This Week in Historic Alexandria - October 5, 2026

october 5-11, 2026

What's New

FEATURED EVENT

Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Tour

Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial,1001 South Washington Street
Sunday, October 11
1:30 - 2:30 p.m. (Weather permitting)
$5
Purchase Tickets

Learn more about Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial's history and the ongoing preservation efforts of the sacred site with Audrey Davis, Director of African American History, and Francine Bromberg, former City Archaeologist. The cemetery honors more than 1,700 African Americans who died in Alexandria around the time of the Civil War. Efforts of the Friends of Freedmen's Cemetery, descendants, archaeologists, historians, and the City of Alexandria reclaimed and restored the cemetery as a place of remembrance and reflection.

Upcoming Events

View the Historic Alexandria Calendar

Specialty Tour: Poisons at the Apothecary Museum - SOLD OUT
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 S Fairfax Street
Fridays, October 2, 9, and 30
6-7 p.m.
$15 / person; $12 for Historic Alexandria Members

Grown-Up Field Trip: Sugar Trade
Alexandria Archaeology Museum, 105 N. Union Street, Studio #327
Friday, October 9
6:30 - 8 p.m.
$15 / person; $12 for Historic Alexandria Members
Purchase Tickets

What is a Sugar House? Examine artifacts from a site in Alexandria to learn how sugar was made in the 19th century using ceramic vessels, before learning more about how archaeologists identify and analyze ceramics. This is part of Historic Alexandria's grown-up field trip series. Explore objects and primary sources, dive into conversations, and get hands-on as you learn more about Alexandria's history.

Researching Market Square
Old Town Farmers' Market, 100 Block of North Royal Street
Saturday, October 10
7 a.m. - Noon
Free

Meet us at the Market! Market Square has been the center of economic and civic activity for Alexandrians since the City's founding in 1749. Discover the latest research into City Hall and Market Square with Alexandria Archaeology and research historian Greg Beaman. Read the full documentary study.

Yoga on the Magnolia Terrace
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Saturday, October 10
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. Registered participants will receive an email if class is canceled due to inclement weather.

Ben Brenman Awards
Alexandria City Council Meeting
Del Pepper Community Resource Center, 4850 Mark Center Drive
Tuesday, October 13
7 p.m.
Free

The Alexandria Archaeological Commission (AAC) presents awards to individuals and groups that have made significant contributions to the archaeology of the city. Learn more about the Alexandria Archaeological Commission.

The Remarkable Visibility of Hannah Nokes
By Queer Virginia Contributor Amy Bertsch
Alexandria Library, Local History/Special Collections - Sprouse Rare Book Room, 717 Queen Street
Wednesday, October 14
6-7:30 p.m.
Free Registration Online

October is LGBTQ+ History Month. Local historian Amy Bertsch explores the life of Hannah Nokes, an African American transgender woman, in Queer Virginia: New Stories in the Old Dominion. Learn about Nokes's life, her place in history, and the broader social context of her remarkable story.

Amy Bertsch is an independent research historian specializing in African American and Virginia history. She earned an M.A. in History from Sam Houston State University and previously worked in public history with the Office of Historic Alexandria.

Following the presentation, Amy will sign copies of Queer Virginia, which will be available for purchase. The book, Queer Virginia: New Stories in the Old Dominion, is also available for purchase at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street.

Check out Historic Alexandria's webpage dedicated to LGBTQIA+ history that's available year-round.

The Women Behind The House
The Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco Street
Thursday, October 15th
2 p.m.
$15 / person
Purchase Tickets

Step inside and discover the women whose lives unfolded within this historic house. This special tour explores the experiences of women connected to Lee-Fendall from its years as a private residence through its transformation into a museum in 1974.

Meet the women who lived and worked here and explore their lives as wives, mothers, educators, workers, performers, and activists. Discover their struggles and triumphs, the roles they played in their families and communities, and the ways their stories are woven into the history of Lee-Fendall.

Sticker Treat 2026
Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Friday, October 16 - Sunday, October 18
During regular museum hours
$23.18 (includes processing fee)
Learn more

Gadsby's Tavern Museum is participating in Sticker Treat with over 20 local businesses!

Join us October 16-18 for our first ever Sticker Treat, presented by Penny Post. Start your "sticker treating" at Penny Post (1201 King Street) to redeem your ticket for a reusable sticker book and treat map designed by No Plan. Show your reusable sticker book at over 20 participating businesses, including Gasby's Tavern Museum, to receive a sticker at each stop. While the event is 10 a.m.--4 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, please note that business hours vary, so plan accordingly!

ACSCC French Book Club
Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe Street
Friday, October 16
7 - 8 p.m.
Reserve your free space

Join the Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee and Old Town Books in celebrating French authors and literature! This special collaboration event series is free and open to the public, and is designed to encourage the exploration of Francophone authors and books, especially those in the French diaspora.

The Perfect Nanny is the 2016 winner of the Prix Goncourt, one of France's top literary awards. The book explores the themes of power, class, race, domesticity, motherhood, and madness through the lives of Myriam, a Parisian lawyer returning to work after having two children, her husband, and Louise, a quiet, polite, devoted nanny hired by the couple to look after their son and daughter. As the couple and the nanny become more dependent on one another, jealousy, resentment, and suspicions mount, shattering the idyllic tableau. While buying the book at Old Town Books is not required to attend, doing so helps keep their free literary programming sustainable! Buy your copy of The Perfect Nanny by Leïla Slimani at their brick-and-mortar shop or online and note "SISTER10" to get 10% off. By attending an Old Town Books event, you are agreeing to their code of conduct. The event is free, but advanced registration is required at Alexandriava.gov/Shop.

Death at the City Hotel: The Fear that Unites Us
Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Friday, October 16
7-9 p.m.
$35 / person; $30 for Historic Alexandria Members and Volunteers
Purchase Tickets

Join Gadsby's Tavern Museum for a fascinating evening inspired by Alexandria's "Female Stranger," who died on October 16, 1816. Travelers like the Female Stranger encountered many dangers, including illnesses not yet understood. What did people do when medicine had no answers? Together, guests will explore how faith, protective charms, and healing traditions have helped confront auniversal fear that connects us through time: death.

Ticket price includes presentation, intriguing conversations, one drink ticket, and the opportunity to create your own woven charm. Please note this event takes place up one flight of stairs in the historic Ballroom of Gadsby's Tavern Museum.

Discovering Alexandria Architecture Walking Tour
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Saturday, October 17
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. This program is non-refundable unless the museum cancels the program.

Carlyle House Historical Fiction Book Club
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Saturday, October 17
1-2 p.m.
Program is free, donations are welcome.

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.

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

Space is limited so we just ask that you call 703-549-2997 or email [email protected] to register.

How Do Clothing & Conflict Intertwine?
The Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco Street
Saturday, October 17
2-3 p.m.
$15 / person
Purchase Tickets

What can a hoop skirt, a soldier's shirt, or a nurse's apron reveal about a country at war with itself?

Join Emma Rowland for an immersive journey into the clothing and material culture of the American Civil War. This richly illustrated lecture explores how Americans dressed, from the battlefield to the home front, and what those garments reveal about identity, survival, patriotism, and profound societal change.

Save the Date! Alexandria Cider Festival
Saturday, November 21
1-5 p.m.

Lloyd House grounds, 220 N. Washington Street and on Queen Street
$50 per person through November 1, $55 November 2-20, and $25 for designated drivers. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $65.
Purchase Tickets

Celebrate Virginia Cider Week with a special tasting event on the grounds of historic Lloyd House and on Queen Street in Old Town Alexandria. The event includes cider tastings, a souvenir cider glass, live music, tavern games, a food truck, and a little history too! This year, for the nation's 250th anniversary, the VA250 Mobile Museum Experience ("Out of Many, One") will be open on Queen Street during the event. Dress for the weather - the event is outdoors! Proceeds from the Cider Festival will benefit the Historic Alexandria Museums. Minimum Age: 21

October Is Virginia Archaeology Month!

Celebrate Virginia Archaeology Month in Alexandria with special events and programs highlighting important archaeological sites and preservation efforts across the City. Visit the free Alexandria Archaeology Museum on the third floor of the Torpedo Factory Art Center,105 North Union Street, or explore the full schedule of October events.

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, October 10, 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: 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 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 5 Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-9 p.m.
• October 6 Public Records Advisory Commission (PRAC)
  Archives and Records Center, 801 south Payne street
  7:30 p.m.
• October 13 Committee of Inquiry
  Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street
  7 p.m.
• October 14 Alexandria Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission (AHRPC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  8-9:15 a.m.
• October 14 ACRP Steering Committee
  Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street
  5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• October 19 George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee (GWBCC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-9 p.m.
• October 20 Historic Alexandria Resources Commission (HARC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-9 p.m.

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