Central Nova News

The Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum is set to host a special event on May 7, commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette’s tour of the United States. The event will feature a lecture and concert with music performed on early 19th-century instruments by Dominic Giardino and Dr. Chris Troiano.

In conjunction with Preservation Month, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum offers a specialty tour titled "Peeling Back the Layers," allowing visitors to explore areas typically closed to the public. Tickets are available online for $15, with discounts for Historic Alexandria Members.

The Alexandria Historical Society has announced its annual History Award winners. Amy Bertsch and John Sprinkle received the T. Michael Miller Award, while Dr. Abby Schreiber was honored with the Special Merit Award. High School History Awards went to William Lacey, Duke Shackelford, Cate Nickson, and Charlotte Rayder.

A community cookout is scheduled at Ruby Tucker Center on May 7 from 6-7:30 p.m., offering free food and activities for families. For more information, contact Michael Johnson or Officer Bennie Evans.

Preservation tours focusing on "Lost Buildings of Alexandria" will take place every Saturday in May, beginning at Lee-Fendall House Museum. These tours highlight historical sites in Berg and Parker-Gray neighborhoods where buildings once stood.

The Traditional Music Series Concert featuring Andrew Finn Magill and Alan Murray will be held at The Lyceum on May 9. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with tickets priced at $25 for adults and $12 for ages 12-17.

Story Time for Little Historians is planned at the Alexandria Black History Museum on May 11, providing educational stories related to Black History for children aged 5-8 years old.

On May 11, Lee-Fendall House offers a Civil War Hospital Tour exploring its history as a Union Army hospital during the Civil War.

Friendship Firehouse Museum will host an event on May 18 showcasing antique firefighting apparatuses sponsored by Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association.

A lecture titled "Remember the First Ladies" will occur at The Lyceum on May 21 featuring co-authors Diana Carlin, Anita McBride, and Nancy Kegan Smith discussing their book about America's First Ladies.

Fort Ward Museum will open an exhibition honoring Lewis Cass White's contributions to preserving Fort Stevens' legacy starting May 25.

Memorial Day events include a Vietnam War Veterans Plaque Dedication Ceremony organized by VFW Post 609 and American Legion Post 24 in partnership with Historic Alexandria Office on May 27 at Union Station.

Historic Alexandria encourages donations to support its mission beyond city operational funding as it continues hosting various educational programs throughout the year.