Central Nova News

The city of Alexandria is preparing for a series of events and programs that celebrate its rich historical heritage. On July 18, Market Square will host the Fairfax Resolves Program and Marker Dedication. This event marks 250 years since British colonists in Virginia drafted influential documents that contributed to the American Revolution. The evening will feature history booths, a performance by the United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, and speeches by reenactors portraying George Washington and George Mason. Carly Fiorina, Virginia’s National Honorary Chairperson of the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission, will deliver keynote remarks.

The Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum has opened an exhibition titled "Mapping Alexandria: Stories of a Changing City." This exhibit explores the city's history through resident narratives and encourages visitors to contribute their own stories.

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum is offering specialty tours inspired by the musical Hamilton on July 5 and July 12. These tours discuss how historical figures like Washington, Lafayette, Jefferson, Madison, and Burr interacted with the tavern.

On July 6, Lee Fendall House Museum will conduct a Civil War Hospital Tour highlighting its role as a Union Army hospital during the Civil War. Meanwhile, Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum invites visitors to learn about botanical science on July 7 with a tour inspired by Harry Potter's wizarding world.

Other events include Family Day with Young Historians at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum every Sunday starting July 7 through Labor Day weekend. The Mount Vernon Recreation Center will host a Community Cookout on July 9.

For those interested in local history trivia, Lee Fendall House Museum will hold trivia nights starting July 12. Additionally, fans of rugby can watch USA vs Scotland at Audi Field on July 12.

Alexandria Historical Society offers a walking tour focusing on African American soldiers' experiences during the Civil War on July 13. Also available are storytime sessions for children at the Alexandria Black History Museum and another walking tour exploring Civil War Alexandria at Lee Fendall House Museum.

The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum presents an Outlandish Tour on herbal medicines from Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series on July 21. Carlyle House Historic Park offers Yoga Happy Hours as fundraisers for new exhibits from late July through September.

The city has announced Arts Enrichment Programs for Youth funded by the American Rescue Fund Program for high-quality arts education initiatives running from September to December this year.

Nominations are open for the Bernard “Ben” Brenman Archaeology in Alexandria Award until July 5 to honor contributions to archaeological preservation in Alexandria.

Historic Alexandria relies on donations alongside city funding to achieve its strategic goals. Residents are encouraged to support these efforts financially or visit local museums free of charge if they reside within city limits.

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