Alexandria is fundraising for one of its historic crown jewels, which is undergoing renovation.
The Office of Historic Alexandria is conducting a historical discussion and fundraiser on Sunday, July 20, at the Morrison House Hotel (116 S. Alfred Street) to benefit the Freedom House restoration project. The event features a historic discussion on the former slave pen with actor William T. Newman and town crier Ben Fiore-Walker, as well as readings from the Alexandria-based mystery novel “Spite House” by John Wasowicz.
“Three historic houses of Old Town — Freedom House, Morrison House, and Spite House — are combining for a one-of-a-kind event where history, community, and storytelling will come together,” said Gretchen Bulova, director of the Office of Historic Alexandria.
The City’s rehabilitation of the exterior of the Freedom House Museum (1315 Duke Street) began last year and is expected to be completed by December.
According to the city:
A great many changes have been made to the building since it was last used as a slave pen in 1861, and the goal of this work is twofold: first, to stabilize and protect the building and second, to return the early portions to their pre-Civil War appearance, which helps tell the story of the domestic slave trade to its fullest. This work is guided by extensive historical documentation of the building and was recommended in the Historic Structures Report and supported by the community in the Comprehensive Plan.
Key parts of the project rehabilitation include:
- Sealing the exterior building envelope;
- Modifying the current front roofline to a side gable roof;
- Returning the second entryway to the front façade;
- Adjusting the west elevation window openings to be consistent with Civil War era photographs;
- Spot repointing the brick; and
- Renewing windows, woodwork, and siding.
Tickets for the event are free, and reserved tickets cost $25, which gets you a signed copy of Spite House, guaranteed seating during the event discussion, and entry to win a one-night staycation at Morrison House.
