Saturday, July 5, 2008

Fort Ward Museum

Fort Ward Museum, erected in the 1960s, was patterned after wooden, board and batten style military structures built in the camps and forts around Washington during the Civil War. Note the white, curved trim on the two-story building called gingerbread, a popular feature used on Victorian houses during the 1800s. Inside the Museum you will see many original Civil War period objects which curators and other staff care for, conserve and display.

Among the objects on view are uniforms, diaries and letters belonging to Union soldiers, weapons and military equipment, surgeons tools, musical instruments, and photographs. These authentic objects and images are displayed in thematic exhibits on topics such as medical care, the artillery, and the common soldier.   View some Collection Highlights

When in the Museum, be sure to stop at the three-dimensional model of Fort Ward to see a small scale version of how the site looked during the Civil War. Also see the large map which outlines the extensive ring of forts comprising the Defenses of Washington, called "Mr. Lincolns Forts."

An orientation video provides an excellent overview of the history of Fort Ward, the best preserved of all the Civil War forts around Washington, and the wartime defense of the Union capital. Historic site and exhibit brochures are available at the Museum. The Museum shop offers books, postcards and reproduction items for sale.

MUSEUM HOURS:                          

Tuesday to Saturday: 9 am to 5 pm
Sunday: Noon to 5 pm Monday:
Closed Closed: New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas.
(Please call for changes regarding weather related conditions.)

Daily 9 am to sunset.

Free.  Donations are welcomed.

Get your Coupon.

Tuesday to Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Fort Ward Museum is located on West Braddock Road between King Street (Route 7) and North Van Dorn Street in Alexandria, Virginia, approximately six miles south of Washington, D.C. The Museum and Historic Site are surrounded by a park.

From Old Town Alexandria
Follow King Street west to T.C. Williams High School, turn right on Kenwood Avenue. Turn left on West Braddock Road, and proceed about a mile. The Museum entrance is on the right.

From I-395 (north or south)
Take Seminary Road East exit and at the fifth traffic light (at Alexandria Hospital) turn left onto North Howard Street. Follow North Howard to its intersection with West Braddock Road and turn right. The Museum entrance is on the left.

From Washington, D.C. and National Airport
Follow road signs to I-395 South. Use I-395 directions to Museum. OR - Take the Metro from National Airport Metro station, and follow directions on how to reach Fort Ward by Metro.

From I-95/I-495 (Capital Beltway)
Follow road signs to I-395 North. Use I-395 directions to Museum.

From Dulles Airport
Take Dulles Access Road East to I-495 North (Capital Beltway). Follow road signs to I-395 North. Use I-395 directions to Museum.

By Metro Rail, then Bus
Take the Yellow or Blue Line to King Street Station. The AT5 DASH bus to Landmark stops in front of Fort Ward. Call (703) 370-DASH for bus schedules and information.

By Amtrak or Virginia Railway Express
Walk across the the street from the Alexandria Union Station to the King Street Station to catch DASH bus. See above

PARKING:

          Ample free parking for cars and buses.

PARK AND PICNIC AREA:

The Museum and Historic Fort are located within a 45-acre park which is operated by the City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities. Picnic areas are available and may be reserved for groups by calling the Recreation department at 703-838-4844. Self-guided tours of the Fort and Museum may be taken any time the Museum and Historic Site are open. Guided tours of the Fort and the Museum are available with advance reservations for a small fee.

ACCESSIBILITY

Museum exhibit areas are wheel-chair accessible. Handicapped parking is available in the Museum lot. For visitors who are unable to tour the historic fort, an interpretive video, "Fort Ward and the Defenses of Washington, DC: Silent Guardians of the Capital City" is shown inside the Museum. The Fort Ward video is closed-captioned for the hearing impaired. Large print, Braille, French, German and Spanish brochures are also available. The City of Alexandria complies with the terms of ADA. An individual with a disability who wishes to request a reasonable accommodation may contact the Museum at 703-838-4848.

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