There’s no better way to become acquainted with your new hometown after a PCS or to re-introduce yourself than to keep a list of easy-to-get-to museums for the future. Why plan an entire day of Smithsonian schlepping when you’ll be just as entertained visiting one or two museums a day in Alexandria, Virginia?
More than 275 years of history prove that there are a variety of museums and gardens to visit and revisit. For example, George Washington’s Mount Vernon sits high on the list of “Must Return” visits—buying a membership makes return trips affordable or possibly free.
Also, don’t worry if you can’t get to all the museums listed. One of the best perks for school-aged kids in Alexandria is the opportunity to tour these museums for field trips. Check in with some local teachers or current families attending Alexandria schools to get insider knowledge of typical field trips.
Photo by Heather Whitfield
Museums Operated by the City of Alexandria
The City of Alexandria operates the following museums, and their hours vary. Visit their websites for an up-to-date visiting schedule. Most museums also offer online resources, from live lectures to at-home learning kits and virtual games.
1) Alexandria Archaeology Museum
One of the more popular museums for school-age kids, the Archaeology Museum focuses on persevering Alexandria’s history through careful excavation and public awareness. The major exhibits include Archaeology on the Waterfront: Buried Ships of Robinson Landing.
2) Alexandria Black History Museum
Although Alexandria was home to a small population of free black people as early as 1790, it was also the center of one of the largest slave trade hubs in the United States.
The Black History Museum's mission is “to enrich the lives of Alexandria's residents and visitors, to foster tolerance and understanding among all cultures, and to stimulate appreciation of the diversity of the African American experience.”
3) Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum
The Lyceum has a long history of bringing culture and education to Alexandria residents. Over time it's served as a library, Civil War hospital, office of the Chamber of Commerce, and the country’s first Bicentennial Visitor’s Center. The Lyceum is the perfect location for first-time museum-goers to take in a broad view of Alexandria’s historical significance.
Photo from iStock.com/Noël-Marie Fletcher
4) Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site
Civil War buffs are drawn to Fort Ward to learn more about the site’s history as an occupied city, a Union Army location, and the daily lives of Civil War soldiers. There are exhibits on most Civil War topics, education programs, tours, lecture series, bus tours, and living history activities.
The historic fort allows visitors to view a glimpse of Civil War military engineering feats. About 90% of the fort's earthwork walls are preserved or restored to their original condition.
5) Freedom House Museum
This museum is dedicated to the first-person accounts of enslaved men and women bought and sold through the building as headquarters for Franklin and Armfield, the largest domestic slave trade operation in the United States. The bleak details of the enslaved people’s lives, as well as accounts of the business operations, are revealed.
6) Friendship Firehouse Museum
Most children go through a fire truck and fire safety phase, so take advantage of their curiosity and head to the Friendship Firehouse Museum. It's an ideal location for hands-on education about early volunteer fire companies. Vehicles and exhibits showcase the history of firefighting in Alexandria.
7) Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
George and Martha Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and the Marquis de Lafayette were all guests of John Gadsby’s 18th-century tavern. Known as the site of many important decisions regarding Alexandria’s progress and the burgeoning country, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum remembers its importance through tours, programs, special events, and a period tavern/restaurant.
Historic Carlyle House - Photo from Canva
Independently Owned Museums in Alexandria
These museums are independently owned and tend to have more available operating hours. Tours and visits are offered on a timed or limited basis.
8) The Carlyle House
One of the most famous museums in Alexandria, the Carlyle House is an example of an 18th-century Georgian Mansion and Garden. Known for its tours, youth programs, special events, exhibits, and lectures, the Carlyle House was originally the home of city founder John Carlyle. The museum describes the early history of the city of Alexandria, colonial Virginia, and the building of the United States.
9) Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum has seen a resurgence of young visitors thanks to a book series named after Harry Potter, but the apothecary was a family business founded in 1792. The company was open until 1933 and is one of Alexandria’s oldest.
The museum displays a collection of herbal botanicals, hand-blown glass, and medical equipment. This is an addition to journals, prescription and formula books, ledgers, and invoices.
Photo from iStock.com/Michael Donahue Photography
10) The George Washington Masonic National Memorial
The museum's mission is “To inspire humanity through education to emulate and promote the virtues, character, and vision of George Washington, the Man, the Mason, and Father of our Country.”
The museum's primary function is highlighting the first president’s involvement with the Masonic fraternity. The memorial recently underwent the first major renovation since its original construction.
11) Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden
Another popular historical site, the Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden, operates educational programs to showcase the people who lived and worked on the property between 1785 and 1969. Many visitors come to see the permanent exhibit, John L. Lewis: Public Figure, Private Man.
12) National Inventors Hall of Fame
The museum is conveniently located in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and is dedicated to educating school-aged children through creative STEM activities. It produces popular education programs starting as early as kindergarten and continuing through high school.
As you can see, there are plenty of opportunities to explore Alexandria’s museums. These museums are ready and waiting to welcome guests, so check their social media for special events and opening schedules.
