Central Nova News

The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum is hosting an Outlandish Tour from January 26 to February 9. The tour, inspired by Diana Gabaldon's "Outlander" series, will explore herbal medicines featured in the novels and discuss the role of apothecaries and women in medicine during the 18th century. Visitors are advised to arrive early as the museum doors will be locked once the tour begins.

In commemoration of Lafayette's visit to Alexandria in 1824, Historic Alexandria has released a holiday ornament featuring the "Lafayette House." This brass ornament is available for purchase at local museum stores and online.

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum will host Tavern Games Night on January 31. The event includes games and a presentation on Alexandria’s Black History, with a cash bar available.

The City of Alexandria is organizing several events including Story Time for Little Historians at the Alexandria Black History Museum on January 11, focusing on African American literature and Kwanzaa principles. Additionally, a Martin Luther King Jr. Poster Exhibition will be held at City Hall from January 15 to February 28, showcasing student artwork.

Meaningful Conversations about Racism will take place at the Alexandria Black History Museum on January 16. This session will focus on refugees and immigrants. On the same day, Seán Gavin and Josh Dukes will perform traditional Irish music at The Lyceum.

Tables of Conscience book-themed dinners are scheduled for January and February to raise scholarship funds for students at Alexandria City High School. These dinners will feature discussions on "Of Poetry and Protest: From Emmett Till to Trayvon Martin."

Historic Alexandria continues its mission with support from city funding but relies heavily on donations for additional projects. Museums under its purview have specific visiting hours, with closures noted for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

On December 24, 1953, Alexandria's City Council supported a resolution for constructing a bridge at Jones Point funded by the federal government. This led to what is now known as the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, which opened in December 1961.

Upcoming committee meetings include sessions by various commissions supporting historic preservation in Alexandria throughout January.