Lyceum | ALXnow

Alexandria celebrates arrival of historical events, tall ships and more in America250 kickoff

Published February 10, 2026 at 3:45PM

OHA Deputy Director Liz Williams speaks about Sails on the Potomac during the America250 kickoff event at The Lyceum (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

The Office of Historic Alexandria celebrated the kickoff of America250 last night (Monday), previewing several city events that will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence this year.

City officials joined leaders of OHA, Visit Alexandria and the local business community at The Lyceum to launch the yearlong commemoration, which will include at least two new museum exhibits, a Revolutionary War history forum and this weekend’s George Washington Birthday Parade, among other events.

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Alexandria leaders show support for Jewish community after Hanukkah mass shooting

By James Cullum

Published December 16, 2025 at 11:45AM

Mayor Alyia Gaskins speaks at the menorah lighting at the Lyceum in Old Town, Dec. 16, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

During a community menorah lighting last night (Monday), Mayor Alyia Gaskins condemned Sunday’s deadly shooting on the first night of Hanukkah at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia.

Rabbi Mordechai Newman, director of Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington, hosted the organization’s 23rd annual menorah lighting yesterday at The Lyceum at 201 S. Washington Street.

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Edgar Allan Poe reenactment returns this month to Old Town

By James Cullum

Published October 3, 2025 at 11:02AM

David Keltz as Edgar Allan Poe (image via City of Alexandria)

It’s time to say “nevermore” again, because Edgar Allan Poe actor David Keltz is returning to Alexandria’s Lyceum (201 S. Washington Street) Oct. 29 and 30.

Keltz will recreate Poe’s visit to the city before he died in 1849. The program will include recitations of Poe’s poems “The Raven” and “El Dorado,” as well as two chilling stories, according to the Office of Historic Alexandria (OHA). The actor has been performing as Poe since 1991.

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Award-winning folk duo, legendary string band to perform at Lyceum this fall

By Ryan Belmore

Published August 22, 2025 at 10:49AM

The Alexandria Lyceum (Staff photo by Airey)

The Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum will host two standout performances this fall as part of its ongoing Traditional Music Series, bringing world-class folk artists to the historic stage once known as “Lyceum Hall.”

Canadian Folk Music Award winners Jocelyn Pettit & Ellen Gira will kick off the fall lineup on Friday, Sept. 12, at 7:30 p.m. The dynamic fiddle and cello duo earned the 2024 Traditional Album of the Year award and are known for fusing traditional and contemporary styles into soulful performances. Their shows weave together lively tunes and step-dancing with music from Scotland, Ireland, North America and Scandinavia.

Around Town

Lyceum Chamber Series celebrates 35th season with eleven free Sunday concerts

By Ryan Belmore

Published June 6, 2025 at 2:00PM

WMPA's Lyceum Chamber Series 35th Season (via WMPA)

The Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association (WMPA) is gearing up for its 35th season of the Lyceum Chamber Series. Music lovers can enjoy free concerts every Sunday at 3 p.m. from June 15 to August 24 at the Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum (201 South Washington Street).

This year’s lineup features a diverse mix of talented musicians and ensembles performing a range of classical and chamber music.

News

Notes: What were Eisenhower’s D-Day secrets? Find out in Alexandria tonight

By Ryan Belmore

Published June 5, 2025 at 8:00AM

Dr. Kim Holien, Retired U.S. Army Historian (via City of Alexandria)

Good Thursday morning, Alexandria!

☀️ Today’s weather: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87 degrees. South wind 3 to 8 mph. Mostly cloudy tonight, with a low of around 66 degrees. South wind around six mph, becoming calm in the evening.

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Alexandria’s Complete Streets Program sparks debate at Agenda: Alexandria forum

By Ryan Belmore

Published March 24, 2025 at 9:10PM | Updated March 25, 2025 at 10:30AM

Dane Lauritzen, Alex Carroll, Kanti Srikanth, Carter Flemming, and Rod Kuckro. (Photo by Ryan Belmore)

Alexandria’s Complete Streets program continues to spark debate among residents, with some praising its safety benefits while others criticize its impact on traffic flow. The issue took center stage at the Lyceum during an Agenda: Alexandria forum on Monday, March 24, where panelists representing various perspectives discussed the merits and challenges of the city’s approach to street design.

Complete Streets is a national movement adopted by over 1,500 communities across the United States, including Alexandria. The concept aims to design roadways that safely accommodate all users – pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and transit riders.