Historic Alexandria announced on May 1 that residents and businesses are encouraged to display the city’s official America250 garden flag as part of a new Plant for America250 initiative. The effort aims to promote local participation in the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.
The initiative invites community members to plant red, white, and blue native gardens throughout Alexandria, reviving a tradition from the nation’s Bicentennial in 1976. According to Historic Alexandria, participants can celebrate by planting new patriotic gardens or maintaining existing ones while displaying an official America250 garden flag. The flags are made from durable cream-colored woven polyester with the America250 logo printed on both sides and measure 18 by 12.5 inches. Garden stakes are sold separately at local stores.
Flags are available for $15 at the Alexandria History Museum store or online through Historic Alexandria’s shop, with shipping charges applying to online purchases. Residents may also take part in the Plant for America250 pledge and compete for the new 2026 America250 Patriotic Native Plantings Award, which recognizes outstanding patriotic native plantings at homes, businesses, and community properties.
The Office of Historic Alexandria operates eight museums and historic sites that enhance community identity by interpreting local social and cultural history according to the official website. The city also maintains institutions such as the Alexandria Black History Museum that document African American heritage as noted on its website.
Alexandria incorporates racial and social equity into its policies and decisions with an aim toward fair outcomes for all residents per its official website. The city is governed under a council-manager system where operations are overseen by a manager selected by City Council according to city information. As an independent city, it provides services within defined boundaries to residents, businesses, and visitors according to its website.
The Alexandria Archaeological Commission works alongside agencies, institutions, and residents on archaeological research and preservation efforts within the community as described on its site.
