Central Nova News

The City of Alexandria is commemorating its 275th anniversary with a series of events running from April through September. The celebrations began on April 6 at Waterfront Park, featuring the debut of a new archaeology exhibit and the planting of the first of 275 trees.

An exhibit titled "Searching for Truth in the Garden" is currently on display at the Freedom House Museum until April 15. This exhibition, based on Gonzaga High School's research, explores the life of Gabriel, an enslaved teenager in 1829.

The Robinson Landing Gallery opened a new windowfront exhibit showcasing scale models of three historic ships excavated in 2018. The exhibit aims to provide insight into what these vessels might have looked like during their time.

Douglass Cemetery faces preservation challenges due to flooding and drainage issues. City staff are working alongside community groups to address these problems. An update meeting was held on April 9 to discuss ongoing efforts.

Other events include Story Time for Little Historians at the Alexandria Black History Museum on April 13 and a whisky tasting event at The Lyceum later that day. Proceeds from these events support various educational and cultural initiatives.

A lecture titled "The Brutal Truth of 1315 Duke Street Revealed" will take place on April 18, focusing on Dorcas Allen's story, a free Black woman who faced significant legal challenges in the early 19th century.

On April 23, a remembrance event for Joseph McCoy will be held at Penny Hill Cemetery, marking his lynching in 1897. A community cookout will follow at Ewald Park.

Historic Alexandria continues to receive operational funding from the city but relies on donations and grants for additional projects. Museum hours vary by location, with complimentary admission for city residents.

For more information about upcoming events or museum details, visit alexandriava.gov/Historic.