Alexandria Archaeological Commission

City moves forward with Torpedo Factory operator search, including option to display historic ship hull

Published February 25, 2026 at 3:15PM

The Torpedo Factory Art Center in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

A process to select a new operator for the Torpedo Factory Art Center is moving forward, and the option to display remains of an 18th century ship could potentially be part of operators’ plans.

On Saturday, Alexandria City Council gave final approval to a procurement process to select a new operator for the Torpedo Factory Art Center at 105 N. Union Street. Council previously delayed approval of the procurement process to add a provision about exploring displays of historical archaeology artifacts.

Alexandria needs to fill dozens of board, committee and commission vacancies

By James Cullum

Published November 25, 2025 at 9:55AM

Alexandria City Hall sign (staff Photo by Jay Westcott)

Civic-minded Alexandria residents who want to help lead their city have an opportunity to serve on a board or commission, and the deadline to apply is approaching soon.

Applicants must be city residents, and otherwise a special waiver will need to be approved by City Council. Committee assignments can last between two and five years, and residents can only apply for one committee at a time. The online application deadline is 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, and the following openings are available:

Alexandria Archaeological Commission honored by City Council with ‘Commission of the Year Impact Award’

By Ryan Belmore

Published June 24, 2025 at 7:56PM

Members of the Alexandria Archaeological Commission (AAC) pose for a photo with Alexandria City Council during the presentation of the Annual Commission of the Year Impact Award on June 24, 2025.

The Alexandria Archaeological Commission received the city’s 2025 Commission of the Year Impact Award at Tuesday night’s (June 24) City Council meeting, recognizing the group’s 50 years of work preserving and protecting archaeological artifacts throughout Alexandria.

Councilman John Chapman presented the award to the commission, which was established in 1975 as the first archaeological commission in the country. The recognition celebrates both the commission’s milestone anniversary and its ongoing impact on the city’s historical preservation efforts.