Alexandria museums join statewide historic tourism initiative for America's 250th anniversary
Virginia 250 Passport program launches today with 70 destinations across commonwealth
Three of the city’s eight historic museums are among 70 destinations featured in a new statewide tourism initiative celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, officials announced Monday.
The Virginia 250 Passport, which launches today, features Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum and the Alexandria Black History Museum, all operated by the Office of Historic Alexandria.
The collaborative program is organized by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Colonial Williamsburg, George Washington’s Mount Vernon, the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. The Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission and Virginia Tourism Corporation are supporting the project.
“This collaboration is a wonderful example of how, when Virginians work together, we can show the world the best of who we are,” said Gretchen Bulova, director of the Office of Historic Alexandria.
The 64-page commemorative booklet serves as a travel guide, discount book, and keepsake, featuring participating museums and historic sites across five Virginia regions. A total of 250,000 copies will be distributed free at signature sites, the VA250 Mobile Museum, select VA250 events, and all 12 Virginia Welcome Centers.
Travelers can collect stamps at each location. After securing a stamp, visitors receive up to 15% off admission at future participating sites. Collecting at least five stamps qualifies participants for a prize drawing in December 2026, with prizes including yearlong museum memberships and cash awards up to $2,500.
The program runs through Dec. 31, 2026. More information is available at VirginiaHistory.org/250Passport.
The Office of Historic Alexandria operates eight museums and historic sites throughout the city, including the Alexandria Archaeology Museum, Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site, Freedom House Museum, Friendship Firehouse Museum and Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum.