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

According to legend, shortly before her wedding day, 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?

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

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.

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.