Now at the Museum | Past Exhibits
Exhibits at the Alexandria Archaeology Museum tell the story of archaeologists and volunteers working to bring Alexandria’s buried past to light, through research and excavation. In addition to viewing the exhibit, visitors have the opportunity to talk to volunteers," watch a video of recent digs, explore the interactive computer kiosk, and pick up a copy of the monthly newsletter.
A Community Digs Its Past: The Lee Street Site
As plans were made in 1997 for construction on the Lee Street Site, the Alexandria community came together to insure that the past would not be forgotten. Archaeologists and the community worked together to excavate the site, preserve the artifacts, and create a permanent record of the past.
Preserved on the Lee Street Site was a cross-section of Alexandria's history from its founding in 1749 into the 20th century. Eighteenth century wharves remained intact below remnants of a bakery, taverns and residences which had sprung up on the bustling waterfront. The block was later used by the Union Army as a hospital support facility for the huge influx of soldiers during the Civil War. These layers of time were preserved under shallow foundations and a paved parking lot, and survived to yield their secrets to archaeologists and the community.
The exhibition weaves the story of the Lee Street wharves, taverns, bakery and Civil War privy together with the story of archaeology, from excavation, to research, the archaeology laboratory, and archaeological conservation.
The Wickham Musket was thrown away in a backyard privy sometime in the 1860s. Archaeologists found it, cocked and loaded, more than a hundred years later.
To Witness the Past
African American Archaeology in Alexandria, Virginia (1993)This on-line exhibit highlights 15 years of research and excavation at African American sites. Although standard histories are often silent about African American lives and accomplishments, the artifacts from these excavations are tangible witnesses to the past.
The Potter’s Art
Salt-glazed Stoneware of 19th Century Alexandria (1981)The development of one of Alexandria’s first local industries and a folk art tradition is documented through excavation of the Wilkes Street Pottery.
Artifacts, Advertisements and Archaeology (1983)
The Alexandria Gazette recorded the history of Alexandria and its merchants beginning in 1784. Artifacts excavated from the sites of early shops, together with advertisements from early issues of this newspaper, provide insight into the history of Alexandria merchants and their wares.
