be held rain or shine.

Scouts should plan to be onsite for 1.5-2 hours. They do not have to show up at Noon. The program ends at 4 p.m. so Scout groups must arrive by 3 p.m. to complete all activities.

To register and pay for this special program, scout leaders should call 703-549-2997.

Specialty Tour: Poisons at the Apothecary Museum
The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 S Fairfax Street
Saturdays, April 11 and April 18
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
$15 per person, Historic Alexandria Members: $12/person
Reserve tickets.

Explore the sinister side of medicine on the Apothecary Museum's Poisons Tour. This one-hour tour explores several different types of poisons, their historic uses at the Apothecary, and what we know today. Recommended for adults.

Specialty Tour: Outlandish Apothecary
The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 S Fairfax Street
Sunday, April 12
11 a.m. - noon
$15 per person, Historic Alexandria Members: $12/person
Reserve 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 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.

Traditional Music Concert Series
Séan Gavin & Caoimhín Ó Fearghail
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum
Thursday, April 16
7 p.m.
$35
Purchase tickets

Join us for what will be another great evening of traditional Irish music. music. Seán Gavin makes his third visit to our concert series!

Seán Gavin, is one of the most highly regarded Irish musicians of his generation. Master uilleann piper and flute player, he is the first and only musician born outside Ireland to win the prestigious Seán Ó Riada Gold Medal. His latest recording, The Boys of 25, with accordion maestro Colm Gannon "is a superb bit of pure drop music that stands tall on strength of Gavin and Gannon's musicianship.

Caoimhín Ó Fearghail (Kwee-veen) comes from An Rinn in the Waterford Gaeltacht. He received the TG4 Young Musician of the Year award and was chosen as Best Folk Instrumentalist at the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards. His music is greatly influenced by that region as well as diverse players throughout Ireland. With a start on the tin-whistle at the age of eight, he has since mastered uilleann pipes, flute, guitar, and bouzouki, as well as being an accomplished singer and Irish speaker. He has many albums to his credit, and has toured worldwide with Caladh Nua, Danú, and others.

Conversational Tour: Women Were Always Here
Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N Royal Street
Friday, April 17
5 - 6:30 p.m.
$15 per person, Historic Alexandria Members: $12/person
Purchase tickets.

Kick-off the weekend with a conversational tour focused on women's experiences in the past and today led by a member of the team for the new exhibit "Women in Business: We were always here." The tour will highlight the many women over the centuries associated with Gadsby's Tavern Museum and, through their stories, will spark conversations about political, economic, and social conditions for women both past and present. The ticket includes a tour, facilitated conversations, and access to the recently opened exhibit "Women in Business." Option to purchase water, soda, or locally crafted beer or hard cider available upon arrival.

Please note the event includes ascending and descending stairs in the historic tavern. Seating is available throughout.

Meet and Greet and Book Signing
The Librarian Who Didn't Like Books
Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street
Saturday, April 18
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Free

On Saturday April 18th, join author Holly Ousley-Lavender, author of The Librarian Who Didn't Like Books. A moderated discussion, brief book reading and book signing will begin at 11a.m. and conclude at 12:30pm. The discussion and book reading are geared toward children ages 2-10. This event is free and open to the public.

Holly Ousley-Lavender is a school librarian with 30 years' experience. Ousley-Lavender was a young child who dreaded reading and going to the library-until one day she saw a book with characters that looked like her. She was then able to make a connection that ignited her love of reading and sharing that love with children. Holly Ousley-Lavender states that her mission is to ensure that all children find a mirror image of themselves in books and experience the joy and empowerment that representation brings through the books that she writes.

Patrons attending the Meet and Greet will have a chance to preview the Alexandria Black History Museum.

Alexandria Women's History Walk
221 King Street, in the garden of the Visitor's Center
Saturday, April 18
Noon - 2 p.m.
Free
Click here to RSVP.

Join Alexandria Celebrates Women for a monthly walking tour highlighting Alexandria's heroines of the past. As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, Alexandria Celebrates Women!

Did you know Alexandria was home to one of the most revered female fundraisers of the American Revolution, or that President Woodrow Wilson sent an Alexandria woman on a mission aboard a U.S. battleship?

If you have wondered how women helped put our city on the map, now is your chance to learn about them.

Alexandria Celebrates Women (ACW) will continue its contribution to America's 250th anniversary by leading a series of Women's History Walks on the third Saturday of the month throughout 2026!

Join ACW Vice President Gayle Converse on a three-mile trek through the city, while making brief outdoorstops at historic sites associated with women to discuss Alexandria's heroines of the past and the history of each site. Participants are welcome to join all or any portion of the Walk.

Carlyle House Historical Fiction Book Club
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Saturday, April 18
1-2 p.m.
Free
Learn More!

Do you love reading historic fiction? Join the Carlyle House staff quarterly for our free historical fiction book club. All books will be focused on 18th Century America and can be found at your local library or bookstore.

Our 2026 Books will be:

April 18th: A Girl Called Samson by Amy Harmon

July 18th: Agent 355 by Marie Benedict & 355: The Women of Washington's Spy Ring by Kit Sergeant

October 17th:The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

The program is free, donations are welcome. Space is limited so we just ask that you call 703-549-2997 or email [email protected] to register.

Lantern Tours
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco Street
Saturday, April 18
6 - 8 p.m.
$17.85 (includes a $2.85 fee)
Purchase Tickets

Take a tour of the historic Lee-Fendall House at night! A quieter, cozier experience in Old Town Alexandria, this tour covers the history of the house and those who lived here from 1785 to 1972. You will be led through the first and second floors by prominent historic Alexandrian, E.E. Downham. Learn our history through the man who was Mayor of Alexandria from 1887 through 1891!

The lantern tours are recommended for ages 12+. Each tour time is limited to 12 people.

GTMS Spring Fling 2026!
Celebrating 250 Years of American Independence
Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N Royal Street
Saturday, April 18
7 - 10 p.m.
$125 per person, sponsorship opportunities available!
Purchase tickets.

Please join Gadsby's Tavern Museum Society (GTMS) for an evening of music, community, and history! This year, the Gadsby's Tavern Museum Society's signature fundraiser coincides with America's 250th anniversary. Join GTMS for a fun evening and help preserve the spirit of the Tavern as we celebrate America's 250th birthday!

Includes swinging music, open bar, appetizers, silent auction, and meet the neighbors. Cocktail attire.

Carlyle House: Self Guided Sundays
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Sunday, April 19
Noon - 3 p.m.
$5 per person (children 5 and under are free)
Learn More!

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.

ACRP Joseph McCoy Remembrance Event
Roberts Memorial United Methodist Church, 606 South Washington St.
Thursday, April 23
7-8:15 p.m. (Reception starts at 6:30 p.m.)
Free

In Remembrance of Joseph McCoy, the Alexandria Community Remembrance Project (ACRP) invites the public to an evening of reflection with Dr. Rodney Sadler at Roberts Memorial United Methodist Church on April 23, 2026, 129 years after McCoy's lynching in Alexandria. The widely published Dr. Sadler will offer remarks on the relationship of violence, power and the people for this year's Remembrance of Joseph McCoy. Dr. Sadler's remarks are titled, "Governed by Fear and Hate: The Tools of the Supremacist State."

Rev. Dr. Sadler heads up the Center for Social Justice and Reconciliation at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he focuses on the nexus of race, faith, and politics. In addition to his writings, he hosts a national radio program called "Politics of Faith," a series of discussions called "Dangerous Dialogues," and he represents his district in the North Carolina State Legislature. He has a number of connections to the District and NOVA, he is a graduate of Howard University and has been a senior fellow at George Mason University's Center for World Religion, Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution. Roberts Memorial United Methodist Church, one of the most historic Black churches in Alexandria, was the home church for the McCoy family.

Parking is permitted at Demaine Funeral Home and as available on nearby streets.

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
Next open on Saturday, May 16, 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: 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 April 7, 1846 the City of Alexandria authorized the first paid curator at the Market House Museum, then located in the second City Hall building which faced North Royal Street. Originally established in 1812, in conjunction with Alexandria's Masonic Lodge which leased the space in the northwest second floor corner of the building, the museum was often the site of major events, including a festive reception for the Marquis de Lafayette when he visited Alexandria for a month in 1824.

Upcoming Commission and Committee Events

Commissions Supporting Historic Alexandria

• April 7 Public Records Advisory Commission
  Archives and Records Center, 801 South Payne Street
  7:30 p.m.

• April 8 Alexandria Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission (AHRPC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  8 a.m.

• April 13 Alexandria Caen Sister Cities Committee (ACSCC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-9 p.m.

• April 13 Alexandria Archaeological Commission Subcommittee
  Virtual only meeting. For those interested in attending, please email [email protected] for the link
  7-9 p.m.

• April 13 Committee of Inquiry's Research Team
  Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street
  7 p.m.

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

• April 20 George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee (GWBCC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-8:30 p.m.

• April 21 Historic Alexandria Resources Commission
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-9 p.m.

• April 27 Alexandria Sister Cities Committee
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-8:30 p.m.