By Micaela Williamson
Old Town Alexandria is a popular shopping and eating destination for both tourists and locals alike. Next time you’re in Old Town with the family, consider enriching your visit by stopping into one (or more) of these worthwhile museums.
Torpedo Factory Art Center, Third Floor
105 N. Union St., Studio # 327
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-4399
Connect with local archaeologists in this public laboratory and explore artifacts (some over 10,000 years old) by visiting exhibits, experiencing hands-on activities or participating in a self-guided tour. Finds from current excavations are often on display. The staff is available to give guided tours to a minimum number of people with an advance reservation. After visiting the museum, explore the rest of the Torpedo Factory Arts Center, an art center with galleries and studios open to the public.
Alexandria Black History Museum
902 Wythe St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-4356
This museum displays local and regional history and also houses the Watson Reading Room. Rotating exhibits concentrate on the history of slavery as well as how African-Americans helped shape and build past and present day communities. Right outside the museum is a 9-acre African American Heritage Park, a space for reflection and remembrance.
121 N. Fairfax St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-549-2997
Located right across from City Hall, this historic property built in the 1750s offers tours, special events and concerts. Programs that focus on children, like the “Hands on History Tent” series and “American Girl teas” frequent the site’s event calendar. New this year is “Sarah’s Stories” a monthly educator-led program geared toward preschoolers that focuses on 18th century history-themed books and activities. The Carlyle House is part of the Northern Virginia Regional Park system.
107 S. Alfred St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-3891
Learn about the history of volunteer fire companies in Alexandria and view antique carriages, fire tools and gear. The museum is located in Old Town Alexandria near lots of shops, restaurants and attractions. The museum is small, so plan to spend only 30-40 minutes at most, but nonetheless, it is a fun venue for firehouse fans.
134 N. Royal St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-4242
Gadsby’s Tavern has been around since 1785 with notable patrons including George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe and the Marquis de Lafayette. The museum is only open to scheduled tours. Educational programs for community students and scouts are available, as well as “Tavern in a Trunk” programs in which the museum staff brings artifacts and primary resource documents directly to students. Special events, teas and family days are held throughout the year. Families with toddlers can participate in Tavern Toddlers, a popular weekly drop-in open play session in the museum from September-April. See the programs and events section on the website for details.
201 S. Washington St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-4994
Head to the Lyceum to learn all about the rich history of the City of Alexandria. Special programs, performances and lectures are offered throughout the year. The Lyceum Museum shop contains maps, books, cards and mementos of Alexandria’s history.
National Inventors Hall of Fame and Museum
600 Dulany St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
Located in the atrium of the United States Patent and Trademark Offices in Alexandria, this new venue features interactive exhibits, a high-definition video theater, portrait gallery and a gift shop. Through the magic of computer-generated special effects, portraits of famous inventors such as Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Edison and Steve Wozniak, the co-founder of Apple computer, come to life and talk about the history of invention. Visitors will also learn about the protections of intellectual property rights through patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets such as the formula for Coca-Cola. The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Micaela Williamson is a co-author of local travel guide Kid Trips Northern Virginia, an extraordinary resource that provides descriptions, useful information and insider tips for hundreds of local destinations. Micaela is also an award-winning blogger who enjoys supporting area businesses and scouting out family-friendly venues with her two young sons.(Courtesy of Tiffany Brown, Mamaratzy Photography)
