This Week in Historic Alexandria - October 7, 2024

october 7-13, 2024

What's New

Virginia Archaeology Month 2024

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

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

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.

For the full schedule of events and more information, visit alexandriava.gov/Archaeology.

Tables of Conscience Dinner

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.

Discussion book: 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.

Upcoming Events

View the Historic Alexandria Calendar

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.

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.

Beyond the Battlefield: A Civil War Walking Tour
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco Street
Saturday, October 12
10 - 11:30 a.m.
$15 to the general public and free for museum members
Purchase tickets.

This walking tour shares the stories of soldiers, citizens, and self-liberated African Americans in Civil War Alexandria. It covers the military occupation, the conversion of public and private buildings into hospitals, and emancipation.

Tickets must be purchased in advance. The tour is limited to 12 participants and lasts approximately an hour and a half. Walking tours take place rain or shine, so please wear appropriate shoes and clothing. For more information, please call 703-548-1789 or e-mail [email protected].

Civil War Hospital Tour
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco Street
Saturday, October 12
2 - 3:15 p.m.
$10 to the general public and free for museum members
Purchase tickets.

Learn how the Lee-Fendall House was confiscated during the Civil War and operated as a Union Army hospital. Explore what life was like in Union-occupied Alexandria, how the Lee-Fendall House witnessed medical history, and how political divisions impacted those living here.

Members, please call the museum to reserve your ticket. The tour is limited to 12 participants. Please e-mail [email protected] or call 703-548-1789 with any questions.

Lecture: "Grosvenor Branch Hospital: The Confiscation of the Lee-Fendall House"
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco Street
Saturday, October 12
6 - 7:15 p.m.
$10 to the general public and free for museum members
Purchase tickets.

The Lee-Fendall House is one of the oldest homes in Alexandria, VA. Built in 1785, it has a close family connection to Robert E. Lee (who grew up across the street). During the Civil War, the city was occupied by Union forces. Lee-Fendall was confiscated in April 1863 for use as a Union military hospital and renamed Grosvenor Branch. It remains one of the few Civil War hospitals in Alexandria that one can enter. Using its medical ledgers, this lecture will explore the hospital's daily operations and soldiers' experiences, delving into how medical history was made at Grosvenor Branch - where one of only two successful blood transfusions occurred during the War. Attendees will also learn of the political divisions that impacted those who lived at Lee-Fendall, the dynamics of a Union-occupied city, and view examples of how both Union and Confederate prisoners were treated at Grosvenor Branch.

Members please call at (703) 548-1789 to reserve your tickets. It is highly recommended to book tickets in advance as space is limited.

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.

Lafayette Dinner - SOLD OUT
Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Thursday, October 17
6:30 p.m.

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.

Discovering Alexandria Architecture Walking Tour
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 North Fairfax Street
Saturday, October 19
10 - 11:30 a.m.
$20
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. Please wear comfortable shoes for this 1.5 hour guided tour. Tour is held rain or shine unless there is severe weather.

Having trouble registering? Please call 703-549-2997 or email [email protected]

Jazz Under the Stars
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco Street
Saturday, October 19
7 - 10 p.m.
$80 - $2500
Purchase tickets.

Join us for an unforgettable night of live jazz music, dancing under the stars, sipping jazz-themed cocktails, and enjoying catered hors d'oeuvres while connecting with friends from the Alexandria community.

Proceeds from this event will support the preservation and education work of the historic Lee-Fendall House Museum in its landmark 50th year. Questions? Contact Ceilie Holmes, event chair, at [email protected] or (703) 201-4142

Halloween Hunt
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 North Fairfax Street
October 24-31
Sundays 12p.m.-4p.m., Monday-Saturday (closed Wednesday) 10a.m.-4p.m.
$2 per child
Purchase tickets.

Stop by the Museum Store during open hours (closed Wednesday) from October 24th through 31st to participate in our Halloween Hunt! In this $2 drop-in activity, guests can pick up a worksheet and explore the garden of Carlyle House while learning about Halloween in Alexandria at the turn of the twentieth-century! Find all the newspaper clippings in order to answer the questions on your worksheet and uncover the secret message. Tell a staff member the secret message and receive a special prize*!

This fun fall activity is best for young guests and their grownups. No tickets required, just stop in and visit the museum during open hours. Questions? email us at [email protected]

*so all our friends can play, prizes will not be edible

Witchcraft in the Walls
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 North Fairfax Street
October 25 and October 26
6 - 8 p.m.
$15
Purchase tickets.

Rumor has it that there has been a re-emergence of witchcraft in Alexandria and the accused witch was last seen at the Carlyle House! Gather evidence so Alexandrians can bring her to trial by speaking with witnesses to her alleged sorcery. Along the way you will learn how to concoct your own witch bottle by gathering a list of items that were thought to offer protection against witches. The only way to complete your witch bottle recipe is by solving a series of puzzles throughout the Carlyle House and gardens. Will you be safe from the witch's wicked spells?

*Disclaimer: there is no documentation that there was ever thought to be a witch at Carlyle House or in Alexandria. The witch in this program is purely fictional and based off of women who were accused of witchcraft in Virginia between 1626 and 1730, which was well before John Carlyle lived in Alexandria.*

Small groups will be let in the house at a time every 15 minutes. Last entry into the house is 7:45 each evening. There are no jump scares or actors who will touch you, but due to some subject matter this program is not appropriate for children under the age of 12.

Having trouble registering? Please call 703-549-2997 or email [email protected]

Something's Brewing at Port City Brewing Company!
Port City Brewing Company, 3950 Wheeler Ave., Alexandria
Friday, October 25
5-10 p.m., Tasting Room opens at noon

Something's Brewing on October 25th at Port City Brewing Company! We're throwing a killer Halloween party to celebrate the return of everyone's favorite spooky beers, Long Black Veil and Optimal Witch. With live music from the Mildewdz, delicious food from Borinquen Lunch Box and Scuttlbutt Bakeshop, and our friends from Historic Alexandria, this party is sure to be a hauntingly good time. Join us for a night of great music, tasty beers, and amazing food. Don your spookiest costume if you dare!

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.

Poe in Alexandria
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
Wednesday, October 30 and Thursday, October 31
8 p.m.
$25
Purchase tickets.

Join us at the Alexandria Film Festival for "Resolved: Never Again." The film documents Alexandria's dedication to telling the whole truth of this city's history. 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 recreate Poe's visit to Virginia in 1849, shortly before his death. This year's performance will include short stories, poems, musings, and literary criticism.

ACRP Documentary Film Screening
Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library, 5005 Duke Street
Friday, November 8
12 p.m.
$15
https://alexfilmfest.com

Join us at the Alexandria Film Festival for "Resolved: Never Again." The film documents Alexandria's dedication to telling the whole truth of this city's history.

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
  Saturdays, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sundays, 1 - 5 p.m.

  Freedom House is open on weekends only through early January. Group visits available by special appointment.

• 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

October 11, 1899, Alexandria kicked off its sesquicentennial celebration with an illumination display by boats in the Potomac. The following day, with flags, banners and other decorations on homes and businesses all around town, Alexandria held a parade that stretched three miles. An estimated 15,000 to 20,000 visitors came to Alexandria to join in the festivities.

Upcoming Commission and Committee Events

Commissions Supporting Historic Alexandria

• October 8 ACRP Steering Committee
  Alexandria Black History Museum, 904 Wythe Street
  5-6 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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