Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site

The Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site interprets American history of the 1860-1870 period, focusing on the Civil War defenses of Washington, D.C., Fort Ward as a military site, wartime Alexandria, and the experiences of Alexandrians during the Union occupation of the City. As an integral part of its mission, the Museum collects, preserves and interprets historic artifacts relating to the American Civil War and explains the significance of artifacts in the context of exhibitions and study collections. The staff adheres to the professional Code of Ethics developed by the Office of Historic Alexandria, and employs standards established by the American Association of Museums for accredited institutions in the registration, storage, care and exhibition of artifacts in its custody.

To fulfill its mission to the public, the Museum distributes an interactive classroom learning kit and other age-appropriate programs which meet or complement the Virginia Department of Education Standards of Learning; offers lectures, bus tours and walking tours of Fort Ward that provide adult audiences with opportunities for continued learning; mounts special exhibitions and plans living history programs that offer activities for the whole family; maintains a web site that provides in-depth educational information to the Internet community; preserves and interprets the extant and restored portions of the historic fort through informative signage, brochures maps and tours; offers site brochures in French, Spanish and German; provides brochures in braille and large print for the sight impaired visitor and a closed-captioned video for the hearing impaired visitor to comply with the ADA; acts as a resource for museum professionals as well as for new and emerging sites; maintains the Dorothy C. S. Starr Research Library as a center for the study of the American Civil War and the Defenses of Washington, D.C.; and conducts fund-raising activities to expand its financial base.