Do you know the difference between AHS and HAF?
How about GTMS and FOAA?
And where does the City’s OHA fit in?
Here’s a little non-exhaustive but perhaps exhausting-to-think-about glossary covering most of the history-related organizations in Alexandria, all of which offer tremendous opportunities to learn about the history of our area and support its preservation. Some are membership organizations, and all are interested in volunteers and participants for their various activities.
OHA The Office of Historic Alexandria: Many of the City's premier historic sites fall under its administration including eight museums and several other historically related sites. To know what is happening at the museums each week check out This Week in Historic Alexandria or sign up to have it (or any of 100 other newsletters and alerts from the City of Alexandria) sent directly to you. Interested in volunteering?
HISTORY MUSEUMS
HISTORIC SITES
Alexandria Black History Museum
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum
Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
Alexandria African American Heritage Park
Contrabands & Freedmen Cemetery Memorial
Friends Groups: Most of these museums also have associated membership organizations which provide various forms of support to the museums and offer events of all kinds throughout the year including:
FOAA Friends of Alexandria Archaeology
Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum Society GTMS
Mortar & Pestle Society (Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum)
History Oriented Organizations: These membership groups which focus on sharing history and preserving historic buildings and artifacts have served the Alexandria community for many decades:
Alexandria Association: Offers a popular series of lectures featuring nationally recognized experts on archaeology, architectural history, 18th century decorative & fine arts, and historic gardens & interiors.
Historic Alexandria Foundation (HAF): Works to protect historic structures and artifacts associated with Alexandria through advocacy, grants, awards, and recognition programs.
Alexandria Historical Society (AHS): Promotes an active interest in American history, particularly in Alexandria and the Washington metropolitan area through Lectures, History Awards, and scholarly publications such as The Alexandria Chronicle
Other Museums and Institutions: While not owned by the City of Alexandria, these organizations are also important to the city’s historic education and preservation efforts. These include:
Carlyle House: 18th century mansion with connections to the Civil War
Lee Fendall House: History through the experiences of people who lived and worked there1785 to 1969
Tall Ship Providence: A floating experience on a reproduction of the first ship of the Continental Navy
The Athenaeum: Historic 1852 rare Greek Revival building now dedicated to local arts and preservation