December 2008
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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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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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Holidays at Mount Vernon
December 1 - January 6
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
The Washingtons' seasonal entertaining is interpreted daily, including Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Visitors learn about 18th-century holiday activities at Mount Vernon and tour the Mansion. Martha Washington’s garret chamber, on the rarely-seen third floor of the Mansion, will be open. The Mansion is authentically decorated with natural greenery and set for a festive holiday gathering.
$ Entrance Fee
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American Revolution Re-enactment: A Soldier’s Christmas
December 6
Carlyle House Historic Park
121 N. Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.nvrpa.org/parks/carlylehouse/index.php 703/549-2997
The “Soldier's Christmas” program features re-enactors from the First Virginia Regiment, as well as costumed interpreters from the Carlyle House. Noon-4 p.m.
$ Entrance Fee
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Civil War Christmas in Camp
December 13
Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site
4301 W. Braddock Road
Alexandria, VA 22304
www.fortward.org 703/838-4848
Holiday event interprets how Christmas was observed during the Civil War. Features a patriotic Santa Claus, living historiy interpreters, Victorian tree and decorations, period music, light refreshments, readings of "The Night Before Christmas". Guided tours of the fort, weather permitting. 12-4 p.m. Suggested donation $2 adults, $1 for kids.
$ Entrance Fee
