[Archived] Homeschool Programs with Historic Alexandria

Explore City museums through monthly program

The Office of Historic Alexandria invites homeschool families to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) through the lens of history during this school-year’s special series of classes. All classes are designed to engage the entire family, recommended for ages 6 and up, and will be hosted on select Tuesdays from 1-2:30 p.m. with check-in opening at 12:45 p.m.  Tickets are $8 per child, adults free.  Pre-registration is required, and tickets can be purchased online at shop.alexandriava.gov or by calling 703.746.4242. 

The dates, themes, and locations are as follows:

•          September 22: Firefighting Technology at Friendship Firehouse, 107 S. Alfred Street

See how fire-fighting technology has evolved and test the scientific concepts behind how the historic equipment worked.  Features the 1851 Suction Engine.

•          October 20: Architecture Walking Tour starting at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street

Learn about the variety of 18^th and 19^th century architectural styles that define “Old Town” and the societal and technological changes that influenced their creation. 

•          November 17: Pharmacies Then and Now at Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 S. Fairfax Street

What exactly does a pharmacist do?  Compare the job in the 1800s to today and the learn about some of the chemistry that makes their work possible. 

•         December 15: Science Behind the Ice Well at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street

Explore the importance of ice to the 18^th-century City Hotel while learning about the science behind preserving ice before refrigeration. 

•          January 26: Orville Wright’s flight in Alexandria at The Lyceum, Alexandria’s History Museum, 201 S. Washington Street

Hear about Orville Wright’s historic flight from Fort Myer to Alexandria and test the basic principles of flight. 

•          February 16: George Washington’s Birthday Party at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street

In honor of Washington’s birthday, learn how the citizens of Alexandria celebrated his birthday in the late 1790s.  Includes 18^th-century clothing and dance lesson.

The Office of Historic Alexandria enhances the quality of life for City residents and visitors by preserving and interpreting Alexandria’s historic properties, archaeological sites, cultural resources, artifact collections, objects, archives, records, and personal stories, and by encouraging audiences to appreciate Alexandria's diverse historic heritage and its place within the broader context of American history.  For more information about the Office of Historic Alexandria, it’s museums, and upcoming events, visit historicalexandria.org.