Alexandria historian McArthur Myers died today after a long illness. He was 73.
City leaders remember “Mac” Myers as a kind man with an endless supply of stories who was motivated to keep Alexandria informed of its frequently troubled past. A lifetime resident and Living Legend, Myers was integral in erecting historical signage in and around Alexandria, including markers along the African American Heritage Waterfront Trail.
Myers was a mental health social worker in D.C. for four decades before retiring in 2015. Four years later, he received the Ben Brenman Award from the Alexandria Archaeological Commission “in recognition of his dedication to the preservation and interpretation of Alexandria’s African American heritage.”
He was a longtime member of Alexandria’s Universal Lodge No. 1, the first Prince Hall Masonry in Virginia, and served on the Historic Alexandria Resources Commission, the Society for the Preservation of Black Heritage. He was also an “instrumental part of integrating the Freedom House Museum into the Office of Historic Alexandria museum system,” according to the city.
In 2020, Myers commemorated the 175th anniversary of Universal Lodge No. 1.
“We are standing on the shoulders of previous generations looking forward,” Myers, the 174th past master at the lodge, had told ALXnow. “We have to recognize all who went before us and the responsibility of the stewardship in our presence as we look at the future.”
Mayor Alyia Gaskins said Myers was one of the kindest and most thoughtful people she has ever met.
“I will miss his friendship and his stories and his harmonica,” Gaskins told ALXnow. “He used to say we were ‘one city with many stories,’ and he knew every single one. I appreciate the lessons he taught me and the history he shared with me. I will miss him dearly.”
City Council member John Taylor Chapman said he will greatly miss his friend and history mentor.
“Generations of Alexandrians will benefit from Mac’s focus on ensuring Alexandria’s full history was told,” Chapman said. “Almost every time I saw him, he always had a story of someone I hadn’t heard details about, a new initiative that he was working on that would improve our knowledge of local history or a challenge for me to fix something regarding the telling of our history.”
City Council member Canek Aguirre said Myers was a pillar of the community.
“His wealth and knowledge is irreplaceable and his loss will be felt not just here but across the Commonwealth,” Aguirre said. “On a personal note, Mac was also a friend. My heart is heavy, and I send deep condolences to all his family.”
Audrey Davis, director of the African American History division of the Office of Historic Alexandria, said she loved Myers and is sad this day has come.
“He promoted so much history,” Davis said. “We have so many signs and memorials due to his work. He knew everyone and was a friend to everyone.”
The Zebra was the first local publication to announce Myers’ death. His funeral services will be held on Monday, Dec. 15, at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial (101 Callahan Drive), according to the site. The viewing will be at 10 a.m., followed by the service at noon.
