In August of 1814, the town of Alexandria had little choice but to surrender to the British naval force. To spare the town, Alexandrians paid a ransom of tobacco, flour, cotton, and sugar to the invaders.
The Ship’s Company Chanteymen will perform songs about the life of a sailor during the War of 1812 from 12-2 pm on the Magnolia Terrace.
The concert will be followed at 2:30 pm by a salon hosted by Margaret Herbert Fairfax (b. 1784, d. 1850), the wife of the 9th Lord Fairfax of Cameron.
Parked in front of the museum, visitors and families can explore the Schooner Ship Lion, a scale replica of a War of 1812 Privateer Ship. Sailors will demonstrate rigging, signal flags and discuss life on the sea.
Historic interpreters attired as British Tars, Royal Marines, and Alexandria civilians will be on hand to answer your questions.
Guided tours of the house will take place throughout the day from 12-4 pm.
Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 5-12
