On November 17, 1927, a devastating tornado ripped through Alexandria, injuring dozens of people and causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage. The front façade of the Hotel Jackson (above) on King Street was torn away, and some displaced families were temporarily sheltered at the almshouse in Del Ray.
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Buy your tickets early for Historic Alexandria’s annual Candlelight Tours and save up to 25%! This year’s tour on December 12 and 13 includes Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, Carlyle House, Lee-Fendall House and the Apothecary Museum. Enjoy seasonal decorations, entertainment, light refreshments and more! Discount tickets available only until December 1, so don’t wait.
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 November 18 – Read, See, Do! Children’s Program – Carlyle House Historic Park
Come participate in this one-hour program for children 3-6 years old and their caregivers. Children will read John, Paul, George & Ben, take an age-friendly look at the house, and complete a craft activity. Reservations required. 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. $8 per child, free for caregivers. 703.549.2997. 121 North Fairfax Street. www.carlylehouse.org
- November 19 – 18th-Century Dance Lessons – Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
In preparation for the Late Harvest Ball on November 21, learn 18th-century English country dancing from expert dance instructors. 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. $12 per class; $30 for the series of three. Reservations recommended. 703.838.4242. 134 North Royal Street. www.gadsbystavern.org
 November 21 – Behind the Counter Tours – Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
Take time to truly explore Alexandria’s hidden jewel! Witness the evolution of the Stabler-Leadbeater pharmaceutical business through the museum’s buildings and collection. Examine the objects, archival materials, and the building itself – behind the counter! These exclusive access tours are offered on the third Saturday of the month, and advance reservations are required. Tours limited to 12 people. $25 per person. Light breakfast included. 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Call 703.838.4242 for more information. 105-107 South Fairfax Street. www.apothecarymuseum.org
 November 21 – Art Display and Discussion on “The Devils of Paramin, Trinidad” – Alexandria Black History Museum
Discover the customs and significance of Caribbean Carnival masquerades! This special program and panel discussion will examine the Devils of Paramin, an annual Carnival tradition in Trinidad in which participants cover themselves in blue paint. An exhibition of art photography and screening of a documentary film enhance the audience’s understanding of this fascinating ritual. A panel of experts will discuss historical and contemporary aspects of the masquerade tradition and its importance in the African Diaspora. Reservations requested. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Free! 703.838.4356 www.alexblackhistory.org
 November 21 – Braddock’s March Book Signing – Carlyle House Historic Park
Author Thomas Crocker will read from and sign his new book, Braddock’s March: How a Man Sent to Seize a Continent Changed American History. Visitors can have their book signed in the same room that General Edward Braddock met with five colonial governors to plan the French and Indian War. They can tour the historic home and meet the general himself, as portrayed by first-person interpreter Dan McMahon. Admission fee of $5/adults and $3/children will be deducted from price of book, if purchased. 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. 703.549.2997. 121 North Fairfax Street. www.carlylehouse.org
- Open through January 9, 2010 – “Spirits in a Bottle” Exhibition – Alexandria Black History Museum
Artist Barbara Hardaway decorated more than a hundred Arizona Tea bottles for this exhibition of decorative expressions of an ancient African tradition. This whimsical show pays homage to the 9th- and 10th-century Congolese tradition of adorning ends of tree branches with colorful bottles that would catch the sunlight. Hardaway updated this ritual by festooning her bottles with feathers, fabric, beads, netting, ribbons and seashells. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Suggested admission: $2. 703.838.4356. 902 Wythe Street. www.alexblackhistory.org
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