Alexandria, Virginia, dates back to the late 1600s when the first Europeans settled into the city. Throughout the years, the city faced new settlements, was one of the most important local ports, and even went through a war. Today, you can explore the history of Alexandria at one of these local museums.
-
US Patent & Trademark Office Museum
Inventors have been important to not only the emergence of Alexandria but the entire country. The US Patent & Trademark Office Museum celebrates inventors, builders, and creators. The museum offers programs geared toward all ages. Preschoolers will enjoy the inventor’s playground. Younger children will enjoy the camp and club invention programs and the STEM Make lab. High schoolers and college students will enjoy the leadership programs. Within the museum, you can explore ever-changing exhibits including Higgins Boat, the Intellectual Property Power exhibit, and the numerous interactive kiosks located throughout the museum.
-
Fort Ward Museum
Alexandria was an important part of the Civil War. You can learn all about the war history and hear interpretations and watch reenactments at the Fort Ward Museum. The tour guides are more than willing to answer all your questions. You can also view many of the same medical tools that were used in the historic Alexandria Union Army Hospital. Take a walk through Fort Ward Park and learn more about the city at each of the historic signs. The park spans across 45-acres of land and can also be used for outdoor recreation or an outdoor picnic.
-
Freedom House Museum
The Freedom House Museum was once one of the largest slave trading firms in the entire country. The museum offers an in-depth look and educational experience into slavery. Much of the museum is in the basement of the Freedom House and gives you an immersive experience of the conditions that slaves had to endure. You will also hear first-person accounts with details from the time of slavery. The museum is an important reminder of the harsh history of slavery and a dedication to the freedom that came with its abolishment.
-
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
Many business owners have come through Alexandria, forever changing the makeup of the city. One of the longest-running businesses was the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary which was first founded in 1792. You can explore the museum and check out the large collection of herbal botanicals. You can also view prescriptions, medical journals, and invoices that date all the way back to the 1700s while also learning about medicine during that time.
The museum also has a large collection of hand-blown glass. Every Sunday morning, the museum hosts a Geek Tour which is a one-hour guided tour of the museum and includes different weekly themes. You can also host a birthday party or a special event at the museum.
The city of Alexandria has been through a lot and today, it stands as a vibrant and welcoming city. Learn more about the city that you call home by exploring each of these important historical museums.
Image via Flickr by Ryan Crierie. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original
Connect with us
