The Friendship Fire Company was established in 1774, as the first volunteer fire company in Alexandria. The current firehouse was built in 1855, was substantially remodeled in 1871, and was restored by the City of Alexandria in 1992.

In a town of mostly wooden buildings, where open flames provided heat, light and cooking on a daily basis, fire was a constant danger. The Friendship, Sun, Relief, Hydraulion and other local volunteer fire companies served the community faithfully, particularly during enormous blazes in 1827, 1855, 1871, and 1922. Some of their stories and equipment are preserved today in the Friendship Firehouse Museum.

Events at the Friendship Firehouse Museum

• On Monday, February 20, the day of the George Washington Birthday Parade, stop by the historic firehouse and tour for free between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Also on Parade Day, join the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association for their annual breakfastat the Holiday Inn at 625 First Street. See George Washington at his first appearance of the day and hear guest speaker General Barry McCaffrey.
• This spring, explore Alexandria’s firefighting heritage on “Blazing a Trail: Alexandria’s Firefighting History Walking Tour.” Tours will be held on Saturday, April 14 and Saturday, May 12 so be sure to purchase your tickets soon! 
• The Friendship Firehouse Festival. The Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association holds its annual Firehouse Festival each year on the first Saturday in August. The popular family event features antique fire apparatus, craft booths, displays by Alexandria merchants, and live music. 
• The Father’s Day Open House. Friendship Firehouse offers special tours for Fathers on Father’s Day., on the third Sunday in June.

Article source: http://alexandriava.gov/historic/friendship/default.aspx?id=35898&src=rss

Rent the Black History Museum

Due to the scale of the current exhibition, the museum will not be avaialble for private rental until June. Please conact the museum’s rental coordinator if you are interested in booking space after June 1.

The Alexandria Black History Museum is the perfect setting for patrons interested in an intimate, historic setting with ethnic flair. The museum complex is comprised of two sites – the Alexandria Black History Museum and the adjacent Watson Reading Room. The former 1940 Robert H. Robinson Library is now a gallery space that houses the museum’s permanent exhibition Securing the Blessing of Liberty, which examines early African American life in Alexandria. The Parker-Gray Gallery, where receptions are held, has a continuing roster of rotating exhibitions.

Either of these sites may be rented by the public for special events. Inquiries about renting any of Center’s facilities should be addressed to:

Rental Coordinator
Alexandria Black History Museum
902 Wythe Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
PHONE: 703.746.4356
EMAIL

The Alexandria Black History Museum

The first floor of the Alexandria Black History Museum may be rented for receptions, meetings and programs. Maximum capacity for any event held in the museum is 120 persons. The Robert Robinson Gallery, the Parker-Gray Gallery and the lobby area comprise the rental space. A kitchen and rest rooms are located on the same floor. All space is handicapped accessible.

The Watson Reading Room

The Watson Reading Room is available for small lectures and meetings. The maximum seating capacity for this room is 40 persons. The Watson Reading Room is handicapped accessible.

Article source: http://alexandriava.gov/historic/blackhistory/default.aspx?id=37342&src=rss

Save The Date!  Martin Luther King, Jr. Contest Awards Ceremony

January 16, 2012, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
City Council Chambers
Alexandria City Hall
301 King Street

The History of the Contest

For over twenty years, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Poster Contest is a competition supported by the Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) System. The sponsors of this contest are the Alexandria Society for the Preservation of Black Heritage, Inc. and the Alexandria Black History Museum. The goal of the contest is inspiring children to live the ideals supported by Dr. King - ending racism and promoting tolerance and peace.

The elementary school winners of the contest are honored with their posters displayed in the Vola Lawson Lobby of Alexandria City Hall (January and February), and with an awards ceremony in City Council Chambers where certificates and cash awards are presented to the students.

The Alexandria Society for the Preservation of Black Heritage, Inc. and the staff of the Alexandria Black History Museum hopes this website will serve as a resource for teachers, parents and students. On this page you will find links on…

• Who is Martin Luther King, Jr.?
• Guidelines for the 22nd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Poster Contest
• The Annual Awards Ceremony – Tips for Teachers and Parents
• Teaching about Martin Luther King, Jr.

Who is Martin Luther King, Jr.?

Guidelines for the 22nd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Poster Contest

Teaching about Martin Luther King, JR.

• The National Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Foundation
• Library of Congress: I Have a Dream, and Letter from the Birmingham Jail 
• Video about Martin Luther King, Jr. from BrainPopjr 
• Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech
• The Official Website of the Nobel Prize
• Voicethread video

Books

• Martin’s Big Words,  by Dorreen Rappaport
• A Picture Book of MLK,  by David Adler
• The Story of MLK,  by Johnny Ray Moore
• If You lived at the Time of Martin Luther King, by  P. Odik Levine

If you have suggestions for other additions to this page, please contact the Alexandria Black History Museum or call the Museum at 703.746.4706.

Article source: http://alexandriava.gov/historic/blackhistory/default.aspx?id=52762&src=rss

Schools can combine programs at multiple sites to make a morning or day-long trip to Historic Alexandria. Historic Alexandria is also happy to accommodate groups of 20 or more people by dividing your school into smaller groups that rotate through programs at several sites. The many historic sites in Alexandria, ranging from the colonial period through the Civil Rights movement, compliment each other to make a memorable and educational day.

To book a visit to multiple sites, contact the Office of Historic Alexandria Education Coordinator at Alexandria Archaeology by email or call 703.746.4399 at least three weeks in advance. If you plan to visit just one museum, please contact the individual site directly to make reservations.

• Suggested Program Packages
• Group Size
• Time Needed for Programs
• Accessibility
• Payment for Multi-Site Programs
• Where to Park
• Restroom Facilities and Water Fountain Facilities
• Lunch Facilities

Suggested Program Packages

Whether you are bringing a single class or an entire grade, Historic Alexandria can design a program to meet your needs. Groups of 20 or more students can be accommodated by dividing them into smaller groups that rotate through several sites. The Education Coordinator will work with you to ensure groups are small enough to attend all of the museums on your list and will help arrange a schedule for each group to follow during your visit. 

Time Needed for Programs

Programs offered range from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours in length, depending on the site and topic requested. Groups can arrange two to three programs back-to-back, but are also welcome to schedule a lunch break between programs. The Education Coordinator will provide a rotation schedule for each group to follow with your confirmation packet.

When visiting multiple sites, it is important to remain on schedule; please be sure to plan adequate travel time to Alexandria so the program can begin on time. If you have any questions or concerns about traveling between sites during the day, the Education Coordinator would be happy to address them. If you are running late, please call the Education Coordinator.

Accessibility

When making your reservation, please discuss any special needs in your group. Each site will use this information to ensure all participants are included and have a positive experience during their visit. Many historic sites in Alexandria are multi-level and do not have elevators; however, if notified when scheduling the program, adjustments can be made to include all students to the best of each site’s ability. Sign language and foreign language interpreters may also be available if requested when making your reservation.

Payment for Multi-Site Programs

All sites offer free admission to Alexandria City Public Schools who call in advance to arrange a program. A few sites also offer free programs to other public and private school groups or charge a nominal fee of $2 per child.

Please be prepared to pay each site separately on the day of the program.

Where to Park

Groups arriving by car should include time for parking in their schedule. There is metered street and garage parking available throughout Old Town.

School and tour buses must use designated loading/unloading and parking areas in Historic Alexandria. For the exact locations, visit the Visitor Info. Entertainment motor coach parking map.

Bus loading/unloading: Due to the high volume of bus traffic, parking is allowed in the designated areas for only as long as it takes to actually load or unload. (Alexandria Police Department will strictly enforce). Loading and unloading areas are adjacent to:

• For the Torpedo Factory/Alexandria Archaeology: King Street behind the King Street Trolley. Buses are prohibited to load or unload in front of building on Union Street.
• For Carlyle House, Market Square, and the Visitors Center: 300 block of King Street between Fairfax Street and Royal Street on Market Square side
• For Gadsby’s Tavern Museum: directly in front of Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
• The Lyceum: Alexandria’s History Museum: directly in front of the Lyceum, except from 4-6pm on weekdays

Bus Parking: Due to the sensitivity of our historic buildings, buses are not permitted to idle when parked. Engines must be turned off. Short-term parking is permitted at:

• Robinson Terminal: 500 block of North Union Street (four spaces) between Oronocco and Pendleton streets, east side, northbound; 3-hour parking on a first-come, first-served basis.
• North Old Town: 900 block of North St. Asaph Street (two spaces), west side, southbound: 3 hour parking on a first-come, first-served basis
• George Washington Masonic National Memorial: 101 Callahan Drive, daytime permits available between 9am and 11pm for $10 per day. Permits must be obtained in advance from the Alexandria Visitor’s Center at Ramsay House.
• Fort Ward: Parking available on site.

Restroom and Water Fountain Facilities

Public restrooms and water fountains are available in The Lyceum, City Hall, and the Torpedo Factory Art Center. Most historic sites do not have restroom facilities for school groups.

Lunch Facilities

Groups must arrange lunch and/or snack plans in advance with the Education Coordinator.

Article source: http://alexandriava.gov/historic/info/default.aspx?id=28738&src=rss

Civilian laborers for the US Military Railroad in
Alexandria

The occupation of Alexandria by Union troops forever changed the social, cultural and economic fabric of the old seaport town. For four years Alexandria was an occupied city; enduring the longest military occupation by Union troops of any town during the conflict. The following resources provide some insight into the War and its effect on Alexandria and its inhabitants. 

Historic Resources

• From the Historic Alexandria Website 
• From the Alexandria Library: Local History/Special Collections
• From the Carlyle House
• From the Friends of Freedmen’s Cemetery
• From the National Trust for Historic Preservation
• Publications of the Alexandria Historical Society
• Alexandria Archaeology Reports relating to the Civil War

From the Historic Alexandria Website

• Antebellum Reminiscences of Alexandria, Virginia. Extracted from the Memoirs of Mary Louisa Slacum Benham
• Discovering the Decades: 1860s 
• Traveler’s Accounts of the Historic Alexandria Waterfront (the 1860s)
• Volunteers for Freedom: Black Civil War Soldiers in Alexandria National Cemetery, Part I, by Edward A. Miller, Jr. Historic Alexandria Quarterly, Fall 1988.
• Volunteers for Freedom: Black Civil War Soldiers in Alexandria National Cemetery, Part II, by Edward A. Miller, Jr. Historic Alexandria Quarterly, Winter 1988
• “A Loathsome Prison:” Slave Trading in Antebellum Alexandria. Lesson Plan: Teaching with Historic Places in Alexandria, Virginia.
• The Alexandria Slave Pen: The Archaeology of Urban Captivity, by Janice G. Artemel, Elzabeth A. Crowell and Jeff Parker. Engineering-Science, Inc., Washington, D.C. (1987).
• Archaeology of the Bruin Slave Jail (Site 44AX0172), by Lisa Kraus, John Bedell and Charles LeeDecker. The Louis Berger Group, Inc., Washington, D.C., 2010.
• The History of Fort Ward
• Fighting for Freedom: Black Union Soldiers of the Civil War.  Courtesy Fort Ward Museum
• Civil War Crimean Ovens. Courtesy Alexandria Archaeology Museum
• Highlights from the Collection: The Civil War. Courtesy Alexandria Archaeology Museum

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From the Alexandria Library: Local History/Special Collections

The Local HIstory/Special Collections section is located in the Barrett Library at 717 Queen Street. The library holds many interesting resources pertaining to the Civil War in Alexandria. Their Civil War holdings include history of all aspects of the conflict, with a focus on the Confederacy. Resources. This includes Virginia regimental histories; War of the Rebellion Official Record (the “OR”), which reproduces government documents dealing with the war; and information about Alexandria during the war.

Genealogical Resources: Online Indexes

• Oath of Allegiance in Virginia, 1862-1865. Index of those who signed an oath of allegiance to the Union during and after the Civil War.
• Civil War Era Burials – Alexandria National Cemetery. Index to 3600 Federal burials.

• Notes on locating a Confederate ancestor. Guide to locating your ancestor.

Online exhibits

• Battlefields of Virginia The May 1887 excursion of the Civil War veterans of the 57th and 58th Massachusetts to the Civil War Battlefields of Virginia as documented in photos by Fred H. Foss.
• “…the frown of the citizens…” Notes and Images about the Civil War Occupation of Alexandria.
• Generals of the Confederacy Thirty images, carte-de-visites (and more!) from the White, Wellford, Taliaferro, and Marshall Families Collection.
• “Give oceans of love to all…” The prisoner-of-war letters of Brigadier General Montgomery Dent Corse, CSA, 17th Virginia Infantry to his wife, Elizabeth Beverley, along with his commission as Colonel, Active Volunteer Forces of Virginia, May 17, 1861, and his Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America, July 24, 1865. Selected from the Montgomery Dent Corse Collection. 

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From the Carlyle House 

• The Occupation of Alexandria, VA during the Civil War. On May 23, 1861, Virginia voted to become the eighth state to secede from the Union. James Green (the son of the James Green who built the hotel in front of Carlyle House), who was living at the carlyle House at the time, described the event in his diary as “the most quiet election I ever saw in town.”  (Carlyle House Docent Dispatch, May 2011)
• Nurses, Spies and Soldiers: The Civil War at Carlyle House. The Mansion House Hospital, which incorporated the 1753 home of John Carlyle and the large building in front of it, was a place of strife and suffering during the Civil War. (Carlyle House Docent Dispatch, March 2011)

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From the Friends of Freedmen’s Cemetery

Visit the Friends of Freedmen’s Cemetery for more historical resources.

• Slaves in the Alexandria Jail, 1861. National Republican of January 20, 1862
• Convalescent Soldiers in L’Ouverture Hospital “Express Our Views” on Burial Location. 
• Brief History of Alexandria’s Freed People and of Freedmen’s Cemetery
• The Contraband Hospital and Alexandria’s Freedmen’s Aid Workers
• Record of Deaths and Burials Among the Freedmen in Alexandria, Virginia (“The Gladwin Record”)

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From the National Trust for Historic Preservation

• The Contraband of America and the Road to Freedom. This video, narrated by staff of the Alexandria Black History Museum, tells the story of Contrabands in Alexandria, and features Shiloh Baptist Church and the Freedmen’s Cemetery.

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Publications of the Alexandria Historical Society

Visit the Alexandria Historical Society for more Alexandria history.

The Alexandria Chronicle

• The First Union Civil War Martyr: Elmer Ellsworth, Alexandria, and the American Flag, by Marc Leepson, Fall 2011
• The Civil War Comes to Duke Street, by Ted Pulliam, Fall 2011 (see page 5)
• “This Long Agony”: A Test of Civilian Loyaties in an Occupied City, by Diane Riker, Spring 2011
• Volusia: A Farm and the People Who Lived There During the Civil War, by Amy Bertch, Spring 2011
• “Hessians in our midst:” Provost Duty in Alexandria 1861-62, the 88th Pennsylvania Volunteers, by Michael Ayoub, Fall 2008
•  “Aunt Lindy” – A Former Slave Who Settled in Alexandria after the Civil War, by T. Michael Miller, Summer/Fall 2002 (see page 4) 
• Mary Custis Lee–17th Virginia Regiment Chapter, UDC, Honors the Six Soldiers Buried in Its Confederate Plot at Bethel Cemetery in Alexandria , by Rebecca Hatchell Kusserow, Spring 2002 (see page 11)
• Kate Hooper: Alexandria’s “Angel of Mercy” , by T. Michael Miller, Spring 2002 (see page 19)
• Edgar Warfield-Alexandria’s Last Surviving Confederate Soldier, by T. Michael Miller, Spring 2001
• A Heroine on the Homefront: My Mother’s Experience during the Civil War, by Ada Warfield Kurtz, 1907. Spring 2001 (see page 16)
• A View of Mr. Lincoln, by T. Michael Miller, Spring 2001 (see page 16)
• The Washington and Prince Street Military Prisons-Alexandria’s Andersonville?, by T. Michael Miller, Winter 1999/2000
• The Anthony Burns Affair: Alexandria, Virginia Locals at the Center of National Debate over the Fugitive Slave Act during Violent Incidents in Boston, Massachusetts, by Cliff Johns, Fall 1999
• Vignettes from the Pages of the Alexandria Gazette: A Lone Indian. Alexandrians Used as Human Hostages on U.S. Military Railroad Trains. Negro Regiment Raised in Alexandria, Fall 1999 (see page 18)
• Alexandria and Northern Virginia in the Early National Period: The Paradox of Liberalism in a Slave Society, by A. Glenn Crothers, Summer 1999.
• Civil War Vignettes,  compiled by T. Michael Miller, Summer 1999 (see page 18)
• President Abraham Lincoln Reviews the Troops Near Shuter’s Hill, by T. Michael Miller, Summer 1999 (see page 26)
•  Recollections of the Early War between the States in Alexandria, Virginia,by A. J. Wickliffe, 1880. Spring 1997
• “Bandages and Broken Bones:” The Civil War Diary of Anne Reading, Introduction by Margaret Garrett Irving, Summer 1995
• United States Civil War Military Hospitals in Occupied Alexandria, Virginia, Summer 1995 (see page 21)
• President Lincoln’s Railroad Car, by Robert Slusser, Spring 1995

Alexandria History Magazine

• Beleaguered Alexandria, 1861-1865, by James G. Barber, 1981
• “The Town Is Took:” McClellen’s Troops on Seminary Hill by Cazenove G. Lee, 1981 (see page 11) 
• Cazenove Lee Remembers Robert E. Lee, 1981 (see page 19)

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Alexandria Archaeological Reports relating to the Civil War

Article source: http://alexandriava.gov/historic/civilwar/default.aspx?id=49680&src=rss

Civil War 150th Commemoration, 2011-2014

Exhibitions | Upcoming Events |  Event Photos |  History of Alexandria During the Civil War

Witness to war and reunion, Alexandria’s place in Civil War history is truly unique. The Office of Historic Alexandria is commemorating the Civil War Sesquicentennial through special events and exhibits, and by pulling together resources on the history of Alexandria in the CIvil War

• Download the new Civil War iPhone app
• Visit Fort Ward Museum Historic Site 
• Attend Upcoming Events
• Explore Alexandria’s Civil Defenses of Washington by bike 
• Find out about the Contrabands and Freedmen’s Cemetery
• Learn the History of Alexandria During the Civil War
• On a lighter note, check out the Peeps Diorama, “An Event of ePeep Proportions”

Exhibitions

Upcoming Events

• Dance at a CIvil War Ball at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. January 28, 2012 — advance reservation and tickets required. Take Civil War Dance classes to practice your steps prior to the ball date.
• Interested in Civil War reenacting? Come to the Recruiting Day, Fort Ward, Saturday February 25.
• Lecture “Tracing Your Civil War Ancester,” by Constance Potter and Katherine Vollen Fort Ward Museum, March 10. Tickets $10.
• Come on a Soldier-Led Walking Tour of Fort Ward, Saturday, May 19.
• Send your kids to Civil War Kid’s Camp at Fort Ward, June 25-29. For ages 8-12, $200.

Event Photos

• “Life in Civil War Alexandria” Commemoration Event, Market Square, May 21, 2011:
  Photos: Gadsby’s Tavern Facebook Album
  News Release

History of Alexandria During the Civil War

Article source: http://alexandriava.gov/historic/civilwar/default.aspx?id=48164&src=rss