In celebration of its 50th Anniversary in 2025 AHS initiated a new series of events called History Behind the Scenes, which take us out of the lecture hall for more in-depth looks at how history is being preserved and presented in Alexandria. Through tours, demonstrations, and Q&A sessions, we will talk to historians about their work.
2026 Planned Events
[Note: All dates are tentative & more events may be added.]
January 28—Women of the Army in the American Revolution
Zoom presentation by historians Rebecca Rose and Cassandra Good
February 25—How Martha Washington Spent the Revolutionary War
Zoom presentation by Mary V. Thompson, Mount Vernon research historian emerita
March 9—A Tory in Old Town (Nicholas Cresswell)
Zoom presentation by Ken Bancroft, who transcribed diaries and researched the life of Cresswell
April 12— Hayti: A Post-Revolutionary Free Black Neighborhood in Alexandria
Walking tour by Pam Cressey, former City Archaeologist and AHS Board Member
July 18 at 10am—Alexandria’s Patriots Remembered: A Revolutionary Walk Through the Old Presbyterian Meeting House
Walking tour by Dave Heiby, superintendent of Alexandria’s Presbyterian Cemetery and AHS Board Member
September 11 at 2pm—Behind the Scenes: A Tour of the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
“Field trip” organized by AHS for a history-lover’s look at some of the materials in the library (AHS members and their guests only)
October 3 at 10am—Douglass Cemetery: Past, Present, and Future
A conversation moderated by AHS Vice President and Douglass Cemetery descendant Darnella McGuire-Nelson with City Archaeologist Eleanor Breen and Douglass Cemetery descendant Stephanie Johnson, in partnership with Community Connections
October 24 at 2pm—Beyond the Burning Bride: Uncovering the History Behind an Alexandria Ghost Story
Walking tour by Scott Vierick, public historian and AHS Board Member
More information about Behind the Scenes events will be forthcoming as details are confrimed.
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