What's New in Historic Alexandria

Civil War Artillery Day At Fort Ward Saturday, October 2, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fort Ward Park, 4301 W. Braddock Rd. Free

Learn about the role and equipment of Civil War artillerymen in the Defenses of Washington on Saturday, October 2, when Fort Ward Museum presents Civil War Artillery Day. This free living-history program is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will appeal to Civil War enthusiasts of all ages. The event is weather-dependent.

The program features reenactors from the 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery, a Union regiment that was stationed at Fort Ward during the Civil War. The unit will interpret the duties and soldier life of typical artillerymen assigned to forts in the Washington area. Activities will include cannon firing demonstrations in the restored Northwest bastion of the fort at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., artillery equipment displays, interpretive talks, and camp life scenarios.

Please note that the public is encouraged to wear masks and practice social distancing at this outdoor event.

Fort Ward is the best preserved of the remaining Union forts in the extensive defense system known as the Defenses of Washington. Fort Ward is located at 4301 West Braddock Road in the west end of the City of Alexandria. For more information, call the Museum at 703.746.4848.

NEW 2021 Trolley Ornament

The 2021 Historic Alexandria exclusive holiday ornament is here! Car 303 of the Mount Vernon Alexandria & Washington Electric Railway was one of a fleet of art deco cars purchased in 1918 for the essential trolley line connecting Del Ray commuters to DC and tourists to Mount Vernon. It commemorates a period of Alexandria’s growth as it began the transition from industrial manufacturer to DC suburb and history tourism destination. The ornament is now available in all Historic Alexandria museum shops and in our online store. Check our current museum days of operation here.

Coming Events

Fort Ward Museum Re-opens Friday, October 1, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Fort Ward Museum, 4301 West Braddock Rd.

Fort Ward Museum will resume open hours to visitors in October! The Museum will be open weekly beginning October 1 Fridays 11 am to 4 pm and Saturdays from 11 am to 5 pm. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

Visitors are required to wear masks indoors to comply with City of Alexandria public safety regulations and the number of visitors at one time will be limited to ensure social distancing protocols. The preserved and partially restored Union fort and the Fort Ward Park grounds are open to the public daily and can be visited when the Museum is not open to the public.

Civil War Artillery Day At Fort Ward Saturday, October 2 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fort Ward Park, 4301 W. Braddock Rd. Free

Learn about the role and equipment of Civil War artillerymen in the Defenses of Washington on Saturday, October 2, when Fort Ward Museum presents Civil War Artillery Day. This free living history program is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will appeal to Civil War enthusiasts of all ages. The event is weather dependent.

The program features reenactors from the 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery, a Union regiment that was stationed at Fort Ward during the Civil War. The unit will interpret the duties and soldier life of typical artillerymen assigned to forts in the Washington area. Activities will include cannon firing demonstrations in the restored Northwest bastion of the fort at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., artillery equipment displays, interpretive talks, and camp life scenarios.

Please note that the public is encouraged to wear masks and practice social distancing at this outdoor event.

Friendship Firehouse Museum Special Open Hours Saturdays October 9, November 13 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Purchase Advanced Timed Arrival tickets at alexandriava.gov/shop

On Saturday, October 9, visit Friendship Firehouse Museum for special open hours. Learn about the Friendship Fire Company’s fire fighting procedures and equipment, as well as the different roles the organization played in serving the community. The museum is located at 107 South Alfred Street. Families with young children will be given take-home kits, including a fire helmet and activities (while supplies last).

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 a donation today!

Museums Open on a Limited Basis

In accordance with CDC guidance, City of Alexandria Museums now require guests to wear a mask in indoor public spaces. Currently, the following City Museums are open to the public:

Alexandria Archaeology Museum Thursdays 11 a.m.– 4 p.m., 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, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Fridays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Beginning October 1, Fridays 11 a.m.-4 p.m., with guided tours between 1 & 4 p.m.

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum Thursdays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Fridays, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays, 1 – 5 p.m.

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum Sundays - Mondays, 1 - 5 p.m. Beginning October 1, Fridays 11 a.m.-4 p.m., with guided tours between 1 & 4 p.m.

Friendship Firehouse Museum (October 9, November 13) 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Fort Ward Museum (Starting October 1) Fridays 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Visit our website and follow us on social media to discover new things about your hometown. For more information, please visit alexandriava.gov/historic.

Due to the changing nature of the COVID-19 situation, we are providing updates on our website. For additional information about the City of Alexandria’s actions, visit https://www.alexandriava.gov/Coronavirus.

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THIS WEEK IN ALEXANDRIA’S 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

Due to the rise in cases in Alexandria, commissions and committees are reconsidering whether to have meetings in person or virtually in the month of September. Further updates will be posted online as more information becomes available.

September 27 Alexandria Community Remembrance Project Pilgrimage Committee 7-8 p.m. Virtual meeting held via Zoom.

September 30 Alexandria Community Remembrance Project Soil and Marker Committee 7-8 p.m. Virtual meeting held via Zoom.