This Week in Historic Alexandria - October 12, 2026

october 12-18, 2026

What's New

FEATURED EVENT

Poe in Alexandria

Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum,201 South Washington Street
Thursday, October 29 and Friday, October 30
8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:15 p.m.)
$25 / person; $20 for Historic Alexandria Members and Volunteers
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. Advance purchase of tickets is 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).

Upcoming Events

View the Historic Alexandria Calendar

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 15
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.

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

Yoga on the Magnolia Terrace
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Saturday, October 17
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.

Discovering Alexandria Architecture Walking Tour
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Saturday, October 17
10 a.m.
$20 / 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.

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.

Carlyle House: Self Guided Sundays
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Sunday, October 18
Noon-3 p.m.
$5 / person (children 5 and under are free)
Purchase Tickets

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.

Lecture: Ruins and Resilience: Destruction and Preservation in Charleston's Past
The Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street
Monday, October 19
7 p.m. light refreshments, 7:30 p.m. lecture
Suggested contribution for guests attending a one-time lecture is $10
Please register with [email protected].

For Charleston, South Carolina, history is, in many ways, one of loss. Although its buildings, neighborhoods, objects, and even people have each been severely affected by numerous calamities, the community withholds a persistent determination to preserve what remains. This presentation traces how destruction has repeatedly reshaped the city's physical and emotional landscape and highlights its ongoing preservation efforts. More information available at AlexandriaAssociation.org.

J. Grahame Long is the Chief Curator for the Tidewater and Big Bend Foundation directing the research, interpretation, collections acquisition, and management for the Foundation's nine historic properties in New Kent County and the Virginia Tidewater. Previously, he served Colonial Williamsburg as Executive Director of Collections & Deputy Chief Curator, was Director of Museums for Historic Charleston Foundation and Chief Curator for the Charleston Museum. Maintaining his South Carolina ties, Grahame still volunteers for the archives and special collections at The Citadel, and remains an active member of The German Friendly Society and The Washington Light Infantry. His books include Dueling in Charleston: Violence Refined in the Holy City (2012); Stolen Charleston: The Spoils of War (2014); and Lost Charleston (2019). Please join the Alexandria Association in welcoming Graham to Alexandria!

1920s Party: American Girl Celebration
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Friday, October 23
6-8 p.m.
$25 per person (18+ and over)
Purchase Tickets

Inspired by American Girl Doll's 40th Anniversary and the release of the book- Samantha: The Next Chapter, join us for an evening of 1920s music, games, mocktails, and more! This event is appropriate for those 18 years and older. Vendors include Old Town Books, Old Town Mahjong, and Dolci Gelati.

Specialty Tours: Preservation of Carlyle
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Saturday, October 24
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.

Alexandria Historical Society Presents "The Burning Bride" Walking Tour
Old Town Alexandria. Participants will receive the meeting location by email the day before the tour. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Saturday, October 24
2-3 p.m.
$20 for AHS members and $25 for non-members. Advance reservations are required.
Purchase Tickets

The Alexandria Historical Society (AHS) will present "The Burning Bride," a guided walking tour exploring one of Old Town Alexandria's most enduring ghost stories. Led by AHS board member and historian Scott Vierick, the tour explores the fascinating history and folklore behind one of Alexandria's most enduring ghost stories. According to local legend, Laura Schafer died in a tragic accident shortly before her wedding in 1868. Her ghost is said to have haunted 107 North Fairfax Street, now home to Dolci Gelati, ever since. But how much of this haunting tale is supported by historical evidence?

Tables of Conscience Book-Themed Dinners
Dinner location will be emailed to participants.
Saturday, October 24
6 p.m.
$125 donation per person. The cost of the book is not included in the price of the event.
Reserve your tickets here!

ACRP is holding 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 the ACRP page for additional information on payment. The dinner's discussion book must be purchased separately from a local bookstore.

America, USA, How Race Shadows the Nation's Anniversariesby Eddie Glaude, Jr. In this beautifully written book, Eddie S. Glaude, Jr., harnesses the voices of W.E.B DuBois, John Dos Passos, Herman Melvill and Martin Luther King, Jr. among others to reflect on America's complicated 250-year history. Glaude, Jr.'s writing captures the essence of James Baldwin, delivering a straightforward, honest critique of race relations and the state of democracy. The book, that helps readers create a relationship with the past so that a better future can be imagined, has been described as "moving" and "profound."

Death Comes to Carlyle House
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Saturday, October 24
6-8 p.m.
$10 per person
Purchase Tickets

In September 1780, John Carlyle passed away and the family would have gone into mourning. Join our tour guides for one night only to learn about death and mourning in the 18th century. Tours will be self paced and visitors can enter the house starting at 6 p.m. with the last entry at 7:45 p.m.

Swedish Coffee Culture Event
Buzz Bakeshop, 901 Slaters Lane
Sunday, October 25
3-5 p.m.
$10 per person
Purchase Tickets
Fika Event To-Go Box

Join the Alexandria Sister Cities Committee at Buzz Bakeshop (901 Slaters Lane) to learn about Swedish Coffee culture (fika)! As part of Alexandria's sister city relationship with Helsingborg, Sweden, this event celebrates a beloved Swedish tradition. In Sweden, fika is part of everyday life and a big part of their culture. Fika is when you take time for a colleague or friend and have a coffee (or tea), ideally enjoyed with a yummy baked treat. So much more than enjoying the coffee and cookie, fika allows you to slow down and appreciate the good things in life. Many Swedes consider it almost essential to fika everyday (many companies add a clause to contracts stating that employees are entitled to fika breaks!). Kristina's Swede treats will give a fika introduction with traditional pastries.

A limited number of fika-boxes will also be available for purchase ($20). They are listed as a seperate event in the Alexandria Shop event page. A fika-box includes two cinnamon buns, two chocolate cuts, and two raspberry caves.

Trivia at Historic Sites-Halloween
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Wednesday, October 28
6-8 p.m.
$15 per person (includes snacks and mocktails)
Purchase Tickets

Staff members at Carlyle House Historic Park combine their knowledge to create a spooky fun Trivia in honor of Halloween. Test your knowledge on everything Halloween from general facts to movies to food. Special Guest hosts: Alexandria Colonial Tours! Teams are limited to 6 people. No outside alcohol is allowed. Registration must be done in advance. Limited capacity so register early!

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

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, November 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 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 13, 1955 the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce contacted over 1,000 businessmen in the Northern Virginia region, seeking their assistance to identify an appropriate location for the new headquarters for the Central Intelligence Agency. After a number of sites in Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax County were considered, ultimately a semi-rural site in Langley, named for the ancestral home in England of Thomas Lee who acquired the land in 1719, was selected due to its privacy, security and proximity to Washington.

Upcoming Commission and Committee Events

Commissions Supporting Historic Alexandria

• 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.
• October 26 Sister Cities Committee (SCC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-8:30 p.m.
• November 2 Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-9 p.m.
• November 3 Public Records Advisory Commission (PRAC)
  Archives and Records Center, 801 south Payne street
  7:30 p.m.