Central Nova News

The City of Alexandria has announced a series of events and activities aimed at celebrating its rich history and fostering community engagement. Among the highlights is the tenth anniversary of the dedication of the Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial, which will be marked by a candlelight vigil and wreath-laying ceremony on September 7. The event honors African Americans who sought freedom in Alexandria during the Civil War. "This year’s remembrance will honor the late Lillie Finklea and her work with her friend Louise Massoud to create the Friends of Freedmen’s Cemetery," according to city officials.

Additionally, residents are invited to participate in a virtual Trans-Atlantic Book Club with Helsingborg, Sweden, on October 8. The discussion will focus on Marie Aubert's novella "Grown Ups" and will be conducted in English. Copies of the book are available for registered participants at Beatley Adult Information Desk starting September 1.

Family Day events featuring young historians as Junior Docents are being held every Sunday through Labor Day weekend at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. Visitors can enjoy historic chocolate-making demonstrations alongside these educational tours.

The Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association continues its Lyceum Chamber Series at the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum until September 15. Different musicians perform each week, with Quodlibet featured on August 18.

For those interested in fitness, Carlyle House Historic Park hosts Yoga on the Magnolia Terrace-Happy Hour on August 30. This fundraiser supports new exhibit cases for the museum.

The Friendship Firehouse Museum celebrates its 250th anniversary with an antique firefighting apparatus muster on September 14, sponsored by the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association.

Other notable events include Story Time for Little Historians at Alexandria Black History Museum, a Liberation of Paris Garden Party hosted by Lloyd House, and an Alexandria Fire History Symposium marking historical firefighting milestones.

On September 21, a classic car show featuring "orphan" vehicles takes place at The Lyceum's parking lot, co-sponsored by Packards Virginia.

Finally, a documentary screening titled "Resolved: Never Again" by filmmaker Robin Hamilton explores Alexandria's history concerning slavery and racial terror acts post-Civil War. Proceeds support the Alexandria Community Remembrance Project's ongoing work.

Alexandria museums continue to offer various visiting hours throughout their locations. More information about these events can be found online or by contacting city representatives directly for reasonable disability accommodations.