Discover Alexandria’s Hidden Past with Gravestone Stories
Step into Alexandria’s most remarkable outdoor history museum—the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex—on a guided walking tour like no other. Featured in Emerging Civil War for groundbreaking research, Gravestone Stories brings to life the incredible true tales of more than 35,000 individuals buried across this extraordinary complex of 13 historic cemeteries—the most historic cluster in the United States.
Historians Leading Tours, Not Tour Guides Sharing Stories
Our 90-minute walking tours are led by professional historians who have spent years researching these sacred grounds. Instead of ghost stories and folklore, you’ll hear documented histories of real people—from Revolutionary War heroes to Cold War operatives—whose verified lives changed American history.
Led by expert historians using cutting-edge archaeological tools, including ground-penetrating radar, our tours reveal recently rediscovered graves and stories spanning more than 250 years of American history. From George Washington’s inner circle to space-age pioneers, explore how Alexandria became a crossroads for extraordinary figures who shaped the nation.
What Makes Our Tours Unique:
Recent discoveries – Visit graves rediscovered in 2024 after 200+ years
Interactive technology – Explore with our award-winning digital cemetery maps
Comprehensive timeline – Revolutionary War heroes to Civil Rights pioneers
Hidden connections – See how Alexandria’s stories intersect with major national events
Expert guides – Historians specializing in cemetery archaeology and Alexandria history
Public Tour Schedule
Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex Tours
Tours operate year-round with times adjusted seasonally for daylight and weather.
Typical Start Times:
Wednesday: Morning tours (around 10:30 a.m.).
Thursday: Afternoon tours
Friday: Afternoon tours (typically 2:00 p.m.)
Saturday & Sunday: Between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m., depending on the time of year
Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.
Thursday: 10:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.
Each tour lasts approximately 90 minutes.
Please wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
Planning your visit?
You can view our Alexandria Cemetery Tour Calendar to see when we’re away from the site or participating in off-site events.
All regular Gravestone Stories tour bookings are managed exclusively through Viator.
Special event tickets, such as programs hosted by partner sites like the Lee-Fendall House Museum, are available through their respective platforms.
Expanded Offerings
In addition to our public schedule, Gravestone Stories offers private and themed tours by request—ideal for groups attending DC-area conventions, corporate events, heritage organizations (D.A.R., S.A.R., Colonial Dames), schools, community groups, and others seeking a distinctive Alexandria experience.
Available Themes:
Civil War Hospitals & Burials
Alexandria’s African American History
Modern America & Memorial Legacies
Early Alexandria & Founding Families
Firefighting and First Responders in Alexandria
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, genealogist, or curious traveler, Gravestone Stories offers an inspiring and unforgettable way to explore Alexandria’s hidden history—one gravestone at a time.
Learn More and Book Your Tour