Sesquicentennial Celebration Public Meeting
June 6, 2009
I attended the first public meeting of the Alexandria Sesquicentennial Celebration on Saturday June 6, 2009. The meeting was attended by approximately 40 people and it was held at the GW Masonic Temple. The location for the meeting was outstanding. However, the room was without air conditioning and it was quite warm and muggy as the program began.
Ellen Stanton, the Chair of HARC, was identified by Lance Mallamo as the liaison for the umbrella committee that will lead this effort in Alexandria. Stephanie Brown of the City’s Visitor Bureau was also introduced.
Ms. Stanton made brief remarks indicating that she was excited to be leading this effort which has national interest. She said that this is a topical area where Alexandria excels and looks forward to working with the community. She added that she wants to welcome more visitors to the City.
Lance Mallamo gave a brief overview on the history of Alexandria and the Civil War. Mr. Mallamo noted that Alexandria was a “Pro-Union” City until the attack on Fort Sumter when it then supported the southern cause. He added that after secession was ratified in 1861 the City became a “warehouse” for the Union. Throughout the war the Union occupied the City and used it for storage of munitions, creation of ship warves, and storage warehouses which linked to the Alexandria and Orange RR.
He indicated that the City became home to freed and contraband slaves as well as the 107 Regiment of US Colored Troops. He also noted the “Ride to Freedom Painting”.
Susan Cumbey then spoke and described the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission effort. Ms. Cumbey said that the celebration effort was formed in 2006 and starts in 2011. June 25, 2009 is the national kick-off of the Commission’s effort in WV and VA. She noted that John Brown’s Raid is key to the effort which is called “Understanding Our Past, Embracing Our Future”.
Ms. Cumbey indicated that the goals of the effort include a diversity of themes including the human experience and education with a variety of formats. She noted that the Commonwealth effort had a number of endeavors planned including a
website ( www.vacivilwar.org)
Evidently there will be signature conferences on different themes through 2015 including, America on the Eve of the Civil War, and a conference on African Americans and the Civil War in 2010. She also noted that there will be a traveling exhibition on the VA Celebration; a library of VA project; and a film of VA Civil War History. There may also be a history mobile and a commemorative license plate.
Most importantly Ms. Cumbey noted that communities have established local committees to work on this effort. Alexandria’s Committee is still being worked on and finalized.
Ms. Cumbey briefly discussed plans at the Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site. She said that there were many themes about people and places being considered in Alexandria such as the waterfront, through Old Town, to the West End, Fort Ward and the Episcopal Seminary. She noted that Fort Ward is the best preserved Civil War site and it is a good starting point to learn about the defenses of Washington, DC. She noted the restored NW Bastion and the effort which began in the City in the 1960’s to restore the area. She added that it was one of six US cities to be recognized for the Civil War Centennial Celebration.
Ms. Cumbey noted that the City wants to designate Freedman’s Cemetery for the Sesquicentennial Celebration. She noted that many in the City are learning more about local African American history and how the slaves worked, were freed, and settled at Fort Ward. She believes that this will be a strong basis for the Sesquicentennial Celebration.
Ms. Cumbey noted that the City was using partnerships to work together on the Sesquicentennial. One partnership was a subcommittee formed by the West End Business Association and this group has been brainstorming programs and projects for the celebration.
She added that Alexandria was also collaborating with NPS, Arlington County and Fairfax County to develop hiking and bicycle trails tied to the Civil War sites. She noted that this effort would be a web-based project and the group is aiming for completion of this promotion opportunity by the Sesquicentennial. She also noted that the Friends of Fort Ward have pledged $1,000 to help fund the cost of a historic marker for Fort Williams.
The ideas that have been developed so far for Alexandria’s Sesquicentennial Celebration include:
* A kick-off in May 2011, probably on May 24, 2011. This kick-off could include an Old Town Event; a Living History Event; and a market Square Event.
* In June 2011 some type of event will be held in Ben Brenneman Park.
* In the fall of 2011 there will be an event at the freedman’s Cemetery and a Civil War Boat Cruise.
* There is also likely to be a lecture series on Civil War Alexandria and a Friends of Ft. Ward bus tour or symposium.
* In July 2014 there will be a Civil War Re-enactment tied to the Battle of Fort Stevens.
* There is likely to be a street guide to Civil War Alexandria
Within Fort Ward Historic Park Ms. Cumbey said that the Commemorative Gate is being restored and the City will spruce-up comemoriative structures. She encouraged the audience to call her, or send her, ideas.
Lance Mallamo continued the City’s presentation by talking about the Alexandria Archeological Museum’s efforts. He noted the Freedman’s Cemetery Project and told the group that it was an 1864 burial ground for Contraband slaves and freed blacks. He explained that at that time there was a level of diseases and deaths at that time and the federal government purchased land on the SW corner of Washington and ___ Street for a cemetery. The names of the dead were recorded but not the location of each person who was buried.
Mr. Mallamo explained that overtime a gas filling station, an office building and a brickyard were built on top of the graves. This situation continued until Michael Miller, the former City Historian, discovered the graves and used mitigation money from the construction of the Wilson Bridge to begin restoration.
He added that an international design competition was held to select a design for the Contrabands & Freedmans Cemtery. It is expected to be completed in 2011 and will include a sign and statue.
He also noted that there will be a cellphone tour of Alexandria’s African-American Civil War history. There will be a Civil War trail on the City’s website and it will include a driving tour and a bike trail. He hopes the effort will be diverse, inclusive and feature history up to, during, and after the Civil War.
Jim Mackay of the Lyceum continued the City’s presentation to the group. He said that there would be big events at the wrong time and noted that there had been planning meeting for the City’s celebration for more than a year with Susan Cumbey and Wally Owen. He noted that Alexandria was a slave trading center and the City was one of the most significant centers in the southeastern US.
Mr. Mackay hoped that the Lyceum would have a lecture series and symposia. He said this always gets down to cost--what we can get funded.
Mr. Mallamo continued the City’s presentation and described the interests of the Freedom House Museum. He said that the building at 1315 Duke Street was an old slave jail that has been restored using Save America’s Treasures grants plus a grant from HUD.
He noted that this area was the largest slave trade operation in the US and that in 1808 the transport of slaves was determined by law to be illegal. He added that slavery continued after 1836 and in 1861 slaves were freed.
Mr. Louis Hicks talked about the Alexandria Black History Museum’s efforts. He noted that the African American Heritage Park is tied to a specific site and the story at the museum is different. He added that the African American story gets lost in the City since part of the area was a part of DC and many of the sites are linked to DC historic organizations.
June 6, 2009
I attended the first public meeting of the Alexandria Sesquicentennial Celebration on Saturday June 6, 2009. The meeting was attended by approximately 40 people and it was held at the GW Masonic Temple. The location for the meeting was outstanding. However, the room was without air conditioning and it was quite warm and muggy as the program began.
Ellen Stanton, the Chair of HARC, was identified by Lance Mallamo as the liaison for the umbrella committee that will lead this effort in Alexandria. Stephanie Brown of the City’s Visitor Bureau was also introduced.
Ms. Stanton made brief remarks indicating that she was excited to be leading this effort which has national interest. She said that this is a topical area where Alexandria excels and looks forward to working with the community. She added that she wants to welcome more visitors to the City.
Lance Mallamo gave a brief overview on the history of Alexandria and the Civil War. Mr. Mallamo noted that Alexandria was a “Pro-Union” City until the attack on Fort Sumter when it then supported the southern cause. He added that after secession was ratified in 1861 the City became a “warehouse” for the Union. Throughout the war the Union occupied the City and used it for storage of munitions, creation of ship warves, and storage warehouses which linked to the Alexandria and Orange RR.
He indicated that the City became home to freed and contraband slaves as well as the 107 Regiment of US Colored Troops. He also noted the “Ride to Freedom Painting”.
Susan Cumbey then spoke and described the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission effort. Ms. Cumbey said that the celebration effort was formed in 2006 and starts in 2011. June 25, 2009 is the national kick-off of the Commission’s effort in WV and VA. She noted that John Brown’s Raid is key to the effort which is called “Understanding Our Past, Embracing Our Future”.
Ms. Cumbey indicated that the goals of the effort include a diversity of themes including the human experience and education with a variety of formats. She noted that the Commonwealth effort had a number of endeavors planned including a
website ( www.vacivilwar.org)
Evidently there will be signature conferences on different themes through 2015 including, America on the Eve of the Civil War, and a conference on African Americans and the Civil War in 2010. She also noted that there will be a traveling exhibition on the VA Celebration; a library of VA project; and a film of VA Civil War History. There may also be a history mobile and a commemorative license plate.
Most importantly Ms. Cumbey noted that communities have established local committees to work on this effort. Alexandria’s Committee is still being worked on and finalized.
Ms. Cumbey briefly discussed plans at the Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site. She said that there were many themes about people and places being considered in Alexandria such as the waterfront, through Old Town, to the West End, Fort Ward and the Episcopal Seminary. She noted that Fort Ward is the best preserved Civil War site and it is a good starting point to learn about the defenses of Washington, DC. She noted the restored NW Bastion and the effort which began in the City in the 1960’s to restore the area. She added that it was one of six US cities to be recognized for the Civil War Centennial Celebration.
Ms. Cumbey noted that the City wants to designate Freedman’s Cemetery for the Sesquicentennial Celebration. She noted that many in the City are learning more about local African American history and how the slaves worked, were freed, and settled at Fort Ward. She believes that this will be a strong basis for the Sesquicentennial Celebration.
Ms. Cumbey noted that the City was using partnerships to work together on the Sesquicentennial. One partnership was a subcommittee formed by the West End Business Association and this group has been brainstorming programs and projects for the celebration.
She added that Alexandria was also collaborating with NPS, Arlington County and Fairfax County to develop hiking and bicycle trails tied to the Civil War sites. She noted that this effort would be a web-based project and the group is aiming for completion of this promotion opportunity by the Sesquicentennial. She also noted that the Friends of Fort Ward have pledged $1,000 to help fund the cost of a historic marker for Fort Williams.
The ideas that have been developed so far for Alexandria’s Sesquicentennial Celebration include:
* A kick-off in May 2011, probably on May 24, 2011. This kick-off could include an Old Town Event; a Living History Event; and a market Square Event.
* In June 2011 some type of event will be held in Ben Brenneman Park.
* In the fall of 2011 there will be an event at the freedman’s Cemetery and a Civil War Boat Cruise.
* There is also likely to be a lecture series on Civil War Alexandria and a Friends of Ft. Ward bus tour or symposium.
* In July 2014 there will be a Civil War Re-enactment tied to the Battle of Fort Stevens.
* There is likely to be a street guide to Civil War Alexandria
Within Fort Ward Historic Park Ms. Cumbey said that the Commemorative Gate is being restored and the City will spruce-up comemoriative structures. She encouraged the audience to call her, or send her, ideas.
Lance Mallamo continued the City’s presentation by talking about the Alexandria Archeological Museum’s efforts. He noted the Freedman’s Cemetery Project and told the group that it was an 1864 burial ground for Contraband slaves and freed blacks. He explained that at that time there was a level of diseases and deaths at that time and the federal government purchased land on the SW corner of Washington and ___ Street for a cemetery. The names of the dead were recorded but not the location of each person who was buried.
Mr. Mallamo explained that overtime a gas filling station, an office building and a brickyard were built on top of the graves. This situation continued until Michael Miller, the former City Historian, discovered the graves and used mitigation money from the construction of the Wilson Bridge to begin restoration.
He added that an international design competition was held to select a design for the Contrabands & Freedmans Cemtery. It is expected to be completed in 2011 and will include a sign and statue.
He also noted that there will be a cellphone tour of Alexandria’s African-American Civil War history. There will be a Civil War trail on the City’s website and it will include a driving tour and a bike trail. He hopes the effort will be diverse, inclusive and feature history up to, during, and after the Civil War.
Jim Mackay of the Lyceum continued the City’s presentation to the group. He said that there would be big events at the wrong time and noted that there had been planning meeting for the City’s celebration for more than a year with Susan Cumbey and Wally Owen. He noted that Alexandria was a slave trading center and the City was one of the most significant centers in the southeastern US.
Mr. Mackay hoped that the Lyceum would have a lecture series and symposia. He said this always gets down to cost--what we can get funded.
Mr. Mallamo continued the City’s presentation and described the interests of the Freedom House Museum. He said that the building at 1315 Duke Street was an old slave jail that has been restored using Save America’s Treasures grants plus a grant from HUD.
He noted that this area was the largest slave trade operation in the US and that in 1808 the transport of slaves was determined by law to be illegal. He added that slavery continued after 1836 and in 1861 slaves were freed.
Mr. Louis Hicks talked about the Alexandria Black History Museum’s efforts. He noted that the African American Heritage Park is tied to a specific site and the story at the museum is different. He added that the African American story gets lost in the City since part of the area was a part of DC and many of the sites are linked to DC historic organizations.
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