[Archived] City of Alexandria Honors Women’s History Month

For Immediate Release: March 2, 2020

The City of Alexandria encourages residents to participate in the observance of Women’s History Month and learn about the contributions of women to American history. The March observance started as a weeklong educational movement in the 1970s, then grew to a national, monthlong designation by Congress in 1987. Since 1998, Alexandria has hosted events and honored women who have made significant contributions to the community. This year’s events feature women from the 18th and 19th centuries:

Saturday, March 14: Civil War Women’s Day 
Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site 
4301 West Braddock Road 
11 a.m.-3 p.m. 
Free 
In recognition of Women’s History Month, learn about the dress, skills and contributions of women during the Civil War from reenactors who will offer talks, displays and demonstrations. Women’s roles on the home front, in camp, and on the battlefield will be explored. Additionally, kids can make a ladies’ fan or a patriotic cockade ribbon, an ornament often made and worn by women to support the war effort on both sides. 

March 29: Specialty Tour – A Toast to the Ladies! 
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street  
10-11:30 a.m. 
$20 per person  
In honor of Women’s History Month, raise a toast to the ladies! Enjoy Martha Washington’s favorite morning drink (with a spirit or without), then discover the many roles women played in tavern life - from women as tavern owners and enslaved workers, to participants in events and as overnight guests. Purchase tickets at alexandriava.gov/Shop.   

For a list of all events celebrating Women’s History Month, check the City Calendar.

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

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact jim.holloway@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.4994, Virginia Relay 711.