Join the Alexandria Historical Society as we explore the history of one of Alexandria’s iconic ghost stories. 

The Legend: Shortly before her wedding day in 1868, Laura Schafer passed away in a tragic accident and has haunted 107 North Fairfax Street (which today houses Dolci Gelati) as the Burning Bride ever since. But which of the many versions of Schafer’s story is supported by primary sources? What do we know about her life and the life of her family before and after that fateful night?

The Tour: On Saturday, October 24, AHS board member Scott Vierick will lead a walking tour of sites connected with the Schafer family and will tell us about his research on the family and the Burning Bride story. Whether you are a fan of ghost stories or a committed skeptic, Scott’s tour will help separate fact from fiction and illuminate the sources behind the spooky story. 

Our Guide: Scott Vierick, an AHS board member, is a public historian, and curator of the Alexandria Digital History Museum. Outside of AHS, Scott worked as a senior historian and interpretive planner at History Associates Incorporated, a historical research and consulting firm. He also worked for the White House Historical Society, Mount Vernon, and the National Park Service. He blogs about history on his online newsletter History’s Confluences.

Our Recommendations: A gentle walk along Old Town's brick sidewalks is always pleasant on an October afternoon, but appropriate footwear is highly recommended. The day before the event you will be sent a reminder with details on the exact meeting location. No need to print tickets. Your names will be on our list.