A new exhibition, “Aboard Ship with the Jack-Tars of the Union Navy,” has opened at Fort Ward Museum in Alexandria. The exhibit, which began on October 2, marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Navy and will run through 2026. It highlights the role of the U.S. Navy during the Civil War, focusing on its expansion from a small force to becoming the largest naval power by 1865.
The exhibition presents artifacts such as tools, equipment, clothing, weapons, and personal items used by Union sailors. It also addresses themes including naval dress, communication methods aboard ships, navigation techniques, and weaponry used in combat. A special section is dedicated to Commander James Harmon Ward, for whom Fort Ward is named; he was the first Union Navy officer killed in the Civil War.
Fort Ward is described as “the best preserved of the extensive system of Union forts that comprised the Civil War Defenses of Washington.” The museum is located at 4301 West Braddock Road in Alexandria.
Several other events are scheduled across Alexandria’s historic sites this month. These include concerts featuring traditional American music at The Lyceum; walking tours covering topics like Civil War hospitals and local architecture; lectures on George Washington’s relationship with slavery and Viking history; and family-friendly activities such as Pumpkin Palooza at Lee-Fendall House.
In recognition of Virginia Archaeology Month, archaeologists will be present at both Old Town Farmer’s Market and West End Farmer’s Market to discuss recent projects within Alexandria.
Historic Alexandria museums have announced their operating hours for October. Most sites remain open several days each week with some variations depending on location. Freedom House Museum is temporarily closed for exterior restoration but expects to reopen in November 2025.
Additionally, a new exhibit titled “Disease and the Apothecary” has opened at Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum. This display examines how historical epidemics shaped Alexandria’s development and highlights public health responses over time.
The city has launched a new Museum Mobility Guide designed to help visitors navigate between museums using walking routes or public transit. The guide also functions as a passport: visiting every site earns participants a prize.
Looking ahead, tickets are now available for Cider Festival 2025 at Lloyd House—a tasting event supporting Historic Alexandria Museums—and this year’s holiday ornament honors canal history uncovered by archaeologists earlier this year on N. Pitt Street.
For more information about these events or museum details—including free admission for city residents—visit alexandriava.gov/Historic.
