- Alexandria National Cemetery
- Alexandria Seaport Center
- The Athenaeum
- Carlyle House Historic Park
- Christ Church
- Freedom House Museum
- The George Washington Masonic National Memorial
- The John Q. Adams Center for the History of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
- Lee-Fendall House
- The Old Presbyterian Meeting House
- Ramsay House Visitors Center
- Torpedo Factory Art Center
- USPTO Museum
Alexandria National Cemetery
Click to enlargeOne of the 12 sites established and dedicated by President Abraham Lincoln in early 1862 to serve as military burial grounds. The cemetery contains some 3,500 graves of Civil War soldiers, including men who served in the United States Colored Troops and four soldiers who lost their lives chasing President Lincoln's assassin, John Wilkes Booth.
ADDRESS: 1450 Wilkes Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314
WEB SITE: www.interment.net/data/us/va/alexandria/alexannat/
Alexandria Seaport Center
Click to enlargeThis floating museum houses a boat building program, a marine sciences lab, and offers a boat livery of small sailing and rowing craft that visitors can rent.
ADDRESS: North of the Torpedo Factory on the waterfront, at the base of Queen Street
PHONE: (703) 549-7078
FAX: (703) 549-6715
E-MAIL: asfoffice@alexandriaseaport.org
WEB SITE: www.alexandriaseaport.org
HOURS: Daily 9am - 4pm
ADMISSION: Free
The Athenaeum
Click to enlargeThis exquisite example of Greek Revival architecture began its days in 1852 as the Bank of the Old Dominion. Now the treasures it holds are artistic ones. Owned by the members of the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association, it offers exhibits of paintings, photography, and fine crafts such as rare antique rugs and handmade quilts. The Gallery is open between Easter and the end of October, showing work by area artists and from area collections.
ADDRESS: 201 Prince Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314
PHONE: 703-548-0035
FAX: 703-548-0456
WEB SITE: www.nvfaa.org
EMAIL: nvfaa@nvfaa.org
HOURS: Call for schedule
ADMISSION: Free to all art exhibits
Click to enlargeThe only stone Georgian Palladian-style mansion in Alexandria. The Carlyle House Historic Park, complete with period furnishings, is interpreted to the life and times of one of Alexandria's founders and first landowners, John Carlyle. Built 1751-1753, the restored Carlyle House stands as a reminder of Alexandria's prosperity and growth during the mid-eighteenth century. Guided tours explore the topics of merchants, slavery and servants, town property, and family life of the colonial Virginia aristocracy. Grounds include an extensive 18th century style garden.
ADDRESS: 121 N. Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314
PHONE: 703-549-2997
FAX: 703-549-5738
E-MAIL: JohnCarlyle@starpower.com
WEB SITE: www.carlylehouse.org
HOURS: Tues - Sat 10 am - 4:00 pm; Sunday 12 - 4:00 pm
ADMISSION: $4 adult; $2 students 11 -1 7; 10 and under free
Christ Church (a place of worship)
Click to enlargeChrist Episcopal Church was the first church in Alexandria and has been serving its congregation as a place of worship since it was completed in 1773. The design by James Wren is in the colonial Georgian style. The church was originally in a grove of trees on a hill two blocks beyond the then Alexandria city limits The building was constructed of native brick and the stone trim was from the Aquia Creek quarry south of Alexandria. The gallery was added in 1787. The bell tower was constructed in 1818. Wooden tablets on either side of the pulpit are believed to have been hand-lettered by James Wren at the time of construction. Both George Washington and Robert E. Lee were regular worshipers. George Washington's pew, which is preserved in its original state, and Robert E. Lee's pew, are marked. Christ Church is designated as a National Historic Landmark.
ADDRESS: 118 North Washington Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314
PHONE: 703-549-1450
FAX: 703-683-2677
E-MAIL: staff@historicchristchurch.org
WEB SITE: www.historicchristchurch.org
HOURS: Mon - Sat 9am - 4 pm; Sun 2 - 4:30 pm
ADMISSION: None required; contributions greatly appreciated
Preserving the story of thousands of men, women and children who passed through these walls on a harrowing journey to lives of bondage and hard labor in the deep south -- to enrich slave traders and slave holders. Formerly the headquarters of Franklin Armfield & Co., this building housed the largest domestic slave trading company in the country.
As stewards of property that once held slaves captivem but now serves to emancipate, educate, and enlighten their decendants, the Northern Virginia Urban League is committed to the development of the Freedom House Museum.
ADDRESS: 1315 Duke Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314
PHONE: 703-836-2858
E-MAIL: tours@freedomhousemuseum.org
WEB SITE: freedomhousemuseum.org
HOURS: Mon-Fri 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
ADMISSION: free
The George Washington Masonic National Memorial
Click to enlargeJust a mile from the Potomac River, in historic Alexandria, Virginia, stands the 333 ft. George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Dedicated to the memory of George Washington - Patriot, President, Mason - the Memorial was dedicated on May 12, 1932, as an expression of the Masonic fraternity's faith in the principles of civil and religious liberty and orderly government. The George Washington Museum in the Memorial contains the Washington Family Bible and many other Washington artifacts. There are several display rooms in the tower which is surmounted by a spectacular Observation Deck.
ADDRESS: 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22301-2751
PHONE: 703-683-2007
FAX: 703-519-9270
E-MAIL: gseghers@gwmemorial.org
WEB SITE: www.gwmemorial.org
HOURS: 9 am - 4 pm daily, except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day
ADMISSION: Free
The John Q. Adams Center for the History of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Click to enlargeDedicated to the preservation of the history of otolaryngology (the medical specialty devoted to the treatment of ear, nose, and throat disorders), the Adams Center has extensive library, archival, and museum collections documenting the history of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery in the United States and Europe. The diverse collection includes the Rosalind N. and David Myers Hearing Aid Collection; surgical instruments relating to medical procedures of the ear, nose, and throat; medical illustrations; oral histories; and rare books and manuscripts. The Center promotes historical research and provides educational programs for the public.
ADDRESS: American Academy of Otolaryngology, One Prince Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
PHONE: 703-519-1579
FAX: 703-683-1500
E-MAIL: museum@entnet.org
WEB SITE: www.entnet.org
HOURS: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
ADMISSION: Free
Click to enlargeThis house was built in 1785 by Philip Fendall on land purchased from his cousin Revolutionary War hero Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee, father of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Generations of the famous Lee family continued to live in this house until 1903, with the exception of the years between 1863-1865 when the Union Army seized the property for use as a hospital. John L. Lewis, the most powerful and controversial labor leader in American history also made this house his home during the height of his power (1937-1969).
ADDRESS: 614 Oronoco Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314
PHONE: (703) 548-1789
E-MAIL: contact@LeeFendallHouse.org
WEB SITE: www.leefendallhouse.org
HOURS: Tues - Sat 10 am - 4 pm; Sun 1 - 4 pm (last tour 3:45)
ADMISSION: Admission
The Old Presbyterian Meeting House
The Old Presbyterian Meeting House congregation was founded by Alexandria’s original Scottish settlers in 1772. Its current congregation includes 1,000 active members. The sanctuary was built in 1775, and reconstructed as seen today following an 1835 fire. The Meeting House was the site of Alexandria’s memorial services for George Washington. In addition to the sanctuary, the church grounds include Flounder House, built as a parsonage in 1787, Elliot House, originally a private residence erected in 1844, and a burial ground that includes the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution. The Meeting House is a Virginia Historic Landmark and a National Historic Place.
ADDRESS: Sanctuary: 321 South Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314
OFFICE: 323 South Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314
PHONE: 703-549-6670
FAX: 703-549-9425
E-MAIL: opmh@opmh.org
WEB SITE: www.opmh.org/history.htm [ www.opmh.org ]
HOURS: Mon-Fri 9am -3pm
ADMISSION: Free
Click to enlargeOriginally built in the 18th century by William Ramsay, a Scottish merchant and city founder, the house was reconstructed on its original stone foundations. The house now serves as the city's visitors center. Stop by to pick up detailed brochures on attractions, maps, tours, etc. Gift Shop.
ADDRESS: 221 King St., Alexandria, Virginia 22314
PHONE: 703-838-4200.
WEB SITE: www.funside.com
HOURS: Daily 9am - 5pm
ADMISSION: Free
Click to enlargeConstructed in 1918 for the manufacturing of torpedoes, the factory now serves as working studios for over 160 professional artists. Visitors can purchase wares onsite or simply watch the creative process in action.
ADDRESS: 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314
PHONE: 703-838-4565
WEB SITE: www.torpedofactory.org
HOURS: Daily 10am - 5pm
ADMISSION: Free
Established in 1995, the U. S. Patent and Trademark Museum strives to educate the public about the patent and trademark systems, and the important role intellectual property protection plays in the nation's social and economic health.
ADDRESS: Madison Building, 600 Dulany St, Alexandria, Virginia
PHONE: 571-272-0095
WEB SITE: www.uspto.gov
HOURS: Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm; Saturday 12-5pm
ADMISSION: Free
