This Week in Historic Alexandria - August 24, 2026

August 24-30, 2026

What's New

FEATURED EVENTS

An Evening in Remembrance of Benjamin Thomas

Friday, August 28
Shiloh Baptist Church, 1401 Jaimeson Avenue
Doors open 6:30 p.m.
Program 7-8 p.m.
Free

Who's history? Our history. Who's rights? Our rights. When factual history is buried, people are polarized, hate groups menace commuters on the metro, and all aspects of life become uncertain, even constitutional rights. The Alexandria Community Remembrance Project invites the public to Shiloh Baptist Church for an Evening in Remembrance of Benjamin Thomas featuring a conversation with NAACP's Myesha Braden.

The hour-long event is being held on the same day in 1899 that more than 600 people gathered at the historic Shiloh Baptist Church on Duke Street to memorialize Thomas and protest his and all lynchings. The program will also feature music by Charles E. Miller and remarks by Mayor Gaskins.

Before the program, Shiloh Baptist's Historic sanctuary (1400 Duke Street) will be open for tours from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The Freedom House Museum, a historic site that shares the story of Alexandria's role in the domestic slave trade at 1315 Duke Street, will also be open 5-6:30 p.m. with free admission.

Please visit Benjamin Thomas' In Memoriam page on the ACRP website to learn more about the upcoming Aug. 28, 2026 Benjamin Thomas Remembrance Event, learn more about what happened to Thomas and see how Alexandria has remembered and memorialized him in past years.

Alexandria Forum: Nothing But Independence

Save the Date: Friday, September 18
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Purchase Tickets in advance (25 tickets remaining)

The American Revolution in Virginia was more than a war - it was a Revolution of Ideas that continues today. From the creation of the Fairfax Resolves to the hometown of George Washington, Alexandria and this region played a unique role in the birth of the new nation. The Alexandria Forum, in partnership with Emerging Revolutionary War, will share the history of Alexandria and Northern Virginia during this critical time in history, showcasing how these moments in time reverberate through today. Lectures include "A Tory in Old Town, The Revolutionary War Journal of Nicholas Cresswell" by public historian Ken Bancroft, "The 25 Who Signed: Researching the Fairfax Resolves Signers" by Kerry Mitchell, Historic Site Specialist at Carlyle House Historic Park, "Prelude to Yorktown: Lafayette and the 1781 Virginia Campaign" by Dr. John Maass, Education Specialist at the National Museum of the United States Army, and "Alexandria City Hall, Market Square, and Slavery" by Greg Beaman. The Forum will end with a reception at the museum.

After the Forum, join us at the Gadsby's Tavern Museum's Tavern Games Night! Game night includes historic tavern games, a brief presentation, and trivia. You'll also be able to enjoy a beer or cider and light snacks! Cost is $10 - and Forum attendees will receive one free drink! Game night starts at 7 p.m. Purchase Tickets in advance for Tavern Game Night in the Historic Alexandria Shop.

Upcoming Events

View the Historic Alexandria Calendar

Yoga on the Magnolia Terrace
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
August 25 - October 22
Tuesdays & Thursdays: 6 p.m.
Saturdays: 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. Class may be canceled due to inclement weather, you will receive an email if class is canceled.

Corks & Corridors
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco Street
Saturday, August 29
5:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
$40 / person
Tickets Here

Begin the evening with a special guided tour of the historic house, offering a unique opportunity to explore its beautifully preserved rooms after hours in an intimate setting.

Following the tour, enjoy a guided tasting of carefully selected Prince Michel wines, led by Prince Michel staff, who will share insights into the craft behind each pour. Sip, swirl, and unwind as you discover the stories behind both the museum and the wines-making for the perfect summer evening.

Family Day with Jr. Docents
Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Sundays, August 30-September 6
2-5 p.m.
Included in regular admission

Experience Gadsby's Tavern Museum through the eyes of Junior Docents--students 4th grade and older who are trained guides stationed throughout the building. These Sunday afternoons also opportunities to dive deeper into history through trivia, hands-on object stations, and a chocolate-making demonstration. Great for all ages, you'll leave inspired by this next generation of historians!

Historic Happy Hours
Thursday, September 3
Ramparts Tavern & Grill, 1700 Fern Street
5-7 p.m.
Free

Join us for Historic Happy Hours as we deep dive into history in a fun setting throughout the city! Learn about tavern entertainment in the late 18th and early 19th centuries presented by Jim Holloway, Interpretive Program Coordinator. A percent of proceeds will be donated to the Office of Historic Alexandria.

World War II Walking Tour of Alexandria
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco Street
Saturday, September 5
10:30am
$ 15 / person
Tickets Here

On this two-mile walk around Old Town, visit sites where history took place and buildings where notable Alexandrians, including a Tuskegee Airman and a member of the 101st Airborne, lived before serving their country. In addition, learn of the top-secret intelligence facility known as P.O. Box 1142. This tour begins at Lee-Fendall and ends at the Torpedo Factory by the waterfront. The tour will last approximately 1.5 hours. Walking shoes and water are highly recommended. The tour will take place rain or shine.

2026-2027 StoryKit Cohort

The Office of Historic Alexandria's (OHA) StoryKit Program is a training program that introduces oral history methods and provides resources to a cohort of

city residents to complete oral history projects. Interested in applying to this program and want to learn more? Attend the virtual information session on Thursday, September 3, 2026 from 7-8 p.m. RSVP below to receive the link. Please note that the application portal will only be open to participants who attend the informational session. If you cannot attend this session, please contact the Alexandria Oral History Center at [email protected].

To register, RSVP here.

The 2026-2027 application will open on September 7, 2026. The StoryKit program will run from November 2026 to June 30, 2027. The five-week training program will take place every Tuesday evening from 7-9 p.m. November 10 through December 15, 2026. Following the completion of this training, participants will complete their own oral history project by June 2027. Each cohort member will receive a stipend of $1,000. Current residents of the City of Alexandria and all levels of skills and experiences are encouraged to apply.

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, September 26, 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.

New Digital Exhibit: Alexandria Historical Society Launches New Digital History Museum

More than two centuries of Alexandria history-and thousands of years of the region's human story-can now be explored from anywhere through the Alexandria Historical Society's new Alexandria Digital History Museum. The free online museum, officially launched by the Society on July 28, features more than 140 stories exploring the people, places, neighborhoods, and events that have shaped Alexandria. Designed as an evolving public-history resource, the museum allows residents, visitors, students, educators, and researchers to explore Alexandria's history from anywhere.

The museum can be visited at:
alexandriahistoricalsociety.org/digital-history-museum

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 August 24, 1933, at the height of the Great Depression, the price of a haircut in Alexandria increased from 35 to 50 cents! Although local men grumbled at the whopping increase, at the time haircuts were considered essential to good grooming, almost as important as a daily starched collar and cuffs! Although some men vowed to let their wives cut their hair, others looking for work or lucky enough to be employed, could not take such a chance with their appearance and ultimately paid the higher price.

Upcoming Commission and Committee Events

Commissions Supporting Historic Alexandria

• August 24 VIRTUAL: Sister Cities Committee (SCC)
  Virtual via Zoom
  7-8:30 p.m.
• August 31 Committee of Inquiry
  Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street
  7 p.m.
• September 1 Public Records Advisory Commission (PRAC)
  Archives and records center at 801 south Payne street.
  7:30 p.m.
• September 9 Alexandria Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission (AHRPC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  8-9:15 a.m.
• September 9 ACRP Steering Committee
  Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street
  5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• September 14 Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-9 p.m.
• September 15 Historic Alexandria Resources Commission (HARC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-9 p.m.
• September 16 Alexandria Archaeological Commission (AAC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-9 p.m.
• September 21 George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee (GWBCC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-9 p.m.