Drum roll, please … the Tall Ship Providence Foundation has announced the much-anticipated date of arrival for the Tall Ship Providence in Old Town Alexandria as Monday, July 1.
The ship will make its way through the Woodrow Wilson Bridge just before midnight, and will be greeted by a water arch by the Alexandria Fire Department, as well as welcome boats leading it to its new home on the waterfront.
It is a reproduction of the original Providence, the first ship authorized to serve in the Continental Navy. Its history includes going on a secret mission for George Washington to search for gunpowder in Bermuda, and it went on to serve the Navy for four years, becoming one of the most renowned ships in the Revolutionary War.
Starting in late July, Providence will be open to the public, who will be able to come aboard to learn about 18th-century life, “meet” John Paul Jones (an American Naval hero in the Revolutionary War) and discover the original history of the ship. It will also offer weekly sails and craft brew cruises in partnership with Port City Brewing.
There will also be a nearby visitor center at the south end of the marina (temporary location through 2019 until the permanent building is completed in 2020) that will provide guests an interactive experience to learn about the birth of the U.S. Navy, and how Providence played an essential role in its development.
For more information, visit tallshipprovidence.org. // Alexandria City Marina: 0 Cameron St., Alexandria; Daily tours $10-$14, Themed cruises $18-$49, Private charter pricing available upon request
Need more fun summer plans? Subscribe to our Things to Do newsletter.
