August 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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"Living Legends of Alexandria"
April 24 - September 8
The Lyceum: Alexandria's History Museum
201 S. Washington Street
Alexandria , VA 22314
www.alexandriahistory.org 703/838-4994
This photo-documentary exhibition, featuring the work of Nina Tisara, identifies and honors individuals whose vision and dedication have made a tangible difference to the quality of life in Alexandria. Of the 50 individuals nominated in 2006, all of whom are included in this exhibit, 12 were featured in articles published by the Alexandria Gazette Packet.Free!
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Summer Lantern Tours
June 6 - August 29
Gadsby's Tavern Museum
134 N. Royal Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.gadsbystavern.org 703/838-4242
Friday Evening Lantern Tours After happy hour or dinner in Old Town, see the 18th century in a whole new light! On Friday evenings from June through August, tour by candlelight with a costumed guide the historic tavern (c.1785) and City Hotel built in 1792 and see how guests experienced the site before the advent of electricity. Tour times are 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. $5 per person, ages 5 and up. Museum may be closed on some occasions, so please call ahead to verify tour dates at 703.838.4242.
$ Entrance Fee
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"Gifts from the Sea"
July 1 - August 3
Potomac Craftsmen Fiber Gallery, Studio 18
Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.torpedofactory.org/galleries/potomac_crafts.htm 703/838-4565
Featuring animal, vegetable, and mineral.
Free!
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"Midsummer’s Dream"
July 8 - August 3
Enamelists Gallery, Studio 28
Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N. Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.torpedofactory.org/galleries/enamelists.htm 703/838-4565
Enamelists are encouraged to draw on the richness and mystery of dream imagery in their work.
Free!
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Archaeology Camp for Kids
July 21 - August 1
Alexandria Archaeology Museum
105 N. Union Street, #327
Inside the Torpedo Factory Art Center
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.alexandriaarchaeology.org 703/838-4399
Alexandria Archaeology is hosting two archaeology camp sessions for kids this summer. Campers will learn professional excavating, recording, and artifact-processing methods as they help uncover Alexandria's buried past! Campers will assist archaeologists excavating a site at Shuter's Hill. Other activities include lectures about artifact looting, special field trips to historic sites like Mount Vernon, and ice cream stops! Camp is open to kids ages 12 through 15. Two one-week sessions run from Monday, July 21 through Friday, July 25, and from Monday, July 28 through Friday, August 1. Camp day starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m., and campers supply their own drinks, snacks and lunch. Camp costs $350 per session and advance registration is required.
$ Entrance Fee | Reservations Required
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"1776"
July 26 - August 23
The Little Theatre of Alexandria
600 Wolfe Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.thelittletheatre.com 703/683-0496
Take a front-row seat to history-making theater as LTA launches its 75th Season with our signature show, the 1969 Tony Award-winning musical “1776”. Often humorous, frequently touching, and always entertaining, the public events and personal struggles that lead the Continental Congress to forge a new nation are recreated, making you a witness to history. 8 p.m. Wed.-Sat. and 3 p.m. Sun.$ Entrance Fee
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Exotic Asymmetries
July 28 - August 24
Scope Gallery, Studio 19
Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N. Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.torpedofactory.org/galleries/scope.htm 703/838-4565
The Kiln Club alters the round, square, and cylindrical forms to create pleasingly graceful and stylish pieces of pottery.
Free!
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14th Annual Friendship Firehouse Festival
August 2
Friendship Firehouse
107 S. Alfred St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
703/838-3891
Celebrate the founding of the Friendship Fire Company in 1774. Activities include craft and food vendors, displaying their wares in the 100 block of S. Alfred Street, right in front of the Firehouse. A live band plays contemporary music and kids of all ages come to see the firehouse, fire trucks clowns, and have a good time. 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Free!
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Tavern Day at Gadsby's
August 2
Gadsby's Tavern Museum
134 N. Royal Street
Alexandria , VA 22314
www.gadsbystavern.org 703/838-4242
Want to learn to dance like George Washington? Ever heard of a learned pig? Tours led by costumed guides, period music and light refreshments at Gadsby's Tavern annual open house.
Free!
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Housewarming 1753: “It’s a fine beginning”
August 2
Carlyle House Historic Park
121 N. Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.nvrpa.org/parks/carlylehouse/index.php 703/549-2997
On August 1, 1753, John and Sarah Carlyle finally moved into their new stone house in Alexandria, Virginia. Begun in 1751, the house was the grandest residence in the growing port. Later that same day, Sarah gave birth to a son, William Carlyle. As John penned in a letter home to England “It’s A fine beginning.” More than 250 years later, as part of the museum’s Day in the Life series of programs, visitors will experience firsthand this important day in Carlyle House history. Noon-4 p.m.
Free!
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Irish Festival
August 2
Waterfront Park
1A Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.alexandriava.gov 703/838-4844
Food, arts & crafts and entertainment - one in the city's Ethnic Festival Series. Noon-7 p.m.
Free!
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Railroad Days
August 2-3
The Lyceum, Alexandria's History Museum
201 South Washington Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.alexandriahistory.org 703/838-4994
All aboard! The Potomac Division of the National Model Railroad Association returns with working HO gauge trains and a state-of-the-art digital command system. New this year is a hands-on Thomas the Tank Engine area for toddlers. Also climbing on board for Railroad Days are Whistle Stop Hobbies to discuss the fun of miniature trains and Operation Lifesaver, a national railroad safety program headquartered in Alexandria. Free! Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Free!
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All Fired Up
August 5 - September 1
Enamelists Gallery, Studio 28
Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N. Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.torpedofactory.org/galleries/enamelists.htm 703/838-4565
Enthusiasm, exuberance and energy characterize these works by member artists. Look for red and movement in this show.
Free!
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"Where in the World is…"
August 5 - September 7
Potomac Craftsmen Fiber Gallery, Studio 18
Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.torpedofactory.org/galleries/potomac_crafts.htm 703/838-4565
Interpretations of maps and the places they lead us.
Free!
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Purple Heart Ceremony at Mount Vernon
August 7
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
Mount Vernon honors all recipients of the Purple Heart with this commemoration at the Purple Heart Memorial located just outside Mount Vernon’s Main Gate. The Memorial marks the beginning of the Purple Heart Trail, which runs through Virginia and will ultimately extend to all other states. This event is free and all Purple Heart recipients and their families are encouraged to attend in addition to the public.
Free!
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Second Thursday Art Night, Sultry Summer Nights
August 14
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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Family Dig Day
August 16
Grounds of the George Washington Masonic Memorial
101 Callahan Drive
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.alexandriaarchaeology.org 703/838-4399
Help City archaeologists and trained volunteers screen excavated soil for artifacts from a real "dig" located on the grounds of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Wear comfortable clothes, protect yourself from the sun, and bring a water bottle. Please, no sandals. All necessary equipment will be supplied. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a participating adult. 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. $5 per person. Reservations required. E-mail archaeology@alexandriava.gov or call 703.838.4399 to save your spot!
$ Entrance Fee
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1776 - Free Performance!
August 21
Fort Ward Park
4301 West Braddock Road
Alexandria, VA 22304
www.thelittletheatre.com 703/683-0496
Take a front-row seat to history-making theater as LTA launches its 75th Season with our signature show, the 1969 Tony Award-winning musical "1776". Often humorous, frequently touching, and always entertaining, the public events and personal struggles that lead the Continental Congress to forge a new nation are recreated, making you a witness to history. A perfect start for our Diamond Jubilee Season!
7 p.m.Free!
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War of 1812 Re-enactment: Alexandria 1814 - A City Occupied
August 23
Carlyle House Historic Park
121 N. Fairfax Street
Alexandria , VA 22314
www.carlylehouse.org 703/549-2997
During the War of 1812, Alexandria surrendered to a British naval force, paying a ransom of rum,tobacco, flour, cotton and sugar. Learn why at Carlyle House. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. with early 19th-century weapon demonstrations,civilian demonstrations and historic house tour.
$ Entrance Fee
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Before and After
August 25 - September 21
Scope Gallery, Studio 19
Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N. Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.torpedofactory.org/galleries/scope.htm 703/838-4565
The Kiln Club shows the process of pottery making, from raw clay to finished pieces using different firing techniques.
Free!
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Cambodian Festival
August 26
Ben Brenman Park
4800 Brenman Park Drive
Alexandria, VA 22304
www.alexandriava.gov 703/883-4686
Food, arts & crafts and entertainment - one in the city's Ethnic Festival Series. Noon-6 p.m.
Free!
