This Week in Historic Alexandria - September 30, 2024

September 30 - october 6, 2024

What's New

The United States Marine Band.

"The President's Own" United States Marine Band Concert

Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
Sunday, October 6
6 - 7:15 p.m.
Free
Pre-register

Join musicians from "The President's Own" United States Marine Band for a special concert tracing the musical history of America's oldest continuously active professional musical organization. The band performed at Lyceum Hall, which is now the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, after an 1840 parade and during a concert hosted by Signor Francis Garcia in 1843. The Marine Band was a frequent visitor to the area, performing in local parades, on steamboat excursions from Alexandria, in at least one tavern, and at various venues throughout the city.

The musicians will present a program of works inspired by past performances in Alexandria during the 19th and 20th centuries. Historic selections include Francis Hopkinson's Washington's March, a celebration of the first President of the United States, and Medley of Patriotic Airs by Francis Scala, the first Marine Band member to hold the title of "Leader of the Band." Marine Band Historian Staff Sgt. Philip Espe will narrate the program, providing historical context to the programmed pieces. The concert is free with a cash bar available.

Peter Brice (voice, button accordion), and Samantha Suplee (fiddle).

An Evening of Irish Music with Donna Long, Peter Brice and Samantha Suplee at the Historic Lyceum

Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
Thursday, October 10
7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.)
$25, $10 Ages 12-17
Purchase tickets.

Donna Long (piano, fiddle), Peter Brice (voice, button accordion), and Samantha Suplee will present a concert of traditional music from Ireland and Irish America, drawing on a repertoire of jigs, reels, 17th-century harp music, and songs from the Age of Revolution. Learn more about the concert series.

The Marquis de Lafayette, National Portrait Gallery.

Lecture: The Marquis de Lafayette Returns

Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
Wednesday, October 16
7:30 - 9 p.m.
$15, $12 OHA members and volunteers
Purchase tickets.

To commemorate the 200th anniversary of Lafayette's return visit to the United States in 1824, join Elizabeth Reese, author of "Marquis de Lafayette Returns, A Tour of America's National Capital Region" for a lecture followed by a reception and book signing. Walk in the footsteps of the Marquis de Lafayette as he makes a final trip through the young United States. Against the backdrop of a tumultuous election, a beloved hero of the American Revolution returned to America for the first time in forty years. Elizabeth Reese traces Lafayette's route throughout the National Capital Region, highlighting the locations and people the famous General held closest to his heart.

Upcoming Events

View the Historic Alexandria Calendar

Pop-Up Archaeology - Buried Ships of Robinson Landing Exhibit
Corner of The Strand and Pioneer Mill Way (near BARCA)
Friday, October 4
4:30 - 7 p.m.
Free

Step inside the temporary Buried Ships of Robinson Landing window-front exhibit for a special chance to see scale models of three 18th century vessel remnants excavated in 2018 on the same block. Talk with archaeologists and learn how these ships were used to create new land along the waterfront. You can learn more information about the free exhibit located at the Strand and Pioneer Mill Way.

Art During Wartime - Book Talk with Dr. Vanessa Schulman
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco Street
Friday, October 4
7 - 8:15 p.m.
$10 to the general public and free for museum members
Purchase tickets.

While the Civil War raged on, many northern artists depicted everyday life rather than grand battles or landscapes of noble sacrifice. Amidst a conflict that was upending antebellum social norms, these painters created realistic scenes of mundane events, known as genre paintings. While many of the paintings seem to show ordinary incidents, artists worked to connect their visuals to larger concerns. With attention to how the war shaped new definitions of gender, race, and disability, Art during Wartime uncovers the complexity of these genre paintings, using seven case studies of artists who explored how the war instigated social change and influenced northern opinions about current events. In this book talk, the author will briefly outline the book's primary arguments and then discuss how three of the artists studied--Thomas Hicks, Vincent Colyer, and Eastman Johnson--used genre art to spark complex conversations about American life.

Members, please call the museum to reserve your ticket. Tickets must be purchased in advance as there is limited seating. Questions? Please e-mail [email protected] or call the museum at 703-548-1789.

Walking Tour: The Marquis de Lafayette Returns (SOLD OUT)
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
Saturday, October 5 & Sunday, October 6
10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
$15/$30 includes book, $12 Historic Alexandria Members

Join public historian and author of Marquis de Lafayette Returns, A Tour of America's National Capital Region Elizabeth Reese on a 90 minute walking tour retracing Lafayette's steps from his 1824 visit. Coordinated by the Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee. The tour will begin at the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum (201 South Washington Street) and will end at Gadsby's Tavern Museum (134 North Royal Street).

Fall Frolic
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco Street
Saturday, October 5
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$15 per participating child and $5 for each accompanying adult.
Purchase tickets.

Lee-Fendall's annual Fall Frolic is the perfect family event to celebrate the Fall season! Enjoy autumn and Halloween-themed family fun in the garden of the Lee-Fendall House on Saturday, October 5th. Activities include crafts, games, a cake walk, and more! Costumes are encouraged but not required. A costume contest will be held each hour, and the winner will get a special prize! Activities are catered to children ages 3-12.

Tickets must be purchased in advance as sessions are limited to 20 children per hour. Tickets are sold on the hour at: 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM. Questions? Call (703)-548-1789 or email [email protected].

Story Time for Little Historians
Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street
Saturday, October 12
10 a.m.- 10:45 a.m.
Free

Dynamic storytellers use books written by and about African American people and other communities of color to engage with ages 5-8.

Lafayette Dinner
Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Thursday, October 17
6:30 p.m.
$150
Purchase tickets.

Enjoy a four course-dinner with French wine pairings as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of Lafayette's dinner in the very same room where he was welcomed in October of 1824! A re-enactor portraying the marquis de Lafayette will be in attendance, offering toasts, reminiscences, and an opportunity to have your photo taken with him as an honored guest. The evening's program will highlight Lafayette's role in advancing liberty in the United States and beyond. Supported by the American Friends of Lafayette.

Alexandria Forum: Civil Rights in Alexandria
Virginia Theological Seminary in the Lettie Pate Whitehead Room
3737 Seminary Rd.
Friday, October 18
9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
$65, $45 Historic Alexandria Member/Student
Purchase tickets.

The American Revolution in Virginia was more than a war - it was a Revolution of ideas that continues today. The Alexandria Forum, on the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Amendment, will explore the ways we interpret civil rights history to better engage with audiences, promote truth-telling, and racial reconciliation. The day-long symposium will feature lectures, short films, research updates, and a panel discussion. The keynote speaker, Dr. Krystyn Moon, University of Mary Washington, will present "Housing Activism in Mid-Twentieth Century Alexandria." A Continental Breakfast and boxed lunches will be provided. A networking happy hour follows at 4:30 p.m.

Slip Into the Past at Art Safari
Alexandria Archaeology Museum, 105 N Union Street, #327
Saturday, October 19
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Free

Celebrate Virginia Archaeology Month throughout October with events and programs highlighting important archaeological sites and preservation efforts across the City of Alexandria.

Experiment with 19th century ceramic slip designs, like marbling and dendritic patterns, and apply your own temporary tattoo in the style of transfer printed ceramic. This activity coincides with Art Safari at the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

Tables of Conscience Dinner
Saturday, October 26
6 p.m.
$125 donation per person
Purchase tickets.

Back by Popular Demand! A new round of Tables of Conscience book-themed dinners is scheduled to raise money for the 2025 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. The dinner's discussion book must be purchased separately from a local bookstore.

The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas. This award-winning book is about an African American teen, Starr Carter, who sees a white police officer kill her best friend from childhood. Although this book is classified as a Young Adult Novel, it has been recommended for adults and has been described as a compelling, thought-provoking read.

Death at the City Hotel
Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Saturday, October 26
7 p.m.
$35, $30 Historic Alexandria Member/Volunteer
Purchase tickets.

While the City Hotel (now Gadsby's Tavern Museum) was a hotel during the Civil War, it still saw its share of deaths. Through activities and storytelling, learn about Civil War-era deaths at the hotel and what they reveal about changing medical and grieving practices of the time. Cost includes one drink ticket.

Support Historic Alexandria

Historic Alexandria receives City operational funding to support its mission; however, these resources do not cover the full scope of the department's strategic goals and projects. Donations, special revenue, and grant funding help supplement staff, conservation work, and educational programs. Please consider making a gift today.

Historic Alexandria Museum Hours

Plan your Visit

• Alexandria Archaeology Museum
  Tuesdays through Fridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays, 1-5 p.m.
• Alexandria Black History Museum
  Thursdays and 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 and Fridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays, 1-5 p.m.
• Fort Ward Museum
  Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays, 1-5 p.m.
• Freedom House Museum
  Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays and Mondays, 1-5 p.m.
• Friendship Firehouse Museum
  Saturday, October 12, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Gadsby's Tavern Museum
  Thursdays and 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.

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 1, 1931 the Alexandria City Council appointed the George Washington Bicentennial Commission to arrange and promote activities in Alexandria associated with the 200th birthday of our nation's first president. Chaired by former Mayor William Albert Smoot, who resided at Lloyd House, now the headquarters for the Office of Historic Alexandria., the celebration would be one of the first to officially promote Alexandria as a tourism destination. Not only did Washington regard Alexandria as his hometown, but he had even helped survey the land that became Alexandria when he was just 17 years of age. Among the major physical landmarks that grew out of the Bicentennial Commemoration are the George Washington Masonic National Memorial and the George Washington Memorial Parkway.

Upcoming Commission and Committee Events

Commissions Supporting Historic Alexandria

• October 1 HARC Advocacy Subcommittee
  La Madeleine, 500 King Street
  10 a.m.
• October 2 ACRP Schools and Libraries Action Committee
  Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street
  6-7 p.m.
• October 9 Alexandria Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  8 a.m.
• October 14 Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee
  Sister Cities Conference Room 1101, City Hall
  7-9 p.m.
• October 15 Historic Alexandria Resources Commission (HARC)
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-9 p.m.
• October 16 Alexandria Archaeological Commission
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-9 p.m.

• October 21 George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee
  Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
  7-9 p.m.

• October 21 Alexandria Sister Cities Committee (SCC) Dundee and Helsingborg
  Sister Cities Conference Room 1101, City Hall
  7p.m.

• October 21 Public Records Advisory Commission (PRAC)
  Archives and Records Center, 801 S. Payne Street
  7:30 p.m.

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