Take Public Transportation to Historic Sites, Museums, & Galleries in Virginia

The destinations listed below are accessible by Metrorail, Metrobus, and other public transportation systems. Hours of operation, entrance fees, and other information are subject to change. Please confirm with the venue you plan to visit. Phone numbers and Web links are provided. Most directions provided are from the nearest Metrorail station. (See interactive Metrorail system map.) Bus routes and their days and hours of operation are also subject to change. Get the most up-to-date directions, or find a more direct route from your D.C.-area location, by using Metro's Trip Planner. Addresses for each venue are provided to plug into the Trip Planner's destination field.

Have a favorite destination that you think should be added to our growing list? Send detailed information about how to get there by public transportation to our webmaster.

Alexandria Black History Resource Center | Alexandria African American Heritage Park | Alexandria Archaeology Museum | Alexandria National Cemetery | Arlington Arts Center | Arlington Historical Museum | Arlington House | Arlington National Cemetery | The Art League | Ball-Sellers House | Carlyle House Historic Park | Cherry Hill Farmhouse | Christ Church | Civil War Fort | Collingwood Library and Museum on Americanism | Colvin Run Mill | Confederate Cemetery Monument | DEA Museum | Ellipse Arts Center | Fairfax Art League Gallery | Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center | Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site | Freeman House/Museum | Friendship Firehouse Museum | Gadsby's Tavern Museum | George Washington Masonic National Memorial | Gum Springs Museum & Cultural Center | Lee's Boyhood Home | Lee-Fendall House | The Lyceum, Alexandria's History Museum | Mount Vernon | National Firearms Museum | Old Guard Museum | Old Presbyterian Meeting House | Pentagon | Pohick Episcopal Church | Pope-Leighey House | The Prince Royal Gallery | River Farm | Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Shop Museum | Tomb of the Unknowns | Woodlawn Plantation

Alexandria Black History Resource Center and Watson Reading Room

638 North Alfred Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 838-4356

The Alexandria Black History Resource Center is located in the Parker-Gray district of the city. Staff and volunteers from citizen organizations interpret the contributions of African Americans to Alexandria's history and culture. The building that today houses the center was constructed in 1940 as the Robinson Library, the African American community's first public library. With desegregation in the 1960's, the building was converted to use for community service programs. The Center presents exhibitions, lectures, tours of the center and other activities relating the history and accomplishments of African Americans in Alexandria. Paintings, photographs, books and other memorabilia document the African American experience in Alexandria and Virginia from 1749 to the present. Museum Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Located next door to the Alexandria Black History Resource Center, the Watson Reading Room is a non-circulating research repository focusing on issues of African American history and culture. The Watson Reading Room houses a growing collection of books, periodicals, videos and documents on African American history. Black History Resource Center staff and volunteers are available to work with scholars of all ages on their questions about African American history. Reading Room Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by appointment.

Take Metrorail's Blue or Yellow Line to the Braddock Road station, exit the station and walk 3 blocks east on Wythe Street, turn right on N. Alfred Street and walk 1 block south.

Alexandria African American Heritage Park

See Alexandria African American Heritage Park.

Alexandria Archaeology Museum

The Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union Street, #327, Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 838-4399

City archaeologists, volunteers and students work with citizens and developers to locate sites important to our community's past, and when necessary, excavate them scientifically. The artifacts in the Alexandria Archaeology Museum's collection, from more than 150 sites, span 10,000 years of human history. Together with historic records, photographs, maps and oral histories, the artifacts are a valuable community resource. Alexandria Archaeology seeks to preserve and study these tangible remains of our community's heritage for public enrichment and enjoyment. Open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Take Metrorail's Blue or Yellow Line to the King Street station, exit the station and take the DAT5 DASH bus toward Braddock Road Metro to the stop at N. Fairfax Street & King Street, walk 1 block East on King Street to N. Union Street. Or take the 28B Metrobus toward Royal & Pendleton to the stop at King Street and Royal Street and walk 2 blocks East on King Street to N. Union Street.

Alexandria National Cemetery

1450 Wilkes Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314

One of the 12 sites established and dedicated by President Abraham Lincoln in early 1862 to serve as military burial grounds. The cemetery contains some 3,500 graves of Civil War soldiers, including men who served in the United States Colored Troops and four soldiers who lost their lives chasing President Lincoln's assassin, John Wilkes Booth. Take Metrorail's Blue or Yellow Line to the Braddock Road station, exit the station and take the DAT3 DASH bus toward Old Town to the stop at West Street & King Street. Walk 3 blocks south on S. West Street, turn right on Wilkes Street and walk 1 block west.

Arlington Arts Center

3550 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 524-1494

Housed in the historic Maury School (Arlington's second oldest remaining school building, circa 1910), the Arlington Arts Center opened its doors in 1976. The AAC is committed to a unique, three-part approach to the cultural needs of artists and the public with excellence in exhibitions, education and artists' support. The AAC is the oldest permanent, professional visual arts space in Arlington. Gallery Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday & Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. Take Metrorail's Orange Line to the Virginia Square-GMU station, exit the station and walk 1 block southeast on N. Lincoln Street.

Arlington Historical Museum

1805 South Arlington Ridge Road, Arlington, VA
(703) 892-4204

The two-story brick structure was built in 1891 as the Hume School, named for Frank Hume who gave the property for the school. It is the oldest school building in Arlington County. Following extensive renovation in the early 1960s, the building reopened as The Arlington Historical Museum. The building is designated a Virginia State Historical Landmark and is also on the National Register of Historic Sites. The Museum is open to the public Saturdays and Sundays on the first four weekends of the month. Hours are from 1 to 4 p.m. Take Metrorail's Blue or Yellow Line to the Pentagon station, exit the station to the Pentagon Transit Center (Upper Level Bay 12) and take the 10A Metrobus toward Hunting Towers to the stop at S. Arlington Ridge Road & S. 23rd Street. Walk 1 block west on 23rd Street S., turn right on S. Arlington Ridge Road and walk 4 blocks north.

Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington, VA

Arlington Mansion and 200 acres of ground immediately surrounding it were designated officially as a military cemetery June 15, 1864, by Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton. More than 260,000 people are buried at Arlington Cemetery. Veterans from all the Nation's wars are buried in the cemetery, from the American Revolution through the Persian Gulf War and Somalia. Pre-Civil War dead were reinterred after 1900. Each year about 4.5 million people visit Arlington National Cemetery to pay homage to the Nation's military heroes, presidents and other public figures who have been interred and memorialized within its grounds. Arlington National Cemetery is also an active military cemetery, averaging 20 funerals each day. The visitor center and parking facility are open during normal cemetery hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 1 through March 31, and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. from April 1 through Sept. 30.

The Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery — About 5,000 visitors attend each of the three major annual memorial services in the Amphitheater. They take place Easter, Memorial Day and Veterans Day and are sponsored by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington. The Easter Sunrise Service begins at 6 a.m. Memorial Day and Veterans Day services always begin at 11 a.m.

Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery — The Tomb of the Unknowns is also known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and has never been officially named. The Tomb of the Unknowns stands atop a hill overlooking Washington, D.C. On March 4, 1921, Congress approved the burial of an unidentified American soldier from World War I in the plaza of the new Memorial Amphitheater. The Tomb of the Unknowns is guarded by the U.S. Army 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The 3rd U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard) began guarding the Tomb April 6, 1948.

Arlington House, Robert E. Lee Memorial — The house that Robert E. Lee called home for 30 years and one uniquely associated with the Washington and Custis families is preserved today as a memorial to General Lee, who gained the respect of Americans in both the North and South. Restoration of Lee Mansion authorized March 4, 1925; transferred from War Department August 10, 1933; made a permanent memorial with name change to "Custis-Lee Mansion" June 29, 1955; restoration of historic name June 30, 1972. Arlington House open all year 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Arlington House Grounds and Museum are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., October through March, and 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., April through September. Arlington House, Grounds and Museum are closed December 25th and January 1st. The Memorial is accessible by shuttle bus or by a 10-minute walk from the Arlington National Cemetery Visitor Center/parking area.

Take Metrorail's Blue Line to the Arlington Cemetery station, exit the station and walk 2 blocks northeast on Memorial Drive, turn right on State Highway 110, and walk 1 block southeast.

The Art League

The Torpedo Factory, 105 North Union Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 683-1780

Juried shows of Art League members' work are held in The Art League's main gallery every month. Each show remains in place all month, offering visitors a continuous display of fine quality work and an up-to-date view of today's art. There is an opening reception each month where artists have the opportunity to meet and talk with the public. The gallery is open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. Take Metrorail's Yellow or Blue Line to the King Street station, exit the station and take the #2 or #5 DASH bus to the stop at King and Fairfax Street. Walk 2 blocks east on King Street to North Union Street.

Ball-Sellers House

5620 Third Street S, Arlington, VA
(703) 379-2123

The log building portion of the Ball-Sellers House was built around 1750 by John Ball, and is probably the oldest standing structure in Arlington County. A Victorian farm house adjoins the log building. In 1975, the Ball House and Victorian home were given to the Arlington Historical Society by Mrs. Marion Sellers. Open Sundays, April through October, 1 to 4 p.m.; and by appointment. Admission is free. Take Metrorail's Orange or Blue Line to the Rosslyn station, exit the station and take the 4B Metrobus toward Seven Corners to the stop at Arlington Boulevard Service Roadway & N. Carlin Spring Road. Walk 1 block west on Ramp, turn left on S. Carlin Springs Road, walk 1 block south on S. Carlin Springs Road. Turn left on 1st Street S., walk 2 blocks east, turn right on S. Kensington Street, walk 1 block south, turn left on 3rd Street S., and walk 1 block east.

Carlyle House Historic Park

121 N. Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314
(703) 549-2997

Carlyle House stands as a reminder of Alexandria's prosperity and growth during the mid-eighteenth century. One of the founders and first landowners in Alexandria, John Carlyle and his first wife Sarah, moved into their completed house on August 1, 1753. That same night, she gave birth to their first son, prompting John to write to his brother George “its a fine beginning.” The story of Carlyle House parallels the history of Alexandria. Restored during the statewide celebrations for the Bicentennial, the house is owned and operated by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority. Carlyle House interprets the lifestyle of an 18th-century Virginia family and their servants and slaves. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday, noon to 4:30 p.m. Winter Hours: (November through March) last tour 4 p.m. Tours are given on the hour and on the half hour. The museum is wheelchair accessible on two of the three floors. Admission $4 Adults, $2 Children (11-17), Children 10 and under are free. Take Metrorail's Blue or Yellow lines to the King Street station, exit the station and take the DAT5 DASH bus toward Braddock Road Metro to the stop at N. Fairfax Street & King Street. Walk north on N. Fairfax Street.

Cherry Hill Farmhouse

312 Park Avenue, Falls Church, VA 22039
(703) 248-5171

Cherry Hill Farmhouse was built about 1845 on property once part of the Trammell grant of 1729. The timber-frame barn was built about 1856; other buildings included a corn crib, well house, and necessary. The farm was most productive from 1856 to 1868. According to local tradition, there was a Civil War skirmish in a Cherry Hill peach orchard, but no documentation for this has been found. The property became closely associated with the Riley family who moved to Falls Church in 1873. Owner Joseph S. Riley was instrumental in the successful 1875 effort to incorporate Falls Church as a town. His nephew, poet James Whitcomb Riley, visited the farm many times. Riley family members continued to live at Cherry Hill even after the property was sold to the City in 1956. The outbuildings were renovated in 1975 and the house was restored in 1976 and is furnished in period style. Take Metrorail's Orange or Blue Line to the Rosslyn station, exit the station and take the 3B Metrobus toward Tysons Corner to the stop at West Broad Street & N. Little Falls Street. Walk 1 block northeast on Little Falls Street, turn left on Park Avenue and walk 1 block northwest.

Christ Church

118 N. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 549-1450

Christ Episcopal Church was the first church in Alexandria and has been serving its congregation as a place of worship since it was completed in 1773. The design by James Wren is in the colonial Georgian style. The church was originally in a grove of trees on a hill two blocks beyond the then Alexandria city limits The building was constructed of native brick and the stone trim was from the Aquia Creek quarry south of Alexandria. The gallery was added in 1787. The bell tower was constructed in 1818. Wooden tablets on either side of the pulpit are believed to have been hand-lettered by James Wren at the time of construction. Both George Washington and Robert E. Lee were regular worshipers. George Washington's pew, which is preserved in its original state, and Robert E. Lee's pew, are marked. Christ Church is designated as a National Historic Landmark. Visitors may tour Christ Church weekdays and Saturdays between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and Sundays between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. All are welcomed at the Church door by a docent who is a trained historian, tour guide, and host. Visitors to Christ Church learn about our history from the days of George Washington's attendance through our ministries in the present day. Take Metrorail's Blue or Yellow Line to the Braddock Road station, exit the station and take the DAT3 DASH bus toward Old Town to the stop at King Street & Washington Street. Walk 1 block north on Washington Street.

Civil War Fort

330 Center Street, Vienna, VA

The Civil War Fort located next to the American Legion Post No. 180 is a rare six-point star-shaped earthen fortification with a 130-yard perimeter. Confederate and Union troops occupied the area during the war. Take Metrorail's Orange Line to the East Falls Church station, exit the station and take the 2C Metrobus toward Tysons Corner to the stop at Cottage Street & Elm Street. Walk 1 block northeast on Elm Street SW, turn left on Center Street S, and walk a short distance northwest.

Collingwood Library and Museum on Americanism

8301 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308
(703) 765-1652

Originally part of George Washington's River Farm, the Collingwood Library is now a unique library on Americana. With its extensive collection of books on American heritage and a genealogy section on loan from the Mayflower Society of Washington, the library also houses a Sioux chief’s headdress, a tribute to Uncle Sam and replicas of the Constitution and the Magna Carta. The nine-acre grounds, situated between Alexandria and Mount Vernon, offer picturesque views of the Potomac River at a place where ferries crossed the river in Revolutionary times. Open hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Monday and Wednesday to Saturday; 1 to 4 p.m.; Sunday. Closed Tuesday. Take Metrorail's Yellow Line to the Huntington station, exit the station and take the Fairfax Connector 101 bus toward Mt. Vernon & Cunningham Drive to the stop at Fort Hunt Road & Collingwood Road. Walk 5 blocks east on Collingwood Road, turn right on East Boulevard Drive, walk 2 blocks southeast on East Boulevard Drive.

Colvin Run Mill

10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls, VA 22066
(703) 759-2771

Colvin Run Mill is an early 19th century wooden water wheel and operating gristmill. The old miller's house includes an exhibit about the process of milling and the families who operated the mill. Another exhibit in the renovated 20th century dairy barn features the history of the Great Falls community around the mill. Colvin Run Mill is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. March through December every day except Tuesdays, when the site is closed. Take Metrorail's Orange Line to the West Falls Church station, exit the station and take the Fairfax Connector 505 bus toward Reston Town Center to the stop at Reston Town Center @ Explorer Street Terminal and then take the Fairfax Connector 574 bus toward Tysons Corner to the stop at Leesburg Turnpike & Colvin Run Road (East). Walk 1 block Northwest on Colvin Run Road.

Confederate Cemetery Monument

10563 Main Street, Fairfax, VA

Large markers denote the graves of known and unknown Confederate dead. During the Civil War, the cemetery was the site of a Union stockade. Take Metrorail's Orange Line to the Vienna/Fairfax-GMU station, exit the station and take the QGR1 CUE bus toward Green 1 to the stop at University Drive & Main Street and walk west on Main Street.

DEA Museum and Visitors Center

700 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA
(202) 307-3463

In September 2002, the DEA Museum and Visitors Center expanded its gallery and exhibit space. This expansion added another 1500 square feet of gallery space onto the existing gallery. This expansion gallery allows the DEA Museum to develop new temporary and traveling exhibits. The permanent exhibition, Illegal Drugs in America, tracing over 150 years of drugs and drug history, remains in the current exhibit gallery. The Museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM. Admission is free.Groups of 15 or more, please call ahead to make reservations.Take Metrorail's Blue or Yellow Line to the Pentagon City station, exit the station walk 1 block south on S. Fern Street, turn right on Army Navy Drive and walk 1 block west.

Ellipse Arts Center

4350 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203
(703) 228-7710

The Arlington Cultural Affairs Division offers visual arts exhibitions at the Ellipse Arts Center, they include an annual juried regional photography show, an all-Arlington show, a biennial Arlington high school exhibition, a community arts showcase, fine crafts exhibitions, and traveling exhibitions highlighting the work of local, national and international artists. Gallery hours: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Take Metrorail's Orange Line to the Ballston-MU station, exit the station and walk 1 block west on N. Fairfax Drive.

Fairfax Art League Gallery

Old Town Hall, 3999 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030
(703) 273-2377

The FAL Gallery is a members' cooperative gallery representing over 100 local artists. One of the artists will greet you on your visit and, if you are lucky, you may find an artist or group of artists at work. Once a month, on Thursday, still life painting sessions are held at the gallery. Here you will find original art in traditional oils, watercolors, pastels and photographs, alongside more unusual art forms such as kiri-e (Japanese paper cutting) and mixed media. From miniature works to large-scale pieces, there is something here for everyone. Exhibits change monthly with special shows held twice a year. The Holiday Fine Arts Exhibit features small works and, in April, a judged show is held in conjunction with the City's "Spotlight on the Arts". Receptions are held monthly at which the public is invited to view the new works and to vote on their favorite piece. The artist receiving the most votes receives a People's Choice Award. Call the gallery for information on upcoming receptions. Hours: Tuesday and Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Wednesday and Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. plus monthly evening receptions. Take Metrorail's Orange Line to the Vienna/Fairfax-GMU station, exit the station and take the QGO1 CUE Bus toward Gold 1 to the stop at University Drive & Main Street. Walk south on University Drive.

Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center

10209 Main Street, Fairfax, VA
(800) 545-7950

Exhibits in the Fairfax Museum outline the rich history of the area, with emphasis on the Civil War, including an exhibit on the nearby battlefield where the Battle of Chantilly was fought in September 1862. Constructed in 1873, the building that houses the museum is the first two-story brick schoolhouse ever built in Fairfax City or Fairfax County. Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free, donations welcome. Saturday morning walking tours featuring Civil War sites in old Fairfax are scheduled some months. Take Metrorail's Orange Line to the Vienna/Fairfax-GMU station, exit the station and take the QGO1 CUE bus toward Gold 1 to the stop at Old Lee Highway & North Street. Walk 1 block south on Old Lee Highway, turn left on Main Street and walk 4 blocks east.

Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site

4301 West Braddock Road, Alexandria, Virginia 22304
(703)838-4848

Fort Ward was constructed during the American Civil War (1861-1865) as one of the defensive forts built to protect the Federal capital of Washington, D.C. The fort site remains approximately 90-95% intact, with the Northwest Bastion restored to illustrate the appearance of the entire fortification circa 1864. The fort site is surrounded by a 45-acre park and is interpreted by Fort Ward Museum through exhibits, programs and a 2000-volume Civil War research library. Fort Ward is owned and operated by the City of Alexandria, Virginia through the Office of Historic Alexandria. Museum Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Closed Monday. Call for information regarding special holiday closings. Historic Site Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to sunset. Admission is free. Take Metrorail's Yellow or Blue Line to the King Street station, exit the station and take the AT5 DASH bus toward Landmark to the stop in front of Fort Ward.

Freeman House/Museum

131 Church Street, Vienna, VA
(703) 938-5187 (Historic Vienna, Inc.)

The Freeman House served at various times as a residence, store, Civil War hospital, railroad station, post office and fire department. Today, the house contains a museum and old-fashioned general store open to the public on Saturdays from 12 noon to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. (closed during January and February). Take Metrorail's Orange Line to the Dunn Loring/Merrifield station, exit the station and take the 2C Metrobus toward Tysons Corner to the stop at Maple Avenue & Center Street. Walk 1 block northwest on Center Street N., turn right on Church Street NE, and walk 1 block northeast.

Friendship Firehouse Museum

107 South Alfred Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314
(703) 838-3891

The Friendship Fire Company was established in 1774, and was the first volunteer fire company in Alexandria. The current firehouse was built in 1855, remodeled in 1871 and renovated in 1992. The Engine Room on the first floor houses hand-drawn fire engines, leather water buckets, axes, sections of early rubber hose and other historic fire-fighting equipment. An exhibition discusses the development of fire-fighting technology and other fire companies that have served the citizens of Alexandria. The second floor Meeting Room is furnished the way it was during the late 19th century, the real heyday of Friendship as a community organization. On view here are various ceremonial objects such as parade uniforms, capes, banners and other regalia. George Washington's association with the Friendship Fire Company, honored by members for over 200 years, is symbolized by several images of him throughout the museum. Take Metrorail's Blue or Yellow Line to the King Street station, exit the station and take either the DAT7 DASH bus toward Old Town, or the DAT5 DASH bus toward Braddock Road Metro, to the stop at King Street and South Alfred Street.

Gadsby's Tavern Museum

134 N. Royal Street, Alexandria, VA
(703) 838-4242

Gadsby's Tavern, which survives today as a historic house museum, is one of the few 18th-century taverns remaining in the United States. Since the mid 1770s, travelers have come to the tavern buildings, first as guests of the tavern and now as visitors to the historic buildings. Gadsby's Tavern consists of two buildings, the 1770 tavern and the 1792 City Hotel. The buildings are named for Englishman John Gadsby who operated them from 1796 to 1808. Mr. Gadsby's establishment was a center of political, business, and social life in early Alexandria. The tavern was the setting for dancing assemblies, theatrical and musical performances, and meetings of local organizations. George Washington enjoyed the hospitality provided by tavernkeepers and twice attended the annual Birthnight Ball held in his honor. Other prominent patrons included John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and the Marquis de Lafayette. Take Metrorail's Blue or Yellow Line to the King Street station, exit the station and take the DAT7 DASH bus toward Old Town to the stop at King Street and Royal Street, walk North on Royal Street.

George Washington Masonic National Memorial

101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria, VA 22301
(703) 683-2007

Just a mile from the Potomac River, in historic Alexandria, Virginia, stands the 333 ft. George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Dedicated to the memory of George Washington - Patriot, President, Mason - the Memorial was dedicated on May 12, 1932, as an expression of the Masonic fraternity's faith in the principles of civil and religious liberty and orderly government. The George Washington Museum in the Memorial contains the Washington Family Bible and many other Washington artifacts. There are several display rooms in the tower which is surmounted by a spectacular Observation Deck. Open daily with guided tours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. Free admission. Take Metrorail's Blue or Yellow Line to the King Street station, exit the station and walk 1 block southwest on Diagonal Road, turn right on Duke Street and walk 1 block west to Callahan Drive.

Gum Springs Museum & Cultural Center

8100 Fordson Road, Alexandria, VA 22306
(703) 799-1198

Gum Springs was founded by West Ford, a former slave of George Washington’s family, who acquired the property in 1833. Gum Springs became a place for runaways and recently freed slaves to live. Helped by Quakers, freed slaves worked in the trades they had learned as estate slaves. The Gum Springs Historical Society's Museum & Cultural Center's many activities and exhibits, celebrate the long continuity of this historic black community. Today, Gum Springs has more than 2,500 residents, and as many as 500 are descendants of the original families. The Center is open from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesdays and Saturdays. Take Metrorail's Yellow Line to the Huntington Avenue station, exit the station and take the Fairfax Connector 161 bus toward Huntington Station to the stop at Sherwood Hall Lane & Holland Road. Walk 1/2 mile southwest to the museum. Or take the Fairfax Connector 151 bus toward Huntington Station to the stop at Richmond Highway and Sherwood Hall Lane, then walk 1/2 mile southwest to the museum.

Boyhood Home of Robert E. Lee

607 Oronoco Street, Alexandria, VA
(703) 548-8454

Situated in the Old and Historic Alexandria District, this elegant mansion was the home of Confederate General Robert E. Lee for most of his boyhood years. Tastefully and artistically furnished with authentic period pieces, this stately Federal town house was the site of frequent visits by George Washington. Here also the Marquis de Lafayette paid a formal call on Ann Hill Carter Lee, the mother of General Robert E. Lee and widow of General Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee of Revolutionary War fame. In the drawing room of this historic dwelling Mary Lee Fitzhugh married George Washington Parke Custis, grandson of Martha Washington, and builder of Arlington. Twenty-seven years later, their daughter, Mary Ann Randolph Custis became the wife of Robert E. Lee. It is furnished with authentic period pieces. Lee's boyhood home is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. It is closed Easter, Thanksgiving and for a rare wedding reception or other social function. Also, the house is open only by appointment from December 15 to January 31. Admission is charged. Take Metrorail's Blue or Yellow Line to the Braddock Road station. Exit the station and take the 10C Metrobus toward Hunting Towers to the stop at Washington Street & Princess Street. Walk 1 block North on Washington Street, turn right on Oronoco Street, and walk 1 block east. Or take the DAT5 DASH bus toward Van Dorn Metro to the stop at Fairfax Street & Oronoco Street and walk 2 blocks west on Oronoco Street.

Lee-Fendall House

614 Oronoco Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 548-1789

The Lee-Fendall House was home to several generations of the famed "Lees of Virginia", the large clapboard structure combined with many Lee family furnishings, family records and inventories, plus documented archaeological and historic research, offers visitors a rare opportunity to become acquainted with this remarkable extended family. Built in 1785 by Philip Fendall, a Lee descendant, and modified in 1850, the historic house museum presents an intimate study of 19th century family life. The Lee-Fendall House is enhanced by a large garden with a massive magnolia, old chestnut trees, rose garden, and boxwood paths - a colorful oasis in Old Town, Alexandria. A permanent exhibit of doll houses, miniature architecture, and other changing special exhibits delight visitors. 10:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Noon to 3:45 p.m. Sunday. Admission Fee. Take Metrorail's Blue or Yellow Line to the Braddock Road station, exit the station and take the DAT4 DASH bus toward Hunting Towers to the stop at Pendelton Street & Saint Asaph Street. Walk 1 block South on N. Saint Asaph Street to Oronoco Street.

The Lyceum, Alexandria's History Museum

201 South Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 838-4994

In 1839, a group of gentlemen calling themselves The Lyceum Company built a grand hall to provide a place for lectures, scientific experiments and quiet reading. The building was known as the Alexandria Lyceum and, since that time, it has been a Civil War hospital, a private home, an office building and Virginia's first Bicentennial Center. In 1985, The Lyceum became Alexandria’s History Museum, providing exhibitions, school programs, lectures and concerts, volunteer opportunities and space for rental functions for the community. The Lyceum Museum Shop carries a wide variety of maps, books, note cards and special.pngt items related to Alexandria’s history. The present-day Lyceum Company serves the museum as a membership and fund-raising organization. The museum is open seven days a week, except for major holidays, and admission and parking are Free. Hours of operation are 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. All exhibition galleries, The Lyceum Museum Shop and the second-floor Lecture Hall are accessible to those with mobility impairments. Take Metrorail's Blue or Yellow lines to the Braddock Road station, exit the station and take the DAT34 DASH bus toward Hunting Towers Loop, or DAT2 toward Van Dorn Metro, to the stop at King Street and Washington Street, walk 1.5 blocks South on Washington Street. Or take the 10A Metrobus toward Hunting Towers to the stop at Washington Street and King Street and walk 1.5 blocks south on Washington Street.

Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, P.O. Box 110, Mount Vernon, VA 22121
(703) 780-2000

The Mount Vernon property was owned by the Washington family for seven generations - from 1674 when King Charles II granted the land to John Washington, George Washington's great-grandfather, until 1858 when John A. Washington, III, George's great-grandnephew, could no longer afford to keep Mount Vernon running. The Washington family had hopes of selling the estate to the state or federal government but amidst the turbulence leading up to the Civil War, a government purchase proved to be impossible. In order to save the home of our Nation's first president, the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association was formed under a charter of the Commonwealth from Virginia and purchased the Mansion and 200-acres. Under the Association's 140-year long trusteeship, Mount Vernon has been authentically restored to its original appearance. Today Mount Vernon is a national monument that is open to the public every day of the year, serving over one million visitors annually.

Mount Vernon is open seven days a week, every day of the year, including holidays and Christmas. Mount Vernon welcomes visitors on the following schedule: April through August from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. March, September, October from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. November through February from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission: adults, $9.00; senior citizens, age 62 and above (with identification), $8.50; children age 6 through 11 (accompanied by an adult), $4.50; children age 5 and under FREE (accompanied by an adult). Audio Tour rental (in addition to admission), $3.00. Take Metrorail's Yellow Line to the Huntington station. Exit to the lower level (Huntington Avenue) of the station to catch the Fairfax Connector 151 bus toward Huntington Station to Mount Vernon. No bus service on New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Saturday bus schedule in effect on: M.L. King Day, President's Day, 4th of July, Columbus Day, and Veterans' Day. Sunday bus schedule in effect: Memorial Day and Labor Day.

National Firearms Museum

11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030
703-267-1600

The National Rifle Association's National Firearms Museum houses one of the most extensive firearms collections in the country. The spacious facility offers visitors the chance to view more than 2,000 historic firearms displayed in 13 permanent galleries. Exhibits span the history of handheld firearms-from mid 14th century guns to the latest in sporting rifles, shotguns and pistols. Open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day except major holidays. Admission is free. Take Metrorail's Orange Line to the Ballston-MU station, exit the station and take the 1C Metrobus toward Fair Oaks Hospital to the stop at Lee Jackson Memorial Highway & Waples Mill Road. Walk 5 blocks north on Waples Mill Road.

Old Guard Museum

Building 249, Sheridan Avenue, Fort Myer, VA 22211-5050
(703) 696-6670

To visit the Old Guard Museum is to take a walk back in history — to an era of muskets and gun powder, and then to move forward through scores of engagements as the United States, the Army and the 3rd U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard) grew to be what they are today. The Museum is appropriately located at historic Fort Myer, VA, home and headquarters of the 3rd Infantry since 1948. Two model-1844 Parrott cannons, used before and during the Civil War, are mounted on the front lawn of the Museum. As an added attraction, a mini-theater is in the center of the Museum, where visitors may view slides explaining the history of the unit and its present-day duties. The Old Guard Museum is open to the public Mondays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Knowledgeable 3rd Infantry soldiers are always on hand to give tours and answer questions. Take Metrorail's Blue or Orange Line to the Rosslyn station, exit the station and take the 4A Metrobus to Henry Gate. Or take Metrorail's Blue or Yellow Line to the Pentagon station. Exit the station to the Pentagon Transit Center (Upper Level Bay 4) and take the 24M or 24P Metrobus toward Ballston to the stop at S. Courthouse Road & S. 6th Street. Walk 1 block north on S. Courthouse Road, turn right on 5th Street S., walk 1 block east on 5th Street S. to the Hatfield Gate of Fort Myer. At the gates Military Police will direct you to the museum.

Old Presbyterian Meeting House

321 S. Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 549-6670

The Old Presbyterian Meeting House is a historical heritage of the past and a living body of the present. Those who enter the sanctuary will feel a sense of communion with its founders and the historical figures associated with it. The church's history reaches back more than two hundred years. It begins with the movement of Scottish and Scotch-Irish settlers to the Alexandria area in the eighteenth century. Soon creating a position for themselves, primarily as merchants and sea traders, they took a prominent part in founding the town and a leading role in forming the Presbyterian church of the new community. Take Metrorail's Blue or Yellow Line to the Braddock Road station, exit the station and take the DAT4 DASH bus toward Hunting Towers to the stop at N. Royal Street & Queen Street. Walk 1 block east on Queen Street, turn left on N. Fairfax Street, walk 1 block north.

Pentagon

Arlington, VA
Pentagon Tour Office: 703-697-1776

The Pentagon, headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense, is one of the largest office buildings in the world and the busiest public transit hub in Northern Virginia. Tours of the Pentagon are available to schools, educational organizations and other select groups by reservation only. Take Metrorail's Blue or Yellow Line to Pentagon station, (WMATA's Pentagon station page also lists the numerous bus routes serving the Pentagon.)

Pohick Episcopal Church

9301 Richmond Highway, Lorton, VA 22079
(703) 550-9449

Attended by George Washington and George Mason, Pohick Episcopal Church was completed in 1774 from plans drawn by Washington himself. The church was heavily damaged during the Civil War and has since undergone a series of renovations. Soldier graffiti remains visible on its sandstone walls. Take Metrorail's Blue or Yellow Line to the Pentagon station, exit the station to the Pentagon Transit Center (Upper Level Bay 11) and take the 9A Metrobus toward Lorton VRE to the stop at Telegraph Road & Belvoir Woods Parkway, walk 1 block south on Telegraph Road, turn right on Richmond Highway and walk 2 blocks west.

The Prince Royal Gallery

204 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 548-5151

At the corner of Prince and Royal Streets in Old Town Alexandria is the historic Concordia Hotel, built in 1880 and now converted into an antique store and The Prince Royal Gallery. The gallery is Alexandria's oldest impressionist art gallery, established in 1977. The main display gallery is in the former ballroom which has huge windows, great light and the largest tin ceiling in Alexandria. The gallery holds six or seven shows each year, three in the spring and three or four in the fall, plus periodic group exhibits. Each year the gallery also sponsors a special exhibit of artwork by local children with learning disabilities. Take Metrorail's Blue or Yellow Line to the Braddock Road station. Exit the station and take the DAT34 DASH bus toward Hunting Towers Loop to the stop at S. Royal Street & King Street. Walk 1 block south on S. Royal Street.

River Farm

7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308
(703) 768-5700

River Farm is a 25-acre estate once owned by George Washington and is the headquarters of the American Horticultural Society. River Farm's first English family was the Brents, a Catholic family who played an active role in the early colonial life of Maryland. Captain Giles Brent originally landed in Jamestown, Virginia but in 1638 returned from a trip to England accompanied by his sisters, Margaret and Mary, to settle in St. Mary’s County, Maryland. The family was related to Lord Baltimore, the King's proprietor in Maryland, and their life in the colony was closely associated with that of Lord Baltimore's brother, Leonard Calvert, the resident governor. Although Washington had patiently pursued the acquisition of the property, he never actually lived on or worked this land. Instead, he preferred to rent it, first in 1761 to tenant farmer Samuel Johnson who paid ever increasing amounts of his tobacco crop to Washington for the privilege. The farm was even once offered for sale in 1773, but instead Washington held on to it and later gave its lease as a wedding present to one Tobias Lear whose bride, Fanny Bassett, was Martha Washington's niece and widow of George Washington's nephew, George Augustine Washington. Overlooking the Potomac River, the farm's gardens include rose and perennial borders, idea gardens, children's gardens and special plantings by local horticultural societies. River Farm is open to the public Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The buildings and grounds are closed on holidays. Take Metrorail's Yellow Line to the Huntington station, exit the station and take the Fairfax Connector 101 bus toward Mt. Vernon & Cunningham Drive to the stop at Fort Hunt Road & Oakbrooke Avenue. Walk a short distance north on Fort Hunt Road, turn right on Chadwick Avenue, walk 3 blocks east on Chadwick Avenue. Turn left onto East Boulevard Drive and walk approximately 5 blocks north to River Farm..

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Shop Museum

105-107 S. Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 836-3713

The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Shop opened in 1792 by a young Quaker pharmacist Edward Stabler, the family business operated for 141 years. When the Depression forced the shop's closing in 1933, the doors were simply locked, preserving history. Most of the original herbs, potions & paper labels remain in their drawers & over 8,000 early medical care items are still in place. Patrons included George & Martha Washington, George Mason, Daniel Webster & Robert E. Lee. Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. Take Metrorail's Blue or Yellow Line to the King Street station, exit the station and take the DAT7 DASH bus toward Old Town to the stop at Fairfax Street & King Street.

Woodlawn Plantation & Pope-Leighey House

9000 Richmond Highway, Mount Vernon, VA
(703) 780-4000

Woodlawn Plantation — This grand 1805 house overlooking the Potomac River was a gift from George Washington to Eleanor "Nelly" Custis, granddaughter of Martha Washington, and her husband, Maj. Lawrence Lewis, the General's nephew. Washington secured the services of Dr. William Thornton, first architect of the U.S. Capitol, to design the house for the young couple and provided 2000 acres of his Mount Vernon estate as part of his gift. Woodlawn interprets the lives of the Lewis family as well as the numerous African-Americans, both free and enslaved, who lived and worked on this Virginia plantation. Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March-December. Closed January and February, except Presidents' Day.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey House — This "Usonian" house was developed by Wright as a means of providing affordable housing for people of moderate means. Many innovative concepts, including spacious interiors, corner windows and a cantilevered roof, began here and were quickly adapted across America. Today the house can be viewed as an origin of ideas that have influenced modern American homes. In 1965 the house was relocated to the grounds of Woodlawn Plantation, removing it from the path of a highway project.

Take Metrorail's Yellow Line to the Huntington Avenue Metro Station, exit the station and take the Fairfax Connector 171 bus toward Franconia-Springfield Station to the stop at Richmond Highway & Woodlawn Road. Walk 8 blocks Northeast on Richmond Highway.