Museums
Lists and describes museums and collections by category and location. Provides notice of specific displays and activities.
The Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden
Boasting its Victorian architectural beauty, the Lee- Fendall House interprets the life and living of the Lee family from 1850 to 1870 with the well restored house and cared for garden. The Lee-Fendall House is situated in the Historic District of Old Town Alexandria on Lee Corner, at the junction of North Washington and Oronoco Streets within the neighborhood where other Lee Homes were located in the 18th and 19th centuries.
General Robert E. Lee’s father, Henry “Light Horse Harry” Lee who was a revolutionary war hero, sold the piece of land situated at the corner of Oronoco Street to his cousin Philip Richard Fendall who later on built his family home on this land in 1785. The Lee family resided on this land from 1785 to 1903 even when the Union Army had taken over the property to establish a hospital for its soldiers in 1863. After the departure of the last Lee member from the property, Robert Downham resided in the house till 1937 when he conveyed the property to John L. Lewin, who in turn lived there till his death in 1969.
The half acre garden of the Lee-Fendall House is a well managed garden overseen by the Alexandria Council of Garden Clubs consisting of 24 garden clubs ever since 1974. A variety of heritage roses, collection of herbs, English boxwoods, Black Walnut Trees, Gingko, Magnolia Grandiflora and scampering squirrels along with the tombstone of Philip R. Fendall’s mother, Eleanor Fendall can be found in this cared for garden.
The Lee- Fendall House Museum and Garden is located at 614 Oronoco Street in Alexandria VA 22314. For more information about tours, events, rentals and the like, please call 703 548 1789 or visit www.leefendallhouse.org.
The Historical Carlyle House
Historic Carlyle House in Old Town
The Carlyle House is located at 121 N. Fairfax Street in Alexandria, VA 22314 was constructed in 1751 and completed in 1753 by John Carlyle for his bride, Sarah Fairfax of Belvoir, designing it to accommodate his household, servants quarters, lifestyle necessities and merchant business facilities . The 2 story stone Carlyle House was home to John Carlyle and his family along with a vast number of African Americans who were then enslaved for domestic work on the property.
The Carlyle House immediately became the center of the social and political scene in Alexandria most especially when Carlyle House became the headquarters of British General Braddock in 1755. When John Carlyle passed away, his daughter Sarah inherited Carlyle House but by 1827, it was no longer owned by the Carlyle family as it was used after as a hospital in the Civil War, hotel and then a private home. The Carlyle House was only restored and opened to the public when the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority had acquired it in 1970.
The Carlyle House is presents itself with its unique historical architecture as an 18th century Georgian Palladian style house highlighting the prosperity of Alexandria in the past, being listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tour
A traditional holiday held in Alexandria featuring 4 of Old Town’s historic sites, the Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tour will welcome everyone with period music, decorations and costumed tours on December 11 and 12, 2010. The self guided Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tour will provide a free shuttle service to and from each site.
The Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tour will highlight:
- Carlyle House Historic Park
- Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
- Lee-Fendell House
- Old Presbyterian Meeting House
Carlyle House Historic Park features a display of musicians showcasing period music and seasonal greens in preparation for an 18th century holiday festivities.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum offers hot cider while being soothed by the caroling of Singers West from West Potomac High School. Living History Foundation also will be offering an opportunity to learn 18th century dancing.
Lee-Fendell House will showcase their 19th century kissing ball and wreathing decorations, costumed tours, live piano and choral performances.
Old Presbyterian Meeting House will be dressed in holiday greenery and candle lit grandeur readily welcoming everyone into their historic beauty.
The Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tour tickets price are as follows:
- Adult: $20
- Seniors: $15
- Children (6-17 years of age): $5
To purchase tickets, please contact 703 838 4242
Gadsby’s Tavern of Old Town Alexandria.
Gadsby’s Tavern – A U.S. National Historic Landmark 1963
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
138 N. Royal Street
Alexandria , VA 22314
Contact Number: 703 746 4242
Gadsby’s Tavern named after Englishman John Gadsby who managed the tavern from 1796 to 1808 making it the highlight of Alexandria’s economic, political and social life. Gadsby’s Tavern now houses Gadsby’s Tavern Restaurant, American Legion Post 24 and Gadsby’s Tavern Museum.
Gadsby’s Tavern was constructed with 2 buildings built in 1785 and the other as 1792 City Hotel. It is known that George Washington had frequently patronized the taverns along with the annual Birthnight Ball held in his honor.
Other prestigious guests include:
- John Adams
- Thomas Jefferson
- James Madison
- James Monroe
- Andrew Jackson
- Marquis de La Fayette
The Gadsby’s Tavern Restaurant, today offers an elegant spread for lunch, dinner and brunch in its 18th century dining rooms, wherein semi private and private dining rooms, including a courtyard and a ballroom is offered to be rented for special occasions and business functions. They also hold special celebrations such as candlelight tours, Civil War balls, teas with Martha Washington and the George Washington Birthnight Ball in honor of the colonial times.
The Gadsby’s Tavern Museum is now visited for its Georgian architecture that was preserved and maintained to its colonial design.
30 minutes Tours are offered at the Gadsby’s Tavern Museum as scheduled:
November to March:
Wednesday to Saturday – 11am to 4pm
Sunday- 1pm to 4pm
April to October:
Tuesday to Saturday- 10am to 5pm
Sunday and Monday- 1pm to 5pm
Closed- Every Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day
Admission Fees:
- Adults: $4
- Children (11 – 17 years of age): $2
- Children(Below 11 years of age): Free with a paying Adult.
McLean Community Center Brings Arts & Education to the Area
Approved in 1970 and built and funded by Greater McLean area residents, the McLean Community Center now relies on volunteers, gifts and donations to run its facilities and programs. Throughout the year the Center hosts many programs and services for adults and children, including classes, lectures, study tours, art exhibits, theater performances and specialty shows.
The Center offers more than 100 classes for all ages on varied topics including, but not limited to, art, business, dance, writing, chess, language, fitness and theater. In addition, McLean residents can experience the arts through the 424-seat Alden Theatre, which brings nationally and internationally known musicians, dancers and theater players. Groups that perform at the theater include the McLean Kids, Jammin’ Juniors, McLean Symphony and the McLean Community Players. Residents can also experience the visual arts through the McLean Project for the Arts galleries and the Susan B. DuVal Art Studio.
Families with children will love the Old Firehouse Teen Center operated by the McLean Community Center. The Old Firehouse hosts events and activities specifically with teens in mind. Activities provided are wholesome and help children and young adults through programs for physical, mental and emotional development.
Finally, the McLean Community Center holds many community events throughout the year, including:
- McLean Day at Lewinsville Park
- July 4th Fireworks at Langley High School
- McLean Antiques Show & Sale
- McLean Holiday Crafts Show
- McLean Jewelry Showcase
- Sunday Soiree Series
- MLK Day Blues & BBQ Dinner
- Be Fit McLean! Outdoor Fitness & Adventure Expo
- McLean Spring Community Garage Sale
- McLean Pet Expo
The Center is located at 1234 Ingleside Ave. in McLean. For more information, call 703-790-0123 or visit www.mcleancenter.org.
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.
The Lyceum for anyone and everyone.
Historical and Patriotic
The Lyceum is located at the heart of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. Built in 1839 and managed by gentlemen who formed with the Alexandria Library Company, The Lyceum remains to be historical and patriotic in its structure, with Greek style architecture on the exterior.
The Lyceum has served many purposes for its country over the years. It was a cultural center in Alexandria before the Civil War broke out. It was then used as a hospital by the Union Army during the Civil War. It was even used as an office building, a private home and the first Bicentennial Center in the nation. It was in 1985 when The Lyceum was made as Alexandria’s Historical Museum.
The Lyceum can be rented by the community and by private parties for concerts, lectures, school programs, volunteer functions and weddings. Tourists can also enjoy viewing historical memorabilia from the Civil War, documents, antique silver, photographs, furniture and 19th century stoneware.
Homes for Sale in Old Town Alexandria
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$750,000 : 1250 Washington St S #410, Alexandria2 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
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$515,000 : 123 Henry St S, Alexandria4 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths
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$624,900 : 520 John Carlyle St #107, Alexandria1 bed, 1 full, 1 part baths
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$709,900 : 412 Pendleton St, Alexandria3 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
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$729,900 : 604 Tivoli Passage Way #Pb-16, Alexandria3 beds, 3 full baths
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The Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria
One of the largest Art Centers in The United States
The Torpedo Factory Art Center in Old Town Alexandria
Featuring 6 grand galleries, more than 80 studios, 2 workshops and the Alexandria Archeology Museum, The Torpedo Factory Art Center can be found in Old Town Alexandria, near Union and kings Street and the Potomac River.
Over 160 artists produce and showcase their original work in the Art Canter. One can also shop excellent quality and unique artworks, such as Paintings, Print Making, Jewelry, Ceramics, Stained Glass, Sculpture and Photography. The Art League School teaches children ages 5 years and above, as well as those at least 18 years of age for adult classes.
6 Grand Galleries of the The Torpedo Factory Art Center are are made up of :
1. The Art League Gallery
2. The Target Gallery
3. Enamelists Gallery
4. Potomac Craftsmen Fiber Gallery
5. Multiple Exposures Gallery for photographs
6. Scope Gallery for ceramics
Residents of Old Town Alexandria in North Virginia (which is the most sought after real estate) have access to The Torpedo Factory Art Center, The Lyceum and other shops and restaurants, all connected by King St. Trolley to the Washington Metro. Luxury condos surrounded by a central courtyard can be found at the Torpedo Factory Condominium Complex just right across the The Torpedo Factory Art Center.
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Depictions of Art by Turner
Aurora Hills Senior Center presents a discussion and viewing of Turner’s depictions of the sea. Turner was born in the 18th century and influenced other great artist including Monet. Joan Hart with Museum One will walk us through the great journey of this artist. This event is $6 per person and registration is required.
For more information please contact:
Aurora Hills Senior Center-Julie Albers
735 18th Street S.
Arlington, VA. 22202
703-228-5722
Franconia Museum
Last stop on the Blue Line
Franconia Road, once the means by which Virginia tobacco entered the port city of Alexandria, is now a bustling city road catering to millions of pedestrians on a regular basis. Franconia, throughout history, witnessed events such as Mosby raids, the birth of the first Virginia governor coming from the northern part of the state, and even became the home of Carrolltown, a flourishing community of African-Americans.
Given all the history that it has witnessed, establishing a museum, displaying the pictures, artifacts, and tales of Franconia, is the perfect way to preserve its wonderful heritage. Thus, Franconia Museum was born, and can be found at this exact address: 6121 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310.
With a band of volunteers fueling its operations and the regular exhibits sponsored by the museum in local hotspots, the Franconia Museum is one of the uniting factors of its surrounding community, serving to educate its citizens and enrich their cultural and historical knowledge. To learn more about the Museum, you can join their many events, including regular gatherings where guests are encouraged to tell their stories and learn of the stories of others, and of course, their celebration of Franconia History Day during the fall.
For more information on Franconia Museum and their hosted events, you can contact the following phone number: (703) 971-7943.
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$325,000 : 5307 Avalon Pl, Alexandria3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
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$295,000 : 7708 Haynes Point Way #C, Alexandria3 beds, 2 full baths
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$369,000 : 6418 Willowood Ln, Alexandria3 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths
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$255,500 : 6915k Mary Caroline Cir #K, Alexandria2 beds, 2 full baths
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$380,000 : 6017 Westchester St, Alexandria4 beds, 3 full baths
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