Alexandria

Alexandria, Virginia, was founded in 1749. From its earliest days as an active port, it has played an important role in the history of the region and the nation. In addition to many historic buildings that still stand, the stories of Alexandria are underground, in old records, or passed on through oral history and story-telling.

Alexandria Archaeology

Alexandria has an award-winning archaeology program and was the first city in the U.S. to develop an archaeological code. 

You can learn about this active and vibrant program at the Alexandria Archaeology Museum in the Torpedo Factory along the waterfront.

What's New? Lots!

• Support the preservation of Alexandria’s Maritime Heritage through the Virginia Archaeological Charitable Trust (VACT). The VACT platform helps professional archaeological research projects find donors via an easy to use, crowdfunding website. In addition to supporting research in Alexandria, a small portion of each donation goes to the Archaeological Society of Virginia to support research on the state’s most threatened sites.

• Opportunities to volunteer in ship documentation and conservation with Alexandria Archaeology

• A website devoted to the hospitals in Civil War Alexandria (think "Mercy Street"...+ more than 30 more!)

• A vibrant oral history program!

• A revamped email list to keep you up to date on all things archaeological in Alexandria (sign up via the Alexandria Archaeology website)!

Friends of Alexandria Archaeology

Friends of Alexandria Archaeology (FOAA) began in 1986 to provide volunteer opportunities and increase public awareness of archaeology in Alexandria.

Our mission: To develop a common movement to support, advocate for, and preserve Alexandria's archaeology and history. 

Please join us to fulfill this mission!

Click on icons at bottom of this page to go to our Facebook & Twitter pages, or to email us!

© FOAA, c/o Alexandria Archaeology Museum, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

Photos credits: Map segment, Library of Congress; Photo of  Peace pitcher by Gavin Ashworth, Courtesy Ceramics in America. Unless otherwise indicated, all other photos on site courtesy of Alexandria Archaeology.