November 2008
HistoricAlexandriaALIVE
Join us on the streets of Alexandria as history comes to life! Each Sunday, learn, participate, engage, and enjoy with performers and costumed interpreters from noon to 5 p.m. Find performers at Market Square, along King Street between Market Square and the waterfront, and on the waterfront behind the Torpedo Factory. Free! Check it out!-
Drawings by William Lydston, Jr.
April 1 - December 31
Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site
4301 W. Braddock Road
Alexandria, VA 22304
www.fortward.org 703/838-4848
Original Civil War drawings by soldier, artist and musician William Lydston, Jr. Exhibit coincides with a statewide celebration of Virginia's musical heritage. Fort Ward pairs drawings from Lydston's wartime experiences with musical instruments and related objects from the Museum's collection. Free. Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays, noon to 5 p.m.
Free!
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“Ah, THAT Jack and Jill!” Exhibition
September 11 - November 15
Alexandria Black History Museum
902 Wythe Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.alexblackhistory.org 703/838-4356
Celebrate the 70th anniversary of Jack and Jill of America with the Alexandria Black History Museum! This exhibit will highlight Metropolitan area chapters while honoring the organization's history and mission to enhance the lives of children. Using photographs, chapter records and the memories of members themselves, the exhibition shows how Jack and Jill empowers children and builds strong African-American communities. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
$ Entrance Fee
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Death Comes to Carlyle House: An 18th-Century Virginia Home in Mourning
October 1 - November 2
Carlyle House Historic Park
121 N. Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.carlylehouse.org 703/549-2997
To commemorate the 227th anniversary of the death of John Carlyle and to honor the memory of the many untimely deaths associated with his family, Carlyle House presents an exhibit on the mourning practices of 18th-century Virginia through the experience of the Carlyle household.
$ Entrance Fee
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Death Comes to Carlyle House: The Reading of Colonel Carlyle’s Last Will and Testament
November 1
Carlyle House Historic Park
121 N. Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.nvrpa.org/parks/carlylehouse/index.php 703/683-3451
As part of the museum’s Day in the Life series of programs visitors will learn how Colonel John Carlyle’s estate was dived up amongst his two surviving children and grandchildren. 7-9 p.m.
$ Entrance Fee | Reservations Required
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Tavern Toddlers
November 3-17
Gadsby's Tavern Museum
134 North Royal Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.gadsbystavern.org 703/838-4242
A special program for toddlers (walkers through 36 months) and their caregivers! Tavern Toddlers features a weekly open playtime in Gadsby’s historic ballroom Mondays, excluding Federal holidays, any time between 10:30 a.m. and noon. Themes change monthly. $10 for a group of three, which must include one adult, or purchase a 5 week pass for $35.
$ Entrance Fee
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18th-Century Dance Lessons
November 6-20
Gadsby's Tavern Museum
134 North Royal Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.gadsbystavern.org 703/838-4242
In preparation for the Governor’s Ball on November 22, learn 18th-century English country dancing from expert dance instructors. Thursdays from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. $12 per class; $30 for the series of three. Reservations recommended.
$ Entrance Fee
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Swordsmen’s Rendezvous
November 8
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
134 North Royal Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.gadsbystavern.org 703/838-4242
En garde! Experience this unique living history program as you learn a skill all 18th-century gentlemen must know – swordplay! The program includes re-enactment of 18th-century swordplay and a display of 18th-century weapons. This popular family event is suitable for all ages and will include some audience participation as you practice your newfound talents. Price is $5 per person, ages 5 and up. Tours are from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and reservations are required.
$ Entrance Fee | Reservations Required
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Walking tour in honor of Veteran's Day
November 8
Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site
4301 W. Braddock Road
Alexandria, VA 22304
www.fortward.org 703/838-4848
In honor of Veteran's Day, Fort Ward Museum offers soldier-led tours of the historic site at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Learn about the history of Fort Ward, construction of Civil War forts, and soldier life in the Defenses of Washington. The tour is led by a Union Civil War soldier, who carries an artillery haversack of reproduction aiming and firing tolls used to fire a cannon.
Free!
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Veterans Day at Mount Vernon
November 11
Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens
South end of the GW Parkway
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy
Mount Vernon, VA 22121
www.MountVernon.org 703/799-5203
In honor of our nation's veterans, Mount Vernon admits FREE all active duty or retired military. Special activities include a free patriotic community concert by the all-veteran barbershop chorus The Harmony Heritage Singers and a special wreathlaying by the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution. Veterans are also invited to place a flower at Washington’s Tomb. All veterans receive free flags.
$ Entrance Fee
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Veterans Day Program
November 11
Alexandria Black History Museum
902 Wythe Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.alexblackhistory.org 703/838-4399
Celebrate the African American men and women who fought for our country with this annual program featuring speakers, music, and dramatic presentations. Sponsored by the museum, Alexandria Branch of the NAACP, Alexandria Society for the Preservation of Black Heritage and American Legion Post 129. Reservations requested.
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.Free!
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Second Thursday Art Night, Naked November Nights
November 13
Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N. Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.torpedofactory.org/thursday.htm 703/838-4565
Browse open studios, interact with the artists, and enjoy refreshments. The event is free and open to the public. 6-9 p.m.
Free!
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Historic Alexandria Antiques Show & Sale
November 14-16
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites - Historic District Alexandria
625 First Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.HistoricAlexandriaFoundation.com 703/549-5811
More than 40 dealers offering fine examples of antique furniture and decorative accessories, glass, ceramics, textiles, rugs, silver, clocks, nautical items, prints, paintings, folk art, jewelry, fashion accessories and more. Open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri., 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun.
$ Entrance Fee
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Muster Day-1781: George William Carlyle Joins the Fairfax County Militia
November 15
Carlyle House Historic Park
121 N. Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.nvrpa.org/parks/carlylehouse/index.php 703/549-2997
To commemorate Veterans Day re-enactors from the 2nd Virginia Regiment will be portraying members of the Fairfax County Militia. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
$ Entrance Fee
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"O' Thankful Voice" presented by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra
November 15
Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center
3001 N. Beauregard St.
Alexandria, VA 22311
www.alexsym.org 703/548-0885
The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra presents a concert of thanks of the season with composers classic and contemporary. Featuring: Mozart's "Piano Concerto #21" with Yuliya Gorenman, piano; and Wilder's "Suite for Horn and Strings" with Amy Horn, French Horn. 8 p.m.Tickets $20-$80.$ Entrance Fee
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Governor’s Ball with Patrick Henry
November 22
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
134 North Royal Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.gadsbystavern.org 703/838-4242
Join us for a special evening with Governor Patrick Henry at a ball in his honor. Taking place in 1786, Gov. Henry will be welcomed at a special pre-ball reception, 7 to 8 p.m. The evening will feature a variety of English country dances, live music, dessert collation, gaming, and cash bar. Period costume optional, “after-five” attire encouraged. Special reception and ball ticket $75 each. Ball is 8 to 11 a.m.; tickets for the ball only $45 in advance; $50 at the door (if tickets are available). Reservations are required.
$ Entrance Fee | Reservations Required
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Mount Vernon by Candlelight
November 28 - December 14
Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens
South end of the GW Parkway
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy
Mount Vernon, VA 22121
www.MountVernon.org 703/780-2000
During this holiday program, visitors learn about the Washingtons' Christmas traditions; tour the candlelit Mansion including the rarely-seen third floor; and meet historical characters including Martha Washington. On the grounds, guests enjoy caroling around a roaring campfire. This is the only time of the year that Mount Vernon is open exclusively for public evening tours 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Tickets are on sale beginning November 1st.
$ Entrance Fee | Reservations Required
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Scottish Heritage Preview
November 29
The Lyceum
201 South Washington Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.alexandriahistory.org 703/838-4994
Come celebrate Alexandria’s Scottish heritage at Alexandria’s History Museum, a week before the Scottish Walk. Meet Scottish Tartan Day leaders and learn about Scottish breeds of dogs while enjoying bagpipes, highland dancing, historical re-enactors and more. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free!
Free!
