This Week in Historic Alexandria - February 2, 2026

February 2-8, 2026

What's New

FEATURED EVENT

Celebrate Black History Month with Historic Alexandria!

This February, the Office of Historic Alexandria invites the community to celebrate Black History Month. This year we mark 100 years of nationally commemorating Black history. Founded in 1926 by Historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), this observance reminds us that Black history is essential American history.

Join Historic Alexandria all month long as we celebrate the people, stories, and contributions that have shaped our city and our nation.

This Month's Highlights

• All Month - Martin Luther King Jr. Poster Exhibition Awards: The Alexandria Black History Museum with the Office of Historic Alexandria sponsors an annual Student Poster Exhibition for Alexandria City Public School students, grades 2-5. The students' posters will be on display at the Charles Houston Recreation Center from February 1 - March 1, 2026.
  
• February 7 - Tables of Conscience: Banned Books Dinner: Back and better than ever, ACRP will hold book-themed dinners to raise money for the scholarships in the names of Joseph McCoy and Benjamin Thomas.
  
• February 8 - Washington Revels Jubilee Voices Concert: Singing the Journey: Still We Rise. Join Washington Revels Jubilee Voices and the Office of Historic Alexandria's Division of African American History for a free concert celebrating African American music, history, and culture. The show explores themes of freedom, resistance, and resilience from the Civil War through the present day.
  Reserve tickets.
  
• February 20 - Grown Up Field Trips: Venture out on a four-part field trip series for adults highlighting African American history around Alexandria.
  
• February 28 - Fight for the Right to Read Program: Join authors Jeff Gottesfeld and Michelle Y. Green along with illustrator and Howard University graduate Kim Holt, for a family program that highlights their new book; Fight for the Right to Read: Samuel Wilbert Tucker and the 1939 Sit-Down Strike for Library Reading Equality.

Tickets for select events are available in The Alexandria Shop online.

For more information and a complete list of events in the City of Alexandria, visit alexandriava.gov/BlackHistoryMonth.

Upcoming Events

View the Historic Alexandria Calendar

Restaurant "Cherry Challenge"
View participating restaurants
January 25-February 8

Are you in the mood for cherries during George Washington Birthday Celebration Month in Alexandria? The "Cherry Challenge" is a competition among restaurants in Alexandria - with their customers as the judges! Each restaurant develops its own cherry beverage, appetizer, entrée, and/or dessert in honor of our distinguished native son. Taste as many as you can and cast your votes by February 8.

Preservation Tours: Lost Buildings of Alexandria-The Berg & Parker-Gray
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Saturday, February 7
10 a.m.
$20 per person
Purchase tickets.

Join Carlyle House and Lee-Fendall House on a tour of "Lost Alexandria." Explore parts of the historic neighborhoods of The Berg & Parker-Gray. Learn why these buildings were not preserved.

Tour begins at Lee-Fendall House, 614 Oronoco St. This tour includes walking over many city blocks. Walking shoes required, bottled water suggested. Held rain or shine. Tour will be cancelled in extreme weather.

Specialty Tour: Hamilton's BFF & Frenemies
Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Saturdays, February 7, 21, and 28 and Monday, February 16
11 a.m.- noon
$15 per person, Historic Alexandria Members: $12/person
Reserve tickets.

Inspired by the musical Hamilton, learn how the paths of Washington, Lafayette, Jefferson, Madison, and Burr all intersected with this local tavern. Includes discussion of the issues they faced and how their choices impacted local citizens.

Tables of Conscience: Banned Books Dinner
Saturday, February 7
6 - 9 p.m.
$125 per person
Reserve tickets.

Back and better than ever, ACRP will hold book-themed dinners to raise money for the scholarships in the names of Joseph McCoy and Benjamin Thomas. About a week before the dinner, those who reserved spots will receive an email with the name and address of the hosts. Please indicate at registration if you have any food allergies or strong preferences. Hosts will do their best to accommodate guest requests. Each reservation requires a $125 donation per person; visit alexandriava.gov/historic-alexandria/tables-of-conscience-fundraiser for additional information on payment. The dinner's discussion book must be purchased separately from a local bookstore.

The Origin of Othersby Toni Morrison. This short, impactful book by Toni Morrison draws on a series of lectures she gave at Harvard University about fear of the other. Morrison reflects on the desire to belong and the impact race, fear, borders, and immigration have on this essential human need. She includes her own work when she examines how literature has played a role, both negative and positive, in such constructions.

The Washington Revels Jubilee Voices Concert
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street
Sunday, February 8
3 - 5 p.m.
Free
Reserve tickets.

Join Washington Revels Jubilee Voices and the Office of Historic Alexandria's Division of African American History to celebrate African American music, history and culture in a concert exploring the themes of freedom, resistance and resilience, from the Civil War through the present day. Enjoy traditional African American spirituals, poetry, dance, ring shouts, banjo tunes, stories, and audience participation.

America250 Commemoration Kickoff-SOLD OUT
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
Monday, February 9
6:30-8:30 p.m.

Chocolatier's Choice: Chocolate & Tea Tasting-SOLD OUT
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Friday, February 13
6-8 p.m.
$30 per person
Purchase tickets.

2026 George Washington Birthday Parade
Old Town Alexandria, parade route
Saturday, February 14
2-4 p.m.

Thousands of spectators will line the streets of Old Town Alexandria to cheer on the oldest and largest George Washington Birthday Parade in the country!

The George Washington Birthday Parade will be held on Saturday, February 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. in Old Town Alexandria! The theme of the parade is Virginia's Son ~ America's Founding Father, in honor of Washington's leading role in the founding of the country during its 250th Anniversary Year.

For other parade information, visit www.washingtonbirthday.com.

Become a Parade Day Volunteer!

We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help on Parade Day! There are a number of volunteer opportunities available. Just sign up for your preferred activity here, and we will be in touch with you. If you have questions, please email [email protected].

George Washington Birthnight Dinner-SOLD OUT
Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Saturday, February 14
6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Madeira Tasting
Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Sunday, February 15
5-6:30 p.m.
$75
Purchase tickets.

Learn about early seaports in America through the lens of Alexandria's recent archaeological excavations as you sample the Rare Wine Company's "Historic Madeira Series." All proceeds benefit the Office of Historic Alexandria museums. Doors open at 4:30 and the event begins at 5 p.m. Minimum Age: 21.

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.

The Alexandria Archaeology Museum and its staff offices will be closed on Tuesday, February 24 due to scheduled building maintenance.

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, February 14, 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, 1- 5 p.m.
Special Hours Monday, February 16, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. for President's Day

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
Wednesdays-Fridays, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sundays 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: "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.

New 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 February 2, 1904, Magnus L. Robinson was elected to chair the executive committee of the State Negro Press Association. Born in 1852, Robinson was a lifelong Alexandrian and his parents provided him with a private school education. For a time he went to Howard University, but withdrew due to a serious illness. He turned his attention to teaching, and then journalism, becoming one of Alexandria's most well-respected and beloved African American leaders in the early 20th century. Robinson was founder and editor of the Leader, a weekly African-American newspaper, which was first published in Washington, D.C., and then in Alexandria.

Upcoming Commission and Committee Events

Commissions Supporting Historic Alexandria

• February 2 George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee
  Virtual meeting. Register via Zoom to participate.
  7 p.m.

• February 3 Public Records Advisory Committee
  Archives and Records Center, 801 South Payne Street
  7:30 p.m.

• February 9 Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-9 p.m.

• February 11 Alexandria Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission (AHRPC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  8 a.m.

• February 17 Historic Alexandria Resources Commission
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-9 p.m.

• February 18 Alexandria Archaeological Commission
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-9 p.m.

• February 23 Sister Cities Committee (SCC) - Dundee and Helsingborg
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-8:30 p.m.

• February 23 George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee
  Virtual meeting. Register via Zoom to participate.
  7-9 p.m.