Pitcher

"He in Glory, America in Tears"

From the Collection of the Alexandria Archaeology Museum.

George Washington was revered by Alexandrians in his day and greatly mourned at his death. Join in a 200 year old Alexandria tradition of commemorating George Washington during a month-long series of events. For recorded information on these events, please contact the George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee at 703-838-9350.

See February's Calendar of Events for dates and times. Learn more from the Alexandria George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee

Annual Washington's Birthday Events

	Brunch and Meeting of the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association. For tickets call 703-751-6416. Admission charge.
	Open House at the Friendship Firehouse. 107 N. Alfred Street. Free.
	"Meet the President --- John F. Kennedy." Monday, February 21, 2005, 11 AM, at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street. Free; call 703-838-4994 for information. What could be a better way to celebrate Washington's Birthday than by meeting the President (or at least a reasonable copy)? Historian and character interpreter Brian Hilton presents President John F. Kennedy, as he appeared when he visited Alexandria in 1960 to speak at George Washington High School and the Masonic National Memorial. "President Kennedy" will comment on foreign affairs, current events, and the civil rights movement in America, and will field questions at his "press conference."
	George Washington Birthday Parade. Old Town. Free. Call ACVA at 1-800-388-9119 for information.
	Ceremony Honoring the Unknown Soldier of the Revolution. Old Presbyterian Meeting House. 321 S. Fairfax Street. Free. Call ACVA at 1-800-388-9119 for information.

Annual February Events

Birthnight Banquet & Ball Gadsby's Tavern Museum. Admission fee, reservations required. Call 703-838-4242.

Wreath Laying Ceremony George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Free.

Birthnight Banquet and Ball

Gadsby's Tavern Museum
134 N. Royal Street
Date and Time to be Announced
Admission fee, advanced tickets required.
price to be announced

...Went up to Alexandria to the celebration of my birth day. Many Manoeuvres were performed by the Uniform Corps and an elegant Ball & Supper at Night.

From The Diaries of George Washington

Washington attended his last Birthnight Ball at Gadsby's Tavern on Monday, February 11, 1799, but the celebration has remained a Gadsby's tradition. You can join in the anniversary of the 1799 Celebration. If you are not yet an expert in the minuet, Gadsby's Tavern Museum offers instruction in 18th century dancing.

George Washington Birthday Parade

(Photo Credit ACVA)

Old Town, Alexandria
Open to the Public, free

Alexandria is home to the nation's largest parade honoring its favorite son George Washington. The parade features marching bands, floats, clowns, military and reenactment units, Scouts, Masonic groups, patriotic displays, equestrian entries and antique cars.

Friendship Firehouse

107 S. Alfred Street
Open to the Public, free

The tradition of George Washington's association with Friendship Fire Company has been honored for 200 years. The Friendship Fire Company was established in 1774 and was the first volunteer fire company in Alexandria. The current Friendship Firehouse was built in 1855 and substantially remodeled in 1871. Popular, but probably apocryphal, Alexandria folklore tells of Washington purchasing the first fire engine in 1775. He is reported to have assisted in fighting a fire at McKnight's Tavern in 1787.

Visit the Firehouse during the Washington's Birthday open house on 15th, the Friendship Firehouse Festival on August 7th, or during Museum hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

George Washington Masonic National Memorial

King Street at Callahan Drive
703-683-2007
Open to the Public, free

The Masonic Memorial was built in 1932 and stands 333 feet high. The Memorial is dedicated to the memory of George Washington - Patriot, President, and Mason. Exhibits include dioramas of events in Washington's life. The Memorial contains outstanding Washington memorabilia, including a clock which was stopped at the time of his death and sabers used at his funeral. During the summer months visitors to the Memorial can also see Alexandria Archaeology's excavation of a mansion built in 1781 and owned by John Mills, Ludwell Lee and Benjamin Dulaney, all of whom were friends of George Washington.

George Washington Bicentennial Links

Part of a nationwide celebration in honor of our first President, these pages were created in 1999 to commemorate the anniversary of George Washington's death.

George Washington's Hometown | Following in Washington's Footsteps | Commemorating George Washington
Celebrating at the Birthnight Ball | George Washington and Alexandria HistoryThe Lyceum