The Alexandria Black History Museum

With the economic and cultural contribution of African Americans towards the tapestry of life for the community of Alexandria, it just comes to show that their role was an important part of Alexandria’s history since 1749.

During the Civil War, Alexandria was occupied by the union and remained in controlled of the Federals through out the war despite Robert E. Lee being from the city. When the war end, Alexandria was segregated but in August 21, 1939, 5 young African Americans fought back by staging a ‘sit in’ in front of Alexandria Free Library (Queen Street Library) led by Samuel Wilbert Tucker, emphasizing on the inequality of educational opportunities. But the ‘sit in’ resulted with another library, Robert Robinson Library being built in April of 1940, meant for African Americans to use instead of integration.

The Robert Robinson Library was used by African Americans till the early 1960’s when the desegregation occurred. That Library is now an important foundational element of the Alexandria Black History Museum. It is the pride of all Alexandrians with events and exhibits are always being held through the year.

As time passed by, more sites were added to the museum, like the Alexandria African American Heritage Park located in the eastern part of Carlyle District and Watson Reading Room just next door to the Museum where a collection of books, documents, videos and periodicals of the culture of African Americans are carefully stored.

Benjamin Banneker, Dr. Albert Johnson to Samuel Wilbert Tucker have played an essential role in Alexandria’s history and remains to be valued till today that had molded Alexandria into being one of the many diverse, vibrant and progressive cities in the U.S.

Alexandria Black History Museum is located at 902 Wythe Street in Alexandria VA 22314.