[Archived] City Celebrates 50th Anniversary of the Historic Preservation Act

City of Alexandria Celebrates 50^th Anniversary of the Historic Preservation Act

The City of Alexandria has been a leader in the field of historic preservation, from the creation of the country's third oldest historic district in 1946 to the start of Alexandria Archaeology in 1961. 

2016 marks the 50^th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act and communities across the country are sponsoring events to celebrate this important milestone, known nationally as Preservation50 ( www.preservation50.org).  

The City is hosting a series of events to highlight Alexandria's historic preservation initiatives and to contemplate future efforts.  To commemorate Preservation50 and Alexandria's rich preservation legacy, there will be a series of lectures, hands-on workshops, and a Preservation Happy Hour for participants to informally meet with other preservationists.  Whether you are interested in learning more about masonry repointing and restoring historic windows, how to research historic buildings or how to preserve places that are culturally significant, there are events for all.  

Preservation Happy Hour
April 28, 6-8 p.m., Gadsby's Tavern Courtyard, 134 N. Royal St.
Join fellow preservationists for conversations and good cheer at this informal gathering.

Attics and Alleys Tours
May 7, 14, 21 and 28, 9 a.m., multiple sites
What mysteries lie behind closed doors or in the attics of Alexandria's historic sites?  This three-hour walking tour features the rarely seen spaces of the Lee-Fendall House, Gadsby's Tavern Museum, the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, and Carlyle House.  

Who Built This, Who Lived Here and More: How to Research Buildings in Alexandria
May 5, 7 p.m., Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington St. 
Learn the tools and tips for researching historic buildings in Alexandria, using resources from several repositories.

Digging In: Understanding Archaeological Protection in Alexandria
May 12, 7 p.m., Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington St.
The City Archaeology team will explain how archaeological resources are protected and update attendees on current findings.

What's the Point?  Workshop on Maintaining Historic Masonry Buildings in Alexandria
May 14, 10 a.m.-Noon, 206 South Union St.
Hear all about bricks and mortar at this hands-on workshop about repointing.

What Do You Mean?  Understanding Cultural Significance in the 21^st Century
May 19, 7 p.m., Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe St.
Listen to a panel of preservation experts discuss the meaning of "cultural significance" with respect to local, national and international places.

Lost Alexandria: Remembering the Past
June 2, 7 p.m., Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St.
See what places and buildings have been demolished in Alexandria over the years in this photographic tour of the City. 

Rejuvenation in Del Ray Workshop and Garden Party
June 11, 1-4 p.m., begins at Department of Community and Human Services building (2525 Mount Vernon Ave.)
Learn about different architectural styles in the neighborhood and see how property owners restored the original details of their 1911 house.  Enjoy a post-workshop garden party.

This series of events is sponsored by the Office of Historic Alexandria, Alexandria Department of Planning & Zoning, and AIA NOVA Historic Resources Commission.

Please check alexandriava.gov/Shop for event information and to register, as some events have limited numbers and fees vary.  For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/Historic.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended. To request a reasonable accommodation, e-mail graciela.moreno@alexandriava.govor call 703.746.3808, Virginia Relay 711.

For media inquiries, contact Andrea Blackford, Senior Communications Officer, at andrea.blackford@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3959.