Fort Ward Observer
Volume 2, Issue 4
July 16, 2010 to October 8, 2010
Prepared by J. Glenn Eugster
October 8, 2010
Highlights
This issue includes information on the following Fort Ward Park, Marlboro Estates, Seminary, and Seminary Hill activities, plus much more.
* Debating the Scope of Archaeological Research
* Proposal to Cover Illegal Fill in Maintenance Yard
* Infrastructure Assessment and Master Plan Proposed
* Stormwater Management Plan
* City Responds to August Storm Damage
* Who Should Mow Fort Ward Park
* African American Descendants Society Formed
* Should the Public Review the Advisory Group’s Report?
* Fort Ward Archaeological Research Move Ahead
* Memorial for City’s First Arborist Damaged & Neglected
* Braddock Road Update
* Crime Alert
* Beauregard Development Opposed
Purpose
Fort Ward Park was established by the City of Alexandria, as a historic park, in 1964 through a collaborative effort, which began in the early 1950’s between local homeowners, citizens, historians, civic associations, City Park, Public Works, and Planning Department managers and local elected officials. The purpose of this report is to provide community interests with information on what is being considered, proposed and underway in Fort Ward Park and its surrounding area.
Good Things Are Happening at Fort Ward Park
1. City and community leaders debate scope of archaeology research.
The Fort Ward Park Advisory Group and the Fort Ward History Work Group Meetings have been the platform for a series of recent discussions about the use of City of Alexandria 2010 funds for archeological, historical and cultural research and surveys to locate African American graves and structures. This research was approved and funded by the Mayor and City Council in 2009. During meetings and by correspondence members of the two groups, and other community organizations, have discussed the scope of archaeology; the City’s plans to dig before the August 2009 Fort
Ward Park Inventory of Historical, Cultural and Archaeological Resources is completed; the interest by the descendant family members to identify more historic context and have a bigger role in telling their story.
Local historian Dave Cavanaugh, a former member of the City Archaeological Commission, presented verbal and written remarks to the Advisory Group and the City about the inadequacies of the research work and problems with the research contract. Attached is a copy of Mr. Cavanaugh’s letter which City officials.
Plans for the City’s contract for archaeological and historic research has been delayed for several months and additional City funds to complete the required work uncertain. See item #9. for an update on the archaeological work.
2. City officials announce plans to cover maintenance yard with soil.
City officials announced at the August 24, 2010 Fort Ward Advisory Group Meeting that they do not intend to remove the gravel and soil that was illegally placed in the Fort Ward Park maintenance yard. Noting funding shortfalls the Recreation Department intends to cover the gravel areas with soil and re-vegetate the area. Lance Mallamo, Director of the Office of Historic Alexandria noted that, “We won’t be removing gravel in the maintenance yard--in this first phase. It is a large gravel area approximately 8,000 square feet and is likely to be a couple of feet deep”.
Given that the archaeological research, storm water management plan, and master plan for Fort Ward Park have not been completed it is unclear why the City is proposing to add more fill to the area. Adjacent homeowners and family members with graves at the Oakland Baptist Church continue to have erosion, sediment and flooding problems due to the City’s decision to add fill to the area and change existing drainage patterns.
3. City officials propose to do an infrastructure inventory and assessment and a master plan for Fort Ward.
At the July 27, 2010 Fort Ward Park Advisory Group Meeting James Spengler, Director of the Recreation Department announced City plans for a “infrastructure inventory and assessment” of 109 park properties as well as formal master plans for Fort Ward, Ben Brenman, Four Mile Run, and other City parks. “We want to get out of the system of reacting to citizen complaints”, said Spengler.
Mr. Spengler commented on Fort Ward and indicated that “The Fort Ward Park Plan was never officially approved by the City Council. There have been ebbs and flows. Events and history have been highlighted and you don’t drop one initiative when you embrace another. Fort Ward is a hodge-podge of proposals and activities.
Mr. Spengler noted that a person who formerly worked for New York City’s Central Park Conservancy, and is from Alexandria, will be the person leading this effort. He expects the work to be done by outside consultants and each plan is expected to cost approximately $60,000. This evidently will be the Recreation Department’s first major park master planning effort and it is unclear what the planning process will entail and how the activities of the Office of Historic Alexandria, the Department of Transportation & Environmental Services, and the public will be involved.
4. Fort Ward Park storm water runoff plan waiting for archaeology to be completed.
Rich Baier, Director of the City Department of Transportation & Environmental Services (T&ES), in a September 7, 2010 letter to the Fort Ward Park Advisory Group indicated, “Since I attended the meeting with the Advisory Group in May, my staff has been working on aspects of the park project. Our primary efforts to date have focused on supporting the Office of Historic Alexandria in preparing for the archaeological investigation. We are preparing an engineered plan that delineates the extent of their excavation and ensures that appropriate erosion and sediment control devices will be placed during the ground disturbing activities. This plan will also include erosion protections surrounding the demolition of the greenhouse structure and fence removal at the old maintenance yard.
While T&ES staff has begun preliminary work on delineating drainage areas and gathering data for the hydraulic analysis, the bulk of the work on the drainage and stormwater management plan will be done in conjunction with the Park Master Planning. I understand that the department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities will begin this effort once they have the findings of the archaeological investigation and recommendations of the Advisory Committee. It is certainly our intent to coordinate these efforts so that any proposed changes in the park do not create drainage and stormwater problems and that our stormwater improvements do not interfere with or jeopardize any of the park resources. T&ES will participate in site visits with stakeholders as part of these efforts.
As I discussed at the Advisory Group meeting in May, T&ES does have limited funding to allow us to develop a stormwater plan. Funding for improvements identified will be requested as part of future Capital Improvement Program budgets“.
Rich Baier will brief the members of the Fort Ward Park Advisory Group about storm water runoff grant opportunities at its meeting on Thursday, November 11, 2010 at 7:00 PM at the Fort Ward Museum Library and not October 14, as had originally been announced. This meeting is open to the public.
The Recreation Department, at the request of the church and community leaders, has replaced the temporary hay bales to reduce the park storm water/ runoff damage to the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery graves and grave stones. Graves continue to subside and grave stones are eroding from park runoff.
5. City responds quickly to Storm damage to park trees and the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery.
Following the storms of August the City Recreation Department quickly directed contractors to remove the numerous trees that fell within Fort Ward Park. Trees which were removed included those that fell inside the park and from park land onto the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery and private property along the park boundary.
The recurring tree damage also motivated the City to do additional backlog tree maintenance on other trees that are in the park. Trees that were diseased or likely to topple from future storms were pruned and, or, removed from the park.
6. City officials debate who should mow Fort Ward Park grass.
The July 27, 2010 Fort Ward Park Advisory Group Meeting included a discussion with James Spengler, Director of the City’s Recreation Department. Advisory Group member Bill Schreiner, from the Friends of Fort Ward, raised the issue of how the vegetation is maintained in the earthworks. “Mowing has been problematic in the past. Camp Days draw an awful lot of people. Mowing removed a chunk of the earth mound. We are not here to be a truth commission but we need to think about turf management of the entire park and these needs to be considered for the earthworks. How can we avoid slices [being taken] out of the historic embankment in the future?”
Mr. Spengler responded, “Turf wasn’t here [historically], trees weren’t here. Some of the park is hallowed ground. For a long time it was okay to park vehicles in the maintenance yard. I’m comfortable transferring historic mowing to the Office of Historic Alexandria with funding. We [Recreation Department] aren’t historic. We aren’t trained in historic maintenance and never will be. I am proposing to Lance [Mallamo, Director of the Office of Historic Alexandria] that everything inside the ring-road will be done by the Office of Historic Alexandria”.
Spengler added, “You won’t get perfect mowing. That’s the nature of turf maintenance”.
Tom Fulton noted, “The entire park is on the National Register of Historic Places and requires an ongoing maintenance responsibility. There are four departments involved and a coordinated effort would send a positive signal that stove piping has been dissolved. It is incumbent of the two departments [Recreation and History] that the two groups work together“.
Bill Schreiner added, “Every year we have the same battle with turf management. Spengler replied, “You can’t expect 100% performance”. Fort Ward Museum Director Susan Cumbey added, “We could get the staffs together for joint training”.
Spengler replied, “Maintenance workers don’t differentiate between different parks. We can break a contract out. I want this park to be done [maintained] totally by contract.
Wally Owen, the Assistant Director of the Fort Ward Museum, asked, “Who mows the ball fields? It’s special equipment but couldn’t your group do the work if you had it? “Mr. Spengler replied, “If we get the money we could do this. However, park crews mostly work on athletic fields and get positive feedback from recreation groups on their work. I’m not sure there is motivation to pick-up more skills”.
Susan Cumbey noted that, “Interest can be cultivated with crews helping preserve something that has been valued”.
Mr. Spengler concluded the discussion by saying, “It [turf maintenance] would be better if it were handled by the Office of Historic Alexandria. The Recreation Department does athletic fields. This is the only historic park that they maintain”.
Mr. Spengler’s comments came as a surprise to some of the audience. Earlier that month, in response to repeated damage of headstones by City maintenance employees, Recreation and Office of Historic Alexandria Department managers indicated that “we [the two offices] are now putting together a policy on how to properly maintain grave sites“. No mention was made of a new mowing policy or better ways to protect these sacred places. Mr. Mallamo responded to questions about the most recent headstone damage indicating, “We aren’t sure that the damage to the headstone was due to mowing. We think it may be the result of freeze-thaw this past winter”.
7. Fort Ward & Seminary African American Descendants Society Formed
On July 24, 2010 at the Oakland Baptist Church the first general meeting of the Fort Ward & Seminary African American Descendants Society was held. Adrienne Washington, one of the group’s founding members, outlined the following mission of the Society:
Describe, interpret, protect and celebrate the living legacy of African Americans who contributed to the defenses of Washington, D.C. at Fort Ward in an effort to win their own freedom which has led to a more perfect Union.
The primary goal of the Society is to share the history of African Americans in order to describe the role they played and the contributions they made during the Civil War at Fort Ward and in helping to create the Seminary community. African Americans were crucial to the war effort; and that the war is best understood not just as a military phenomenon, but as a social and political one as well.
Her remarks included background of the effort and the importance of having the descendant families tell their story at Fort Ward.
Attached is a copy of a paper What Does “The Fort” and “Seminary” Mean to Us? By Adrienne Terrell (Randall) Washington, for Ft. Ward and Seminary African American Descendants’ Society, July 9, 2010.
Ms. Washington spoke of the difficulty African Americans have had in getting recognition for their contributions to the Civil War and Alexandria. She noted that the graves of Clara Adams and her husband have been locked behind the chain link fence of the Fort Ward Park maintenance yard for years. Ms. Washington said, “We can now claim 150 years of history in this area”.
Frances Terrell, also a member of the steering committee, noted that the Oakland Church and the Society had contacted the City about the state of Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery. The cemetery has been regularly damaged by park trees and storm- water runoff from the maintenance yard.
The Steering Committee is comprised of Ms. Washington, Ms. Terrell, Dave Cavanaugh, Joyce Casey Sanchez, Lena Rainey, Glenn Eugster, and Gerald Wanzer. Steering Committee members, with pro-bono assistance from various technical and legal experts are pursuing status as a non-profit organization. Members have created a Face Book page, are researching Virginia laws applicable to cemeteries, and are looking into possible sources of funding for Society activities.
At the initial general meeting of the Society attendees were invited to join the organization and assist the effort.
As a follow-up to the initial meeting the Society co-sponsored the October 2, 2010 Fort Ward History Work Group Meeting that featured a presentation on "Ways that Families and Community Interests Can Do Their Own Research" by Char McCargo Bah, Family Historian (Griot) and Professional Genealogist/Historian/Author. To illustrate the how and relevance to Fort Ward, Ms. McCargo Bah focused on her research on the Wanzer Family.
8. Fort Ward Park Advisory Group discusses whether the public should review their report and recommendations.
During the September 28, 2010 Fort Ward Park Advisory Group Meeting there was a brief discussion between members as to whether the public should have the opportunity to review the groups report and recommendations before they are submitted to the Mayor and City Council. At earlier meetings Chairman Tom Fulton had indicated a desire to circulate a draft of the report and recommendations to the public for their review and comments. However, the Advisory Group hadn’t voted on the idea and the dialogue at meeting revealed disagreement among members.
In response to Mr. Fulton’s goal to share their report with the public as soon as it is ready, Bob Moir, who represents the Parks and recreation Advisory Commission said,
“I thought we were to respond to City Council rather than to the public. Our job is to represent the entire public. It is to represent the broader public and provide services to the City”.
As the schedule was discussed the public review issue came up again. Ripley Forbes of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission said, “Why do we need public comments? Why are we dealing with public comments?”
Bill Schriener added, “January 14, 2011 is the one-year anniversary of the Advisory group and we can write the report and send it to City Council. Or, we could have public meetings“. Mr. Moir replied, “We don’t have anything to do with public meetings”.
Mr. Forbes suggested that we should ask the City Departments. Bill S. added that he thought that the City Resolution creating the Advisory Group doesn’t require us to have public meetings.
Tom Fulton suggested that the group “mull this over more”.
According to Mr. Fulton, “The Advisory Group has not yet voted on how it will make its draft document available to the public. My comments at the last meeting were intended to begin that discussion. As you could see from the brief debate that ensued there appear to be many factors involved in deciding how best to proceed. Aside from a desire to complete our work by no later than January 14, 2011, and to include the public in the process, there is, as yet, no decision regarding how to go about that process“.
9. Office of Historic Alexandria announces plans for archaeological research.
On September 28, 2010 Fran Bromberg, Pam Cressey and Lance Mallamo of the Office of Historic Alexandria (OHA) led a walk-about of some of the areas that the City will conduct archaeological research on within Fort Ward Park. The OHA reps also briefed the Fort Ward Park Advisory group at the meeting that followed.
The OHA representatives were joined by two members of the Ottery Group which has been selected by the City of Alexandria to perform the work. The Ottery Group offers a wide variety of services in archeology, historic preservation, and the environmental sciences and has particularly strong credentials in the implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). They are based in Olney, MD and have worked in Southern MD.
Ms. Cressey explained that the Ottery Group, once they have signed a contract with the City, will: 1. fill in the gaps of the historical record and examine information in the Inventory. They will revise and update the Inventory; 2. Review the results of the Ground Penetrating Radar test and do ground-truthing; and .3. Conduct an archaeological survey to determine what are the best ways to identify graves in the environment.
Ms. Cressey added that the contractor will do shovel testing; metal detection; scraping of the ground; and excavation by hand. Great care will be taken not to damage grave sites. She added that the work was likely to begin in the Old Grave Yard, adjacent to the Cemetery at the entrance to the maintenance yard. Fran Bromberg noted that there appear to be 21 burial locations in that area.
Ms. Cressey noted that they hope to confirm whether or not the Ground Penetrating Radar will, or won’t, confirm the graves. She said that on the average this technique is correct 25% of the time. “If this work confirms the Ground Penetrating Radar then it’s the way to go”.
She added, “We want to consider looking at the area to understand not just the possibility but the reality [of graves].
In response to an earlier statement that Mr. Mallamo made about there not being any burial areas under the maintenance yard aggregate, Ms. Cressey said, “We aren’t saying there is nothing here, anywhere. We don’t know how deep the aggregate is. This is the first test in this area. This is not a completion of knowing everything about the maintenance yard”.
Ms. Cressey and Ms. Bromberg advised the attendees that a fence to prevent sediment will be placed along the boundaries of Marlboro Estates and the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery before shovel testing will be done above those areas. The shovel tests will reveal how much soil and aggregate material has been added to the maintenance yard. If it is deep the area will be scrapped.
The work is waiting for the City contract to be signed as well as the City Soil & Erosion Control Permit to be approved. Hopefully the work will begin in October. Public information signs may be posted on the park kiosks.
Workers will be in the area, with heavy equipment and machinery after the initial work, for a period of several weeks. Work will be performed Monday through Friday. Questions can be directed to the contractors, or Pam Cressey or Fran Bromberg of the City Archaeology Office.
If graves are found the descendant families will be contacted to discuss what, if anything, should be done in the way of arranging a memorial service. Once graves are found City surveyors will come out to record the graves.
Ms. Cressey indicated that during the work period she will send out notices to periodically let people know the results of the work.
Attached is a status report on the Office of Archaeology’s work at Fort Ward Park.
10. Memorial to the first City Arborist damaged by storm clean-up effort.
Although the tree removal work at Fort Ward Park was necessary and impressive it came at a price. Unfortunately the machinery used to remove large portions of trees from the storm water run required the removal of shrubs and grassed areas from the Memorial to Charles W. Hendryx.
The memorial, which is between Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery and the stormwater run, honors Mr. Hendryx who was City’s First Arborist from 1959 to 1971. He also worked with Mrs. R.F. S. Starr in 1959 providing information relative to the development of Fort Ward Park. Mrs. Starr was one of the community leaders who advocated for the protection and development of the historical park.
Mr, Hendryx’s vision was used to develop the City's original Master Plan, which was approved by City Council, for Fort Ward Park in 1962. His contribution to Alexandria was recognized by the City Beautification Committee and the memorial was created in the park adjacent to the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery using public and private funds.
The damage from storm clean-up efforts has further degraded this part of the park which has been out of sight and forgotten by the public, Recreation Department and City Beautification Commission.
11. Braddock Road Update
Deputy Chief Aden reports that, “We have been very busy on West Braddock Road, between Quaker and North Van Dorn this summer. We have staffed several weeks of intense speed enforcement resulting in numerous traffic tickets“.
On September 23, 2010 at the Seminary Hill Association Board Meeting Deputy Chief Aden reported that 83 speeding tickets were issued during a two week period on West Braddock between the intersection with King and Quaker and Howard Street. The Alexandria Police Department will continue this enforcement as school begins and periodically throughout the year.
12. Crime Alert
On Friday August 27, 2010 there was an attempted break-in at 2130 North Early Street. Captain Tim Dickinson (Sector 3-West End Commander) reports:
"The resident reported that her 11 year old daughter saw an unknown race male attempting to open the rear kitchen door. The incident occurred at approximately 8:30 a.m. She reported that when the subject opened the door, the alarm went off. The subject then closed the door and ran towards the rear of the house. He then jumped the wooden fence and continued running northbound. K-9 ran a track but the track ended at the wooden fence. Officers completed a canvass by knocking on several doors but no one was home“.
Detectives will get the case and investigate further.
Normally Marlboro Estates and North Early Street are safe areas to live. However we do experience periodic home and auto break-ins. Residents are reminded to take extra care while at home and away. We do not have an official neighborhood watch in our area so it is important that we all continue to look after our homes and those of our neighbors.
13. Opposition to Proposed Beauregard Development
Citizens in the West End fear more gridlock like that created on Seminary Road and Beauregard by the Mark Center development. Some are working to halt the Beauregard Corridor Plan until the City begins building transportation solutions. Nancy Jennings, President of the Seminary Hills Association (SHA) Board, testified to the City Council on Sept. 25, 2010 that "Seminary Hill residents agree that the Beauregard Corridor Plan process should be halted until the City has funded a shovel-ready rapid-transit project in the Beauregard Corridor." Citizens are signing a petition that there should be no increase in density in the Beauregard area until appropriate and proven transportation "solutions" are fully funded.
You may join this effort at http://www.gopetition.com/petition/39264.html
Additional information will be posted soon on the Seminary Hill website. In the meantime, below is information about the problem and what you can do.
Nancy Jennings President, Seminary Hill Association, Inc. A Time to Scream Bloody Murder
The failure of the City of Alexandria to plan is evident in the BRAC at Mark Center. While the debate continues on how to handle the traffic gridlock that this development will bring, City Officials are planning more high rises and more dense development in the Beauregard Corridor. Stop the madness!
The Seminary Hill Association, Inc., (SHA) seeks collaboration with all West End organizations and residents in a major effort to stop in its tracks the unwanted additional dense development. At the Beauregard Corridor Plan meeting on Sept. 30 at John Adams Elementary School, SHA formally requested that this planning process be suspended until transportation infrastructure is being built in the West End that will improve the movement of people on Beauregard Street, I-395, Seminary Road, and on adjacent streets.
SHA invites you to join this campaign to:
• Let responsible officials know of citizen opposition to more density in the Beauregard Corridor.
• Change attitudes in City Hall toward out-of-control development everywhere in the West End.
• Protect our neighborhoods. Rally events to attend:
--TBD in October—City Council work session on the Beauregard Corridor in City Hall.
--Nov. 2—Distribute information at Congressional polling places.
What can you do?
• Call or email the City Manager, the Planning Director, the Mayor and Members of City Council demanding no increased density.
• Send letters to the editors of the local media.
• Volunteer to distribute flyers to your neighbors at polling places or in your neighborhood.
• Visit the SHA website, www.seminaryhillassn.org, for more information and the emails and phone numbers of officials.
14. October in Fort Ward History
1953
On October 1 the City Planning Commission, at the request of the Director of Planning, considered the status of five Civil War Forts located in Alexandria. It was approved that the City appoint a committee, with citizen members, to confer with the owners of these properties to see what could be done to acquire them.
1960
On October 7 City Manager E. G. Heatwole sent a memo to the City Attorney Floyd Williams advising him that Public Works Director P.B. Hall has found several graves within the Fort Ward site.
1961
On October 3 City Manager E. G. Heatwole submitted a proposal to the Mayor and Cit Council to fund the acquisition, development and restoration of Fort Ward Park. Included in the proposal is a request to use funds to hire a consultant to prepare a Park Master Plan.
1962
On October 7 citizens, including those from North Early Street, the Seminary Hill Association, Episcopal High School, and other interested property owners and organizations, filed a formal protest objecting to an application by Richard and Mary Ruffner to rezone 20.6 acres of land on the north side of the 4,000 block of Braddock Road.
1978
The City of Alexandria begins a three month City-wide Civil War Exhibit “Alexandria: Occupied City 1861-1865“. The exhibit features October 1 events at Fort Ward including a Living History Demonstration on Fort Life and a lecture on “War Gaming”.
Up Ahead
1. Future Meetings & Events
Celebrate Archaeology in October!
Throughout October, enjoy archaeology month in Alexandria by joining us for a scavenger hunt for kids, a fun art activity for families, a bike tour of Alexandria’s forgotten burial grounds, an illustrated lecture about 19th-century burial practices, and the Alexandria Archaeology Institute
Thursday October 14, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.-Fort Ward Park Advisory Group Meeting, Fort Ward Museum Library, 4301 West Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA.
Provide Input on the FY 2012 Budget
The City expects Fiscal Year 2012 to be another challenging year as it continues to strategically plan for its future. As the budget process begins, City Council invites residents to offer their input regarding the FY 2012 budget at a public hearing on Saturday, October 16.
Tuesday October 26, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.-Fort Ward Park Advisory Group Meeting, Fort Ward Museum Library, 4301 West Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA.
Mayor Euille Today
In the latest episode of Mayor Euille Today, Mayor Euille speaks with T&ES Director Rich Baier and Emergency Management Coordinator Mark Penn about the August 5 storms and recovery; and with Office of Historic Alexandria Director Lance Mallamo and ACVA President & CEO Stephanie Brown about the City's plans for commemorating the Civil War Sesquicentennial.
Alexandria Historical Society: Freedmen's Cemetery Archaeology Lecture
Date(s): 10/27/2010 - 10/27/2010
Time: 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Lyceum, Alexandria's History Museum The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA
Admission: Free!
From 1864-1869, the Contrabands and Freedmen's Cemetery was the burial place for at least 1,800 African Americans seeking their freedom behind Union l ... More detail > >
This is Steve Shepard’s last lecture as an Alexandria city archaeologist.
Forgotten Cemeteries Heritage Trail Bike Ride
Date(s): 10/30/2010 - 10/30/2010
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: George Washington Masonic Memorial George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria, VA
Phone: (703) 746-4399
Admission: Free, reservations required
Cycle back in time on this 14-mile guided loop of Alexandria's forgotten burial sites. Ride includes hills and street cycling at a leisurely pace with ... More detail > >
Tuesday, October 26 at 7:00 p.m. -Fort Ward Park Advisory Group Meeting, Fort Ward Museum, 4301 West Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA.
www.alexandriava.gov/29638
Saturday, November 6 –Fort Ward History Work Group Meeting, 10:00 a.m. -12:00 noon, Meeting Location To Be Determined
Thursday, November 11 at 7:00 p.m.-Fort Ward Park Advisory Group Meeting, with Mr. Rich Baier speaking about storm water runoff plans, Fort Ward Museum, 4301 West Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA.
www.alexandriava.gov/29638
2. For Further Information
If you would like to:
receive more information on the Fort Ward Observer;
be added, or removed, from this mailing list;
request past editions of this newsletter, or,
make contributions to this report in the future.
Please write or call: J. Glenn Eugster
By e-mail: glenn_eugster@comcast.net
By telephone: (703)845-8947 (before 9:00 p.m.)
By mail: 4022 Ellicott Street, Alexandria, VA 22304
Should you wish copies of the summaries of the meetings that were mentioned in this report please contact me.
Volume 2, Issue 4
July 16, 2010 to October 8, 2010
Prepared by J. Glenn Eugster
October 8, 2010
Highlights
This issue includes information on the following Fort Ward Park, Marlboro Estates, Seminary, and Seminary Hill activities, plus much more.
* Debating the Scope of Archaeological Research
* Proposal to Cover Illegal Fill in Maintenance Yard
* Infrastructure Assessment and Master Plan Proposed
* Stormwater Management Plan
* City Responds to August Storm Damage
* Who Should Mow Fort Ward Park
* African American Descendants Society Formed
* Should the Public Review the Advisory Group’s Report?
* Fort Ward Archaeological Research Move Ahead
* Memorial for City’s First Arborist Damaged & Neglected
* Braddock Road Update
* Crime Alert
* Beauregard Development Opposed
Purpose
Fort Ward Park was established by the City of Alexandria, as a historic park, in 1964 through a collaborative effort, which began in the early 1950’s between local homeowners, citizens, historians, civic associations, City Park, Public Works, and Planning Department managers and local elected officials. The purpose of this report is to provide community interests with information on what is being considered, proposed and underway in Fort Ward Park and its surrounding area.
Good Things Are Happening at Fort Ward Park
1. City and community leaders debate scope of archaeology research.
The Fort Ward Park Advisory Group and the Fort Ward History Work Group Meetings have been the platform for a series of recent discussions about the use of City of Alexandria 2010 funds for archeological, historical and cultural research and surveys to locate African American graves and structures. This research was approved and funded by the Mayor and City Council in 2009. During meetings and by correspondence members of the two groups, and other community organizations, have discussed the scope of archaeology; the City’s plans to dig before the August 2009 Fort
Ward Park Inventory of Historical, Cultural and Archaeological Resources is completed; the interest by the descendant family members to identify more historic context and have a bigger role in telling their story.
Local historian Dave Cavanaugh, a former member of the City Archaeological Commission, presented verbal and written remarks to the Advisory Group and the City about the inadequacies of the research work and problems with the research contract. Attached is a copy of Mr. Cavanaugh’s letter which City officials.
Plans for the City’s contract for archaeological and historic research has been delayed for several months and additional City funds to complete the required work uncertain. See item #9. for an update on the archaeological work.
2. City officials announce plans to cover maintenance yard with soil.
City officials announced at the August 24, 2010 Fort Ward Advisory Group Meeting that they do not intend to remove the gravel and soil that was illegally placed in the Fort Ward Park maintenance yard. Noting funding shortfalls the Recreation Department intends to cover the gravel areas with soil and re-vegetate the area. Lance Mallamo, Director of the Office of Historic Alexandria noted that, “We won’t be removing gravel in the maintenance yard--in this first phase. It is a large gravel area approximately 8,000 square feet and is likely to be a couple of feet deep”.
Given that the archaeological research, storm water management plan, and master plan for Fort Ward Park have not been completed it is unclear why the City is proposing to add more fill to the area. Adjacent homeowners and family members with graves at the Oakland Baptist Church continue to have erosion, sediment and flooding problems due to the City’s decision to add fill to the area and change existing drainage patterns.
3. City officials propose to do an infrastructure inventory and assessment and a master plan for Fort Ward.
At the July 27, 2010 Fort Ward Park Advisory Group Meeting James Spengler, Director of the Recreation Department announced City plans for a “infrastructure inventory and assessment” of 109 park properties as well as formal master plans for Fort Ward, Ben Brenman, Four Mile Run, and other City parks. “We want to get out of the system of reacting to citizen complaints”, said Spengler.
Mr. Spengler commented on Fort Ward and indicated that “The Fort Ward Park Plan was never officially approved by the City Council. There have been ebbs and flows. Events and history have been highlighted and you don’t drop one initiative when you embrace another. Fort Ward is a hodge-podge of proposals and activities.
Mr. Spengler noted that a person who formerly worked for New York City’s Central Park Conservancy, and is from Alexandria, will be the person leading this effort. He expects the work to be done by outside consultants and each plan is expected to cost approximately $60,000. This evidently will be the Recreation Department’s first major park master planning effort and it is unclear what the planning process will entail and how the activities of the Office of Historic Alexandria, the Department of Transportation & Environmental Services, and the public will be involved.
4. Fort Ward Park storm water runoff plan waiting for archaeology to be completed.
Rich Baier, Director of the City Department of Transportation & Environmental Services (T&ES), in a September 7, 2010 letter to the Fort Ward Park Advisory Group indicated, “Since I attended the meeting with the Advisory Group in May, my staff has been working on aspects of the park project. Our primary efforts to date have focused on supporting the Office of Historic Alexandria in preparing for the archaeological investigation. We are preparing an engineered plan that delineates the extent of their excavation and ensures that appropriate erosion and sediment control devices will be placed during the ground disturbing activities. This plan will also include erosion protections surrounding the demolition of the greenhouse structure and fence removal at the old maintenance yard.
While T&ES staff has begun preliminary work on delineating drainage areas and gathering data for the hydraulic analysis, the bulk of the work on the drainage and stormwater management plan will be done in conjunction with the Park Master Planning. I understand that the department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities will begin this effort once they have the findings of the archaeological investigation and recommendations of the Advisory Committee. It is certainly our intent to coordinate these efforts so that any proposed changes in the park do not create drainage and stormwater problems and that our stormwater improvements do not interfere with or jeopardize any of the park resources. T&ES will participate in site visits with stakeholders as part of these efforts.
As I discussed at the Advisory Group meeting in May, T&ES does have limited funding to allow us to develop a stormwater plan. Funding for improvements identified will be requested as part of future Capital Improvement Program budgets“.
Rich Baier will brief the members of the Fort Ward Park Advisory Group about storm water runoff grant opportunities at its meeting on Thursday, November 11, 2010 at 7:00 PM at the Fort Ward Museum Library and not October 14, as had originally been announced. This meeting is open to the public.
The Recreation Department, at the request of the church and community leaders, has replaced the temporary hay bales to reduce the park storm water/ runoff damage to the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery graves and grave stones. Graves continue to subside and grave stones are eroding from park runoff.
5. City responds quickly to Storm damage to park trees and the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery.
Following the storms of August the City Recreation Department quickly directed contractors to remove the numerous trees that fell within Fort Ward Park. Trees which were removed included those that fell inside the park and from park land onto the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery and private property along the park boundary.
The recurring tree damage also motivated the City to do additional backlog tree maintenance on other trees that are in the park. Trees that were diseased or likely to topple from future storms were pruned and, or, removed from the park.
6. City officials debate who should mow Fort Ward Park grass.
The July 27, 2010 Fort Ward Park Advisory Group Meeting included a discussion with James Spengler, Director of the City’s Recreation Department. Advisory Group member Bill Schreiner, from the Friends of Fort Ward, raised the issue of how the vegetation is maintained in the earthworks. “Mowing has been problematic in the past. Camp Days draw an awful lot of people. Mowing removed a chunk of the earth mound. We are not here to be a truth commission but we need to think about turf management of the entire park and these needs to be considered for the earthworks. How can we avoid slices [being taken] out of the historic embankment in the future?”
Mr. Spengler responded, “Turf wasn’t here [historically], trees weren’t here. Some of the park is hallowed ground. For a long time it was okay to park vehicles in the maintenance yard. I’m comfortable transferring historic mowing to the Office of Historic Alexandria with funding. We [Recreation Department] aren’t historic. We aren’t trained in historic maintenance and never will be. I am proposing to Lance [Mallamo, Director of the Office of Historic Alexandria] that everything inside the ring-road will be done by the Office of Historic Alexandria”.
Spengler added, “You won’t get perfect mowing. That’s the nature of turf maintenance”.
Tom Fulton noted, “The entire park is on the National Register of Historic Places and requires an ongoing maintenance responsibility. There are four departments involved and a coordinated effort would send a positive signal that stove piping has been dissolved. It is incumbent of the two departments [Recreation and History] that the two groups work together“.
Bill Schreiner added, “Every year we have the same battle with turf management. Spengler replied, “You can’t expect 100% performance”. Fort Ward Museum Director Susan Cumbey added, “We could get the staffs together for joint training”.
Spengler replied, “Maintenance workers don’t differentiate between different parks. We can break a contract out. I want this park to be done [maintained] totally by contract.
Wally Owen, the Assistant Director of the Fort Ward Museum, asked, “Who mows the ball fields? It’s special equipment but couldn’t your group do the work if you had it? “Mr. Spengler replied, “If we get the money we could do this. However, park crews mostly work on athletic fields and get positive feedback from recreation groups on their work. I’m not sure there is motivation to pick-up more skills”.
Susan Cumbey noted that, “Interest can be cultivated with crews helping preserve something that has been valued”.
Mr. Spengler concluded the discussion by saying, “It [turf maintenance] would be better if it were handled by the Office of Historic Alexandria. The Recreation Department does athletic fields. This is the only historic park that they maintain”.
Mr. Spengler’s comments came as a surprise to some of the audience. Earlier that month, in response to repeated damage of headstones by City maintenance employees, Recreation and Office of Historic Alexandria Department managers indicated that “we [the two offices] are now putting together a policy on how to properly maintain grave sites“. No mention was made of a new mowing policy or better ways to protect these sacred places. Mr. Mallamo responded to questions about the most recent headstone damage indicating, “We aren’t sure that the damage to the headstone was due to mowing. We think it may be the result of freeze-thaw this past winter”.
7. Fort Ward & Seminary African American Descendants Society Formed
On July 24, 2010 at the Oakland Baptist Church the first general meeting of the Fort Ward & Seminary African American Descendants Society was held. Adrienne Washington, one of the group’s founding members, outlined the following mission of the Society:
Describe, interpret, protect and celebrate the living legacy of African Americans who contributed to the defenses of Washington, D.C. at Fort Ward in an effort to win their own freedom which has led to a more perfect Union.
The primary goal of the Society is to share the history of African Americans in order to describe the role they played and the contributions they made during the Civil War at Fort Ward and in helping to create the Seminary community. African Americans were crucial to the war effort; and that the war is best understood not just as a military phenomenon, but as a social and political one as well.
Her remarks included background of the effort and the importance of having the descendant families tell their story at Fort Ward.
Attached is a copy of a paper What Does “The Fort” and “Seminary” Mean to Us? By Adrienne Terrell (Randall) Washington, for Ft. Ward and Seminary African American Descendants’ Society, July 9, 2010.
Ms. Washington spoke of the difficulty African Americans have had in getting recognition for their contributions to the Civil War and Alexandria. She noted that the graves of Clara Adams and her husband have been locked behind the chain link fence of the Fort Ward Park maintenance yard for years. Ms. Washington said, “We can now claim 150 years of history in this area”.
Frances Terrell, also a member of the steering committee, noted that the Oakland Church and the Society had contacted the City about the state of Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery. The cemetery has been regularly damaged by park trees and storm- water runoff from the maintenance yard.
The Steering Committee is comprised of Ms. Washington, Ms. Terrell, Dave Cavanaugh, Joyce Casey Sanchez, Lena Rainey, Glenn Eugster, and Gerald Wanzer. Steering Committee members, with pro-bono assistance from various technical and legal experts are pursuing status as a non-profit organization. Members have created a Face Book page, are researching Virginia laws applicable to cemeteries, and are looking into possible sources of funding for Society activities.
At the initial general meeting of the Society attendees were invited to join the organization and assist the effort.
As a follow-up to the initial meeting the Society co-sponsored the October 2, 2010 Fort Ward History Work Group Meeting that featured a presentation on "Ways that Families and Community Interests Can Do Their Own Research" by Char McCargo Bah, Family Historian (Griot) and Professional Genealogist/Historian/Author. To illustrate the how and relevance to Fort Ward, Ms. McCargo Bah focused on her research on the Wanzer Family.
8. Fort Ward Park Advisory Group discusses whether the public should review their report and recommendations.
During the September 28, 2010 Fort Ward Park Advisory Group Meeting there was a brief discussion between members as to whether the public should have the opportunity to review the groups report and recommendations before they are submitted to the Mayor and City Council. At earlier meetings Chairman Tom Fulton had indicated a desire to circulate a draft of the report and recommendations to the public for their review and comments. However, the Advisory Group hadn’t voted on the idea and the dialogue at meeting revealed disagreement among members.
In response to Mr. Fulton’s goal to share their report with the public as soon as it is ready, Bob Moir, who represents the Parks and recreation Advisory Commission said,
“I thought we were to respond to City Council rather than to the public. Our job is to represent the entire public. It is to represent the broader public and provide services to the City”.
As the schedule was discussed the public review issue came up again. Ripley Forbes of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission said, “Why do we need public comments? Why are we dealing with public comments?”
Bill Schriener added, “January 14, 2011 is the one-year anniversary of the Advisory group and we can write the report and send it to City Council. Or, we could have public meetings“. Mr. Moir replied, “We don’t have anything to do with public meetings”.
Mr. Forbes suggested that we should ask the City Departments. Bill S. added that he thought that the City Resolution creating the Advisory Group doesn’t require us to have public meetings.
Tom Fulton suggested that the group “mull this over more”.
According to Mr. Fulton, “The Advisory Group has not yet voted on how it will make its draft document available to the public. My comments at the last meeting were intended to begin that discussion. As you could see from the brief debate that ensued there appear to be many factors involved in deciding how best to proceed. Aside from a desire to complete our work by no later than January 14, 2011, and to include the public in the process, there is, as yet, no decision regarding how to go about that process“.
9. Office of Historic Alexandria announces plans for archaeological research.
On September 28, 2010 Fran Bromberg, Pam Cressey and Lance Mallamo of the Office of Historic Alexandria (OHA) led a walk-about of some of the areas that the City will conduct archaeological research on within Fort Ward Park. The OHA reps also briefed the Fort Ward Park Advisory group at the meeting that followed.
The OHA representatives were joined by two members of the Ottery Group which has been selected by the City of Alexandria to perform the work. The Ottery Group offers a wide variety of services in archeology, historic preservation, and the environmental sciences and has particularly strong credentials in the implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). They are based in Olney, MD and have worked in Southern MD.
Ms. Cressey explained that the Ottery Group, once they have signed a contract with the City, will: 1. fill in the gaps of the historical record and examine information in the Inventory. They will revise and update the Inventory; 2. Review the results of the Ground Penetrating Radar test and do ground-truthing; and .3. Conduct an archaeological survey to determine what are the best ways to identify graves in the environment.
Ms. Cressey added that the contractor will do shovel testing; metal detection; scraping of the ground; and excavation by hand. Great care will be taken not to damage grave sites. She added that the work was likely to begin in the Old Grave Yard, adjacent to the Cemetery at the entrance to the maintenance yard. Fran Bromberg noted that there appear to be 21 burial locations in that area.
Ms. Cressey noted that they hope to confirm whether or not the Ground Penetrating Radar will, or won’t, confirm the graves. She said that on the average this technique is correct 25% of the time. “If this work confirms the Ground Penetrating Radar then it’s the way to go”.
She added, “We want to consider looking at the area to understand not just the possibility but the reality [of graves].
In response to an earlier statement that Mr. Mallamo made about there not being any burial areas under the maintenance yard aggregate, Ms. Cressey said, “We aren’t saying there is nothing here, anywhere. We don’t know how deep the aggregate is. This is the first test in this area. This is not a completion of knowing everything about the maintenance yard”.
Ms. Cressey and Ms. Bromberg advised the attendees that a fence to prevent sediment will be placed along the boundaries of Marlboro Estates and the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery before shovel testing will be done above those areas. The shovel tests will reveal how much soil and aggregate material has been added to the maintenance yard. If it is deep the area will be scrapped.
The work is waiting for the City contract to be signed as well as the City Soil & Erosion Control Permit to be approved. Hopefully the work will begin in October. Public information signs may be posted on the park kiosks.
Workers will be in the area, with heavy equipment and machinery after the initial work, for a period of several weeks. Work will be performed Monday through Friday. Questions can be directed to the contractors, or Pam Cressey or Fran Bromberg of the City Archaeology Office.
If graves are found the descendant families will be contacted to discuss what, if anything, should be done in the way of arranging a memorial service. Once graves are found City surveyors will come out to record the graves.
Ms. Cressey indicated that during the work period she will send out notices to periodically let people know the results of the work.
Attached is a status report on the Office of Archaeology’s work at Fort Ward Park.
10. Memorial to the first City Arborist damaged by storm clean-up effort.
Although the tree removal work at Fort Ward Park was necessary and impressive it came at a price. Unfortunately the machinery used to remove large portions of trees from the storm water run required the removal of shrubs and grassed areas from the Memorial to Charles W. Hendryx.
The memorial, which is between Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery and the stormwater run, honors Mr. Hendryx who was City’s First Arborist from 1959 to 1971. He also worked with Mrs. R.F. S. Starr in 1959 providing information relative to the development of Fort Ward Park. Mrs. Starr was one of the community leaders who advocated for the protection and development of the historical park.
Mr, Hendryx’s vision was used to develop the City's original Master Plan, which was approved by City Council, for Fort Ward Park in 1962. His contribution to Alexandria was recognized by the City Beautification Committee and the memorial was created in the park adjacent to the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery using public and private funds.
The damage from storm clean-up efforts has further degraded this part of the park which has been out of sight and forgotten by the public, Recreation Department and City Beautification Commission.
11. Braddock Road Update
Deputy Chief Aden reports that, “We have been very busy on West Braddock Road, between Quaker and North Van Dorn this summer. We have staffed several weeks of intense speed enforcement resulting in numerous traffic tickets“.
On September 23, 2010 at the Seminary Hill Association Board Meeting Deputy Chief Aden reported that 83 speeding tickets were issued during a two week period on West Braddock between the intersection with King and Quaker and Howard Street. The Alexandria Police Department will continue this enforcement as school begins and periodically throughout the year.
12. Crime Alert
On Friday August 27, 2010 there was an attempted break-in at 2130 North Early Street. Captain Tim Dickinson (Sector 3-West End Commander) reports:
"The resident reported that her 11 year old daughter saw an unknown race male attempting to open the rear kitchen door. The incident occurred at approximately 8:30 a.m. She reported that when the subject opened the door, the alarm went off. The subject then closed the door and ran towards the rear of the house. He then jumped the wooden fence and continued running northbound. K-9 ran a track but the track ended at the wooden fence. Officers completed a canvass by knocking on several doors but no one was home“.
Detectives will get the case and investigate further.
Normally Marlboro Estates and North Early Street are safe areas to live. However we do experience periodic home and auto break-ins. Residents are reminded to take extra care while at home and away. We do not have an official neighborhood watch in our area so it is important that we all continue to look after our homes and those of our neighbors.
13. Opposition to Proposed Beauregard Development
Citizens in the West End fear more gridlock like that created on Seminary Road and Beauregard by the Mark Center development. Some are working to halt the Beauregard Corridor Plan until the City begins building transportation solutions. Nancy Jennings, President of the Seminary Hills Association (SHA) Board, testified to the City Council on Sept. 25, 2010 that "Seminary Hill residents agree that the Beauregard Corridor Plan process should be halted until the City has funded a shovel-ready rapid-transit project in the Beauregard Corridor." Citizens are signing a petition that there should be no increase in density in the Beauregard area until appropriate and proven transportation "solutions" are fully funded.
You may join this effort at http://www.gopetition.com/petition/39264.html
Additional information will be posted soon on the Seminary Hill website. In the meantime, below is information about the problem and what you can do.
Nancy Jennings President, Seminary Hill Association, Inc. A Time to Scream Bloody Murder
The failure of the City of Alexandria to plan is evident in the BRAC at Mark Center. While the debate continues on how to handle the traffic gridlock that this development will bring, City Officials are planning more high rises and more dense development in the Beauregard Corridor. Stop the madness!
The Seminary Hill Association, Inc., (SHA) seeks collaboration with all West End organizations and residents in a major effort to stop in its tracks the unwanted additional dense development. At the Beauregard Corridor Plan meeting on Sept. 30 at John Adams Elementary School, SHA formally requested that this planning process be suspended until transportation infrastructure is being built in the West End that will improve the movement of people on Beauregard Street, I-395, Seminary Road, and on adjacent streets.
SHA invites you to join this campaign to:
• Let responsible officials know of citizen opposition to more density in the Beauregard Corridor.
• Change attitudes in City Hall toward out-of-control development everywhere in the West End.
• Protect our neighborhoods. Rally events to attend:
--TBD in October—City Council work session on the Beauregard Corridor in City Hall.
--Nov. 2—Distribute information at Congressional polling places.
What can you do?
• Call or email the City Manager, the Planning Director, the Mayor and Members of City Council demanding no increased density.
• Send letters to the editors of the local media.
• Volunteer to distribute flyers to your neighbors at polling places or in your neighborhood.
• Visit the SHA website, www.seminaryhillassn.org, for more information and the emails and phone numbers of officials.
14. October in Fort Ward History
1953
On October 1 the City Planning Commission, at the request of the Director of Planning, considered the status of five Civil War Forts located in Alexandria. It was approved that the City appoint a committee, with citizen members, to confer with the owners of these properties to see what could be done to acquire them.
1960
On October 7 City Manager E. G. Heatwole sent a memo to the City Attorney Floyd Williams advising him that Public Works Director P.B. Hall has found several graves within the Fort Ward site.
1961
On October 3 City Manager E. G. Heatwole submitted a proposal to the Mayor and Cit Council to fund the acquisition, development and restoration of Fort Ward Park. Included in the proposal is a request to use funds to hire a consultant to prepare a Park Master Plan.
1962
On October 7 citizens, including those from North Early Street, the Seminary Hill Association, Episcopal High School, and other interested property owners and organizations, filed a formal protest objecting to an application by Richard and Mary Ruffner to rezone 20.6 acres of land on the north side of the 4,000 block of Braddock Road.
1978
The City of Alexandria begins a three month City-wide Civil War Exhibit “Alexandria: Occupied City 1861-1865“. The exhibit features October 1 events at Fort Ward including a Living History Demonstration on Fort Life and a lecture on “War Gaming”.
Up Ahead
1. Future Meetings & Events
Celebrate Archaeology in October!
Throughout October, enjoy archaeology month in Alexandria by joining us for a scavenger hunt for kids, a fun art activity for families, a bike tour of Alexandria’s forgotten burial grounds, an illustrated lecture about 19th-century burial practices, and the Alexandria Archaeology Institute
Thursday October 14, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.-Fort Ward Park Advisory Group Meeting, Fort Ward Museum Library, 4301 West Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA.
Provide Input on the FY 2012 Budget
The City expects Fiscal Year 2012 to be another challenging year as it continues to strategically plan for its future. As the budget process begins, City Council invites residents to offer their input regarding the FY 2012 budget at a public hearing on Saturday, October 16.
Tuesday October 26, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.-Fort Ward Park Advisory Group Meeting, Fort Ward Museum Library, 4301 West Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA.
Mayor Euille Today
In the latest episode of Mayor Euille Today, Mayor Euille speaks with T&ES Director Rich Baier and Emergency Management Coordinator Mark Penn about the August 5 storms and recovery; and with Office of Historic Alexandria Director Lance Mallamo and ACVA President & CEO Stephanie Brown about the City's plans for commemorating the Civil War Sesquicentennial.
Alexandria Historical Society: Freedmen's Cemetery Archaeology Lecture
Date(s): 10/27/2010 - 10/27/2010
Time: 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Lyceum, Alexandria's History Museum The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA
Admission: Free!
From 1864-1869, the Contrabands and Freedmen's Cemetery was the burial place for at least 1,800 African Americans seeking their freedom behind Union l ... More detail > >
This is Steve Shepard’s last lecture as an Alexandria city archaeologist.
Forgotten Cemeteries Heritage Trail Bike Ride
Date(s): 10/30/2010 - 10/30/2010
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: George Washington Masonic Memorial George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria, VA
Phone: (703) 746-4399
Admission: Free, reservations required
Cycle back in time on this 14-mile guided loop of Alexandria's forgotten burial sites. Ride includes hills and street cycling at a leisurely pace with ... More detail > >
Tuesday, October 26 at 7:00 p.m. -Fort Ward Park Advisory Group Meeting, Fort Ward Museum, 4301 West Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA.
www.alexandriava.gov/29638
Saturday, November 6 –Fort Ward History Work Group Meeting, 10:00 a.m. -12:00 noon, Meeting Location To Be Determined
Thursday, November 11 at 7:00 p.m.-Fort Ward Park Advisory Group Meeting, with Mr. Rich Baier speaking about storm water runoff plans, Fort Ward Museum, 4301 West Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA.
www.alexandriava.gov/29638
2. For Further Information
If you would like to:
receive more information on the Fort Ward Observer;
be added, or removed, from this mailing list;
request past editions of this newsletter, or,
make contributions to this report in the future.
Please write or call: J. Glenn Eugster
By e-mail: glenn_eugster@comcast.net
By telephone: (703)845-8947 (before 9:00 p.m.)
By mail: 4022 Ellicott Street, Alexandria, VA 22304
Should you wish copies of the summaries of the meetings that were mentioned in this report please contact me.
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