Alexandria’s museums capture the imagination and inspire innovation amongst those seeking to learn something new. With George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate, Museum & Gardens just a boat or bike ride away, beautifully preserved historic sites like Gadsby’s Tavern Museum and the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum in the heart of Old Town interpret Alexandria’s incredible role as the first president’s hometown. These gems are part of the Office of Historic Alexandria’s museum system, one of only eight municipal organizations across the nation accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Historically, Alexandria was an inspiration and road to freedom for many African Americans from the Civil War through civil rights, and many of those stories are detailed at the Alexandria Black History Museum and at Freedom House Museum. Curious and creative types are drawn to the National Inventors Hall of Fame and Museum at the US Patent & Trade Office, which was recently named amongst the “Top 10 Great Places to be Inspired by Innovation” by USA Today, and to the world-famous Torpedo Factory Art Center, where artwork is created before your eyes.
