Civil War Events Guide: Alexandria

“The Civil War at Carlyle House” Exhibit

March 2011-March 2012, times vary. During the Civil War the Carlyle House became known as the “Mansion House Hospital.” See how important the role of the Carlyle house was to the Civil War through the artifacts that were left behind. / The Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria; 703-549-2997; www.nvrpa.org/park/carlyle_house_historic_park; free.

“Midst of the War” Woodlawn’s Daily Struggles Between the Lines of North and South

April 7-Dec. 30, times vary. Discover the fascinating history of Woodlawn that started with two Quaker families building a free-labor community to like-minded Baptist families purchasing the property. During the Civil War, the Woodlawn was foraged by the North and raided by the South. The small community banded together and created an interracial militia to protect their community from the Union and Confederate bandits. / Woodlawn, 9000 Richmond Highway, Alexandria; 703-780-4000; woodlawn1805.org; $15/adults and $5/K-12.

“Alexandria, Virginia: Southern town, Yankee Citadel” Lecture

April 6 @ 7:30pm. James Barber, historian at the National Portrait Gallery, project coordinator for the Smithsonian’s Civil War website and author of several books on Alexandria, will discuss the events leading up to the Union Occupation of Alexandria. Reservations are required. / The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria; 703-746-4994; alexandriava.gov/Lyceum; $10.

Did Grandpa where Grey or Blue? Civil War records at the National Archives Lecture

April 30 @10am-11:30am. Genealogist Marie Varrelman Melchiori will walk participants through the National Archives records to discover their own ties to the Civil War. The event will use Union-compiled military service records, registers of enlistments, enlistment papers and pension files as resources. / The Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria; 703-549-2997; www.nvrpa.org/park/carlyle_house_historic_park; $12/advanced tickers or $15/at the door.

Life in Civil War Alexandria, a Living History Event

May 21 @ 2pm-5pm. Learn what life was like in Alexandria during the Civil War. Historical re-enactors and museum staff will unravel the experience with demonstrations at Market Square. / 301 King St., Alexandria; 703-746-3301; free.

Spies and Scouts of the Civil War

May 21 from 2pm-5pm. When Alexandria was occupied by the Union soldiers, citizens had to pick sides. Alexandria was divided. Many people became spies for both the Union and Confederate armies. Come and decode the many Civil War messages and see if you have what it takes to become a Civil War spy. / Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria; 703-549-2997; www.nvrpa.org/park/carlyle_house_historic_park; free.

Civil War Bike Ride

June 4, times vary. View the historical Civil War sites while getting some fresh air and exercise. Alexandria archeologists take participants on a guided bike ride tour with plenty of lecture stops. / Meeting Place to be determined; 703-746-4399; visitalexandriava.com/civilwar; free.

Hands-on-History Tent: The Civil War

June 21 from 10am-1pm. Children can come and learn about the Civil War through hands-on projects. For children 3-12 years of age. / Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria; 703-549-2997; www.nvrpa.org/park/carlyle_house_historic_park; free.

Fort Ward Civil War Kid’s Camp

June 27@ 9am-1pm. Start the summer off with a camp that is geared to teach kids about life as a Civil War soldier. The activities will include drilling, craft projects, 19th century games and music, Civil War food, even lessons of the flags used during the war. For children ages 8 through 12. / Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site, 4301 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria; 703-746-4848; visitalexandriava.com/civilwar; $200.

Civil War Rangers, Raiders, and Spies at Green Spring Gardens

July 31 @ 1pm-3pm. Learn how one spy’s undercover exploits changed the course of the war. This event shares the techniques of the “spycrafts” used by men and women who served as spies for both the Blue and Gray./ Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria; 703-642-5173; free.

Civil War Fashion Show

Sept 10 @ TBD. This isn’t your ordinary project runway. This is fashion week 1861 style. Come and see the fashions during the Civil War era. Reservations are suggested for this event. / The Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria; 703-549-2997; www.nvrpa.org/park/carlyle_house_historic_park; $10/adults and $5/children.

“Civil War Alexandria in 3-D” photo lecture by Wally Own

Oct 6 @ 7:30pm. See what life was like in Alexandria during the Civil War from the photographers that caught it on film. Still photographs of the Civil War will be on display as Wally Owen will present a lecture on these rare photographs and images. / The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria; 703-746-4994; alexandriava.gov/Lyceum; fee to be determined.

Bailey’s Crossroads History Lecture

Nov. 11 @ TBD. Lectures will be given on the founding of Bailey’s Crossroads and the Grand Review of 1861. / Northern Virginia Community College–Alexandria Campus, 3001 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria; 703-820-1904, visitalexandriava.com/civilwar; fee to be determined.

Events are subject to change. Please visit Alexandria’s website at: visitalexandriava.com/civilwar.

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