News & Press Releases

“A Fine Beginning”

Fairfax, VA (July 8, 2010) – In August 1753, John Carlyle and his wife, Sarah Fairfax Carlyle, moved into their new home in Alexandria.  That night, Sarah gave birth to a son, William. 

On Saturday, August 7th from noon to 4:00 pm, visitors are invited to experience life at the Carlyle House as you welcome the family into their new home.  This free, family friendly program will feature living history interpreters portraying the Carlyle family. 

Meet Monty the horse, who will be out front to greet visitors.  Learn about transportation in the 1700s and the challenges with moving into a brand new town.  Encounter the townspeople and ask them about their lives in the new town of Alexandria. 

How was a new baby welcomed in the 18^th-century?  What kinds of teething toys and rattles did they use? Special family activities will introduce children and audiences of all ages to the lives of babies in the colonial period.

Children can make their own floorcloth, a canvas floorcovering painted to look like marble.  Come inside the house to see our new “Tumbling Blocks” floorcloth in John Carlyle’s study.

Carlyle House, located at 121 North Fairfax Street in Old Town Alexandria, is a property of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority.  For more information, visit www.nvrpa.org. 

Contact: Sarah Coster, 703-549-2997, scoster@nvpra.org