If anyone is in the area, the following exhibition opened on May 22nd and is worth a visit.
CHANGING PERCEPTIONS: CHARTING ALEXANDRIA, 1590-1999
Old Town Alexandria's Lyceum to Kick Off Historic Map Exhibit
Contact: Kris Lloyd
Ph: 703/838-4994
Alexandria, VA--Visitors to Old Town Alexandria will find a treasure trove of period maps and historic objects related to the City's founding when an exciting new exhibition opens this Saturday, May 22nd at The Lyceum, Alexandria's History Museum. The exhibit, Changing Perceptions: Charting Alexandria, 1590-1999, is part of the continuing 250th Anniversary Celebration of the founding of the City of Alexandria. Changing Perceptions will explore the history of Virginia and the area that would become Alexandria through rare and original 16th- through 20th-century maps and objects, providing a unique perspective of Alexandria's place in the world.
"Maps played a major, and often overlooked, role in the settling of North America," according to Lyceum Director James C. Mackay. "This new exhibit will tell the story of Alexandria's development and reveal how maps both shaped and reflected patterns of European settlement."
The City of Alexandria is situated on land originally occupied by Algonquian-speaking Indians that was later granted to Thomas, sixth Lord Fairfax. In 1749, it was surveyed by John West, Jr. By the time it was included in the newly laid-out federal district in 1791, it was a thriving seaport supporting a population of over 2,600 people. Although Alexandria expanded in size during the 19th century, its original grid plan remained intact. Today a center for commerce and culture, the City of Alexandria rem
ains rooted in the rich tradition of its historical past.
An extraordinary collection of rare Virginia maps, owned by long-time Alexandria resident William G. Anderson, will provide the majority of material displayed in the exhibit. One map, drawn by cartographer John White and published in 1590, is the first map to name Virginia in its title.
The Lyceum exhibit will also include 16th-century engravings based on watercolors by White, a skilled watercolorist who also served as Governor of Virginia's Roanoke Colony. White was the first artist to make extensive drawings of American Indians and their way of life. In addition, maps drawn by a young George Washington will be displayed, including the 1748 map "The land whereon stands the town of Alexandira The map, drawn when Washington was 16 years old, depicts the proposed site of the City of Alexandria.
The 1749 map "A plan of Alexandria, now Belhaven," which also depicts the proposed site of Alexandria, illustrates the subdivision of the town into lots and includes the list of individuals who purchased the first 58 lots sold. A 1766 map showing Washington's River Farm holdings to the east of Mount Vernon will be featured, along with a plat of lands adjoining Monticello (circa 1777) by Thomas Jefferson. Exhibit visitors will also view a German map of Virginia, Maryland and Carolina dated 1714 which provides data on German settlements in America, intended to promote immigration to the colonies.
Nautical charts, of great importance in efforts to establish towns like Alexandria as trading communities, will be displayed, as will a topographical map of Virginia from the Civil War period. This later piece depicts in detail the Federal District, Alexandria and Manassas Junction, site of the 1861 Battle of First Manassas.
Historic objects on display will include a map puzzle (circa 1814), an 1846 globe, an 1815 silk-on-linen map sampler, surveying tools from Colonial times and George Washington's field compass. Visiting children will enjoy working with map puzzles and flip books found throughout the exhibit, and adults as well as children will be invited to learn about cartography techniques of the past in a special map-making area.
For further information regarding this event, Camp Lyceum: Adventures in History
or other programs at The Lyceum, phone 703/838-4994. Parking and admission to The Lyceum are free. Located at 201 South Washington Street, on the corner of Prince and South Washington Streets, The Lyceum is in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. The museum is open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Sundays from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Additional information on The Lyceum may be found on the Office of Historic Alexandria website at http://ci.alexandria.va.us/oha.
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The Lyceum complies with the terms of the Americans with Disabilities ACT (ADA). Any individual with a disability who wishes to request a reasonable accommodation may call (703) 838-4994. Please provide at least seven calendar days notice.
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