Enrich your time in Alexandria with visits to these historical sites!
Founded in 1749, Alexandria, Virginia, has a long, interesting history. It's a city simply jam-packed with fascinating stories and places! Here are three historical sites you should check out:
Torpedo Factory Art Center
Courtesy of Torpedo Factory Art Center (Facebook)
WHERE: 105 North Union Street
CONTACT: Click here or call 703-746-4570
Not just your average art gallery, the Torpedo Factory Art Center began as the U.S. Naval Torpedo Station in 1918, according to the website. However, in the 1970s, artist volunteers and city personnel worked together and turned it into the art gallery that it is today. You can browse their multiple galleries, ranging from places dedicated to fiber works to enamelists and more. Also, if you get the chance to visit, don't forget to look for the Mark XIV green torpedo in the main hall!
Alexandria Black History Museum
WHERE: 902 Wythe Street
CONTACT: Click here or call 703-746-4356
Delve into the history of Alexandria's African American community with the Alexandria Black History Museum! You'll have the chance to view African American dollhouses and the African American historic site paintings by Sherry Sanabria, among their many exhibits. You can also head to the nearby locations that house the Watson Reading Room, the African American Heritage Park, and Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetary Memorial to travel through time and learn even more!
Alexandria Archaeology Museum
Courtesy of Alexandria Archaeology Museum (Facebook)
WHERE: 105 North Union Street (located in the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 3rd floor)
CONTACT: Click here or call 703-746-4399
Located on the third floor of the Torpedo Factory Art Center is the Alexandria Archaeology Museum! Their exhibits exploring Alexandria's past include "A Community Digs its Past: The Lee Street Site" or "The Wickham Musket." You can also watch Alexandria's history be uncovered at The Public Laboratory where volunteers wash, mark, and catalog artifacts from dig sites.
Which Alexandria historical site would you check out? What other sites are we missing? Let us know in the comments below!
