February 1 - March 31
GEORGE WASHINGTON CELEBRATION PHOTO CONTEST
Both amateur and professional photographers are invited to submit photographs of George Washington Birthday celebration events, both past and present. Cash prizes for the winners! Entry deadline is March 31, 2009. <Click here> for information and entry forms.
February 1 - March 31
"HAIL TO THE CHIEF" MINI-EXHIBITION
A rare 1797 medal commemorating George Washington and excavated in Alexandria is among other local artifacts and historic images featured in "Hail to the Chief," an exhibit that showcases American presidents, including Washington, Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, and William Henry Harrison. The Alexandria Archaeology Museum is located at 105 North Union Street, #327 in Alexandria, Virginia. Free!
Sundays in February
"WALKING WITH WASHINGTON" TOURS:
Walking tours of Alexandria sites associated with George Washington. Walks last about two hours and cover 15 blocks. Meet at the fountain at Market Square (King & Royal Streets) in Alexandria, Virginia at 1:30 p.m. Reservations are not required. For status of tours, please call 703.991.4474. Free!
February 14
GEORGE WASHINGTON CLASSIC 10K RACE (AND 2K FUN RUN)
The first race of the season! Prizes, t-shirts and refreshments. The race benefits Alexandria Police Youth Camp. Pre-race packet pick-up is available. Race is at 8:30 a.m. Rain or Shine. For status call 703.991.4474. Day-of race headquarters will be the AMC Hoffman Center located at 206 Swamp Fox Road in Alexandria, Virginia. <Click here for registration form>
February 14
GADSBY'S TAVERN BIRTHNIGHT BANQUET & BALL
You will be part of a reenactment of the ball held In George Washington's honor at Gadsby's in 1797! Colonial attire is not required! 18th-century dancing lessons are available prior to the Ball (for an additional fee). 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Ticket price is $100 for banquet and ball or $50 for ball only. The ball begins at 8:30 p.m. Advance reservations required and early reservations are suggested. Gadsby's Tavern Museum is located at 134 North Royal Street in Alexandria, Virginia.
February 14
BOOK SIGNING WITH CHERYL BARNES
Meet Alexandria's local children's author Cheryl Barnes, author of Alexander, the Old Town Mouse. In honor of Presidents Day, her presidential titles Woodrow, the White House Mouse, Woodrow for President, and President Adams' Alligator will also be available for purchase. Be sure to have your picture taken with Woodrow, the White House Mouse, while you're here! 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. 703.706.5262. At the History Center & Museum Store located at 101 North Union Street in Alexandria, Virginia. Free!
February 14-15
MOUNT VERNON WISHES GEORGE WASHINGTON "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" WITH EVENTS COMMEMORATING THE FIRST AMERICAN HERO
"America's Smallest Hometown Parade" and Washington's favorite breakfast - with "the General" himself joining visitors to partake of "hoecakes swimming in butter and honey"! 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Join "George Washington" for breakfast as he enjoys his favorite morning meal, "hoecakes swimming in butter and honey", cooked over an open fire (while supplies last). Pull up a hay bale and chat with the Father of Our Country about politics, farming, the Revolutionary War, and life in the 18th century.
1:30 p.m. "America's Smallest Hometown Parade", complete with fife and drum corps, early-American music and adorable heritage breed animals, lines up to march past "General Washington", the Mansion and around the circle drive for all to see. Included in regular admission: $15 for adults; $7 for youth ages 6-11; and free for children five and younger.
February 15
REVOLUTIONARY WAR REENACTMENT AT FORT WARD PARK
Historic camp and tactical demonstrations throughout the day including a Revolutionary War skirmish between the Redcoats and the Colonial Army. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Skirmish is at 2 p.m. Fort Ward is located at 4301 West Braddock Road in Alexandria, Virginia. Free!
February 15
WORSHIP AT CHRIST CHURCH (EPISCOPAL)
George Washington was a member of Christ Church. We honor the first President during services by reading the prayer he composed, laying a wreath in his memory, and displaying the Washington Family Bible. Services 9 a.m. & 11:15 a.m with church tours from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. 703.549.1450. Christ Church is located at 118 North Washington Street in Alexandria, Virginia. Free! (Donations welcome).
February 15 - NEW!
MUSIC FOR WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY: CONCERT AND LECTURE WITH DAVID HILDEBRAND
Join David Hildebrand from the Colonial Music Institute as he honors our first President with a musical performance and lecture on period music that was popular with George Washington and other founding fathers. Light refreshments will be served and special CDs and books will be available. Doors open one-half hour before performance time. Performances at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. $20 per person, $15 for GTMS. Reservations recommended. 703.838.4242. Gadsby's Tavern Museum is located at 134 North Royal Street in Alexandria, Virginia.
February 16 - PARADE DAY!
GEORGE WASHINGTON BIRTHDAY PARADE
"The largest Parade Celebrating Washington's Birthday in the USA"!
1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Click on the Parade link above for more information about parking, participating and volunteering for the Annual George Washington Birthday Parade. Free!
<click here for Parade Route>
February 16
THE FIRST ANNUAL CHERRY CHALLENGE WINNER TO BE ANNOUNCED!
The votes for your favorite cherry-inspired culinary creation have been tallied! Each participating restaurant created a unique menu item featuring cherries. The winning restaurant will be in the George Washington Birthday Parade, receive a plaque, and other recognition (including a feature in Washingtonian Magazine). Participating restaurants included: Bastille, Bookbinders, Finn and Porter, Layla's, Murphy's Irish Pub, St. Elmo's Coffee Pub, Tempo, Union Street Public House, and Stardust.
February 16
PARADE DAY - CELEBRATE IN STYLE!
Get dressed for a presidential celebration and parade in 18th-century style! Make a tri-corned hat to take with you, get your picture taken with the George and Martha cut-out, and try on 18th-century clothing. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 703.706.5262. The History Center & Museum Store is located at 101 North Union Street in Alexandria, Virginia. Free! (Donations welcome)
February 16
THE MOST POPULAR DAY OF THE YEAR AT MOUNT VERNON!
Enjoy spirited military demonstrations, an encore performance of "America's Smallest Hometown Parade", and a moving wreathlaying ceremony at Washington's tomb. All visitors are admitted free-of-charge on the national observance of George Washington's birthday, Monday, February 16.
10:00 a.m. Take part in a special wreathlaying ceremony at Washington's tomb followed by a performance and battle demonstrations by the fife and drum corps and Revolutionary War re-enactors. "General Washington" will be on the grounds to greet visitors and receive their birthday wishes.
1:30 p.m. "America's Smallest Hometown Parade" will take place on Monday in addition to the weekend performances. The jubilant parade includes a fife and drum corps, early-American music and adorable heritage breed animals marching past "General Washington", the Mansion and around the circle drive. Free!
February 16
PARADE DAY OPEN HOUSES - GADSBYS TAVERN MUSEUM AND STABLER-LEADBEATER APOTHECARY
Celebrate Presidents' Day and the George Washington Birthday Parade with free tours at two museums! From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 703.838.4242. Gadsby's Tavern Museum is located at 134 North Royal Street in Alexandria, Virginia. The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum is located at 105-107 South Fairfax Street in Alexandria, Virginia. Free!
February 16
Wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the Revolution. Colonial military and civilians honor the soldiers of the Revolutionary War. 11 a.m. at the courtyard behind the Old Presbyterian Meeting House located at 321 South Fairfax Street in Alexandria, Virginia. Free!
February 16
FRIENDSHIP FIREHOUSE - OPEN HOUSE
Established in 1774, the Friendship Fire Company now is housed in a firehouse that was built in 1871. Come view the exhibitions and historic firefighting equipment! 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 703.838.3891. The Friendship Firehouse Museum is located at 107 South Alfred Street in Alexandria, Virginia. Free!
February 16
MEET THE PRESIDENT AT THE LYCEUM OPEN HOUSE
In honor of Presidents Day, a living history interpreter portrays George Washington! Meet Washington and find out what his life was like before he became our first president. Program begins at 11 a.m. Come early or stay late for The Lyceum's free open house! 703.838.4994 The Lyceum is located at 201 South Washington Street in Alexandria, Virginia. Free!
February 21 - January 10, 2010
"GEORGE WASHINGTON AND HIS GENERALS", A
SPECIAL EXHIBIT AT GEORGE WASHINGTON'S MOUNT VERNON
Historic Mount Vernon's F.M. Kirby Gallery in the Donald W. Reynolds Museum hosts a special new exhibition, "George Washington & His Generals." For the first time, a collection of over 120 paintings, personal artifacts and manuscripts associated with the generals of the Continental and French armies who served under George Washington will be on display. "George Washington and His Generals" exhibition is co-sponsored by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association and The Society of the Cincinnati. Admission to the F.M. Kirby Gallery is included with regular admission: $15 for adults; $7 for children, five and under are free. George Washington's Mount Vernon is located at the South End of the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
February 21
"The Military Education of George Washington" will be the focus of this year's program. Presenters will be Professor Edward G. Lengel, an Associate Professor at the University of Virginia, speaking on "George Washington and the French and Indian Wars." and Historian Glenn F. William, of the National Museum of the U. S. Army speaking on "George Washington and the War for Independence."
8:30 a.m. Tickets are $25 and include a luncheon. Scholarships are available for students. Contact: 703-991-4474. George Washington Masonic Memorial located at 101 Callahan Drive in Alexandria, Virginia.
February 21
GEORGE WASHINGTON MEMORIAL AWARD PRESENTATION
Civic and Masonic dignitaries will present the George Washington Memorial Award with a free reception featuring musical entertainment, birthday cake, and toasts. 703.683.2007. 1 p.m. at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial located at 101 Callahan Drive in Alexandria, Virginia. Reception and award presentation are Free!