February 19 - Weekend Events
System - Friday, February 19, 2016
If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, there are some unique tours and exhibits happening at a few of our local historic sites, many are in recognition of African-American History Month.
If you are a fan of PBS’s Mercy Street series, starting February 19, 2016, Carlyle House in Old Town Alexandria has a new exhibit titled "Who These Wounded Are: Extraordinary Stories of Mansion House Hospital" that tells the true story of the people who lived and worked at the Mansion House Hospital during the Civil War, as well as the history of the building that started out as a bank and was converted into a luxury hotel until the Union Army took it over and changed it into a hospital. Admission is $5 and includes a tour of Carlyle House.
Also happening at Carlyle House this weekend, in recognition of African-American History month, is a special Curator’s Tour titled John Carlyle and Slavery. This tour will discuss the lives of the enslaved individuals who lived and worked at Carlyle House. The tour will be held Saturday, February 20 at 1pm and will last about an hour. Tickets for the general public are $10 and $5 for Friends of Carlyle House.
Another special guided tour in honor of African-American History month is occurring at Ben Lomand Historic Site in Manassas. On Saturday, February 20, from 11am-4pm visitors can tour the historic home and learn about the daily life of enslaved men, women and children. Admission is $5 per person, children 6 and under are free.
Lee-Fendal House in Alexandria is also having a special tour titled From Slavery to Freedom that interprets life at the Lee-Fendall House from the perspective of its enslaved inhabitants. Visitors will get to view areas not normally open to the public. The tour will begin at 1pm on February 20. Admission is $8 per person.
Even though it’s not officially the weekend, it’s worth mentioning that in celebration of George Washington’s 284th birthday, Mount Vernon is offering free admission to Washington’s historic home in Alexandria. The birthday celebration will be Monday, February 22, from 9am -4pm. There will be wreath laying ceremonies throughout the day, newly naturalized Americans will take the oath of citizenship at 1pm, and George Washington’s swords will be on display all day. Additional special events are planned throughout the day, so if you're lucky enough to have the day off, it’s a great opportunity to tour Mount Vernon Estate for free!
