The City of Alexandria announced on May 7 that Fort Ward Museum will host an outdoor concert featuring Civil War-era music on May 16. The event, which coincides with Armed Forces Day, will begin at 11 a.m. and feature the 8th Green Machine Regiment Band performing popular songs from the period using authentic 19th-century instruments.
The concert aims to provide attendees with a unique historical experience while highlighting the importance of music during the Civil War era. Suggested donations for attendance are $2 per person or $5 per family, and the event is weather dependent.
In addition to live music, visitors can explore Fort Ward Museum’s new exhibit, “Buglers & Brass Bands: Soldier Musicians in the Civil War.” The exhibit showcases musical instruments and sheet music from the museum’s collection. According to the official website, Alexandria’s museums and historic sites enhance community identity by interpreting local social and cultural history through exhibits like this one.
Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site is located at 4301 West Braddock Road in Alexandria. The site is recognized as the best preserved of the Union forts that made up Washington’s Civil War defenses. Alexandria maintains several other sites documenting African American heritage and incorporates racial and social equity into its policies to foster fair outcomes for all residents, according to the official website.
The Office of Historic Alexandria manages eight museums and historic sites throughout the city, offering programs designed to preserve local history while supporting community inclusion initiatives. For more information about events or accessibility accommodations at Fort Ward or other locations, residents are encouraged to visit alexandriava.gov/Historic.
