Statement of Purpose

The mission of The Lyceum, Alexandria's History Museum, is to provide visitors with a unique historical experience through exhibitions, programs, special events, the sale of merchandise in The Lyceum Museum Shop and rental of the facility.

As both a general community history museum and a historic site, the institution's mission is further divided into two primary goals: first, to preserve and interpret the history and material culture of Alexandria and the surrounding region and, secondly, to protect, preserve and interpret the historic site known as The Lyceum.

Highlights & Collections

The Lyceum is an excellent place for visitors to begin their exploration of Historic Alexandria, Virginia.

Established by a group of Scottish merchants and local landowners during the mid 18th century, Alexandria grew rapidly to become one of the busiest ports in the country by 1800.

Today, Alexandria retains much of its historic character in numerous old neighborhoods, shops, restaurants, museums and historic sites.

"Building a Community: Alexandria Past to Present" provides visitors with an overview of the city's history supported by other changing exhibitions in The Lyceum's James Coldsmith Gallery and special events.

The Lyceum Museum Shop carries one of the finest collections of local history books, reproductions, children's items and souvenirs in town.

The Lyceum offers free parking and serves as a connection point for a trolley service to Crystal City hotels and a bus to Mt. Vernon, the home of George Washing- ton.

The permanent collection of The Lyceum spans three centuries of Alexandria's history and includes prints, documents, photographs, locally-made ceramics and silver, furniture and a variety of memorabilia from the community's past.

Exhibits & Special Events

Exhibit: "Commonwealth & Community: The Jewish Experience in Virginia;"

• February 21 through May 31, 1998.
• This popular exhibition, developed by the Virginia Historical Society, details the struggles and achievements of Virginia's Jewish residents from the 18th century to the present day.

Exhibit: "Alexandria's Attic;"

• June 27 through October 12, 1998.
• This exhibition explores the collections of The Lyceum, Alexandria's main history museum since 1985, as well as museum collecting in general. What sort of odd things have been deposited in The Lyceum (and other museums) over the years, and why are they important enough to keep? Who decides what the museum should collect? Where do you find this stuff? An interesting exploration of this and any other museum with a collection.

Program: "Camp Lyceum: Adventures in History;"

• offered July 13-17, 1998 and August 10-14, 1998.
• Explore Alexandria's history with costumed guides leading the way. Best for children ages 8 to 11; news01@artcom.com for more info.

Exhibit: "The U.S. Military Railroad and the Lincoln Funeral Train;"

• opening November 14, 1998.
• A special traveling coach was constructed for Abraham Lincoln in the shops of the U.S. Military Railroad in Alexandria. Unfortunately, he never rode in it alive. Learn about the car that carried President Lincoln's body home to Illinois and the tremendous rail operation that built it. Alexandria was occupied by the Union Army in May, 1861, turning the city into a huge shipping and supply depot for troops all over the country.

Hours

• Monday through Saturday, 10 AM - 5 PM
• Sunday, 1 - 5 PM

Admission & Directions

Free. Donations gratefully accepted.

From Washington, D.C.--- Take the George Washington Parkway South to Alexandria, where it becomes Washington Street. The Lyceum is located at 201 South Washington Street.

From outside the Washington area--- Exit from I-95 in Virginia onto U.S. Rte. 1 North (Alexandria). Turn right on Prince Street, and right again onto South Washington Street. The Lyceum is on your right.

Key Personnel

James C. Mackay, Director

• Kristin B. Lloyd, Curator
• Paul D. Garver, Facilities Coordinator