About Us
The Alexandria Historical Society is dedicated to researching, recording, discussing, and publishing every aspect of Alexandria’s contributions to the Nation.
The Society was founded in 1975. Membership benefits are numerous, including lectures by outstanding speakers, publications relating to local history, annual awards given to outstanding citizens, and special events, including receptions, meetings, and tours. In addition, a ten percent discount will be given to members in The Lyceum Museum Shop. Meetings are held in September, October, March, April, and May.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Alexandria Historical Society, please visit our Membership section of the web site.
This paragraph is followed by (1) a listing of the officers and Board members of the Alexandria Historical Society, (2) the Constitution and By-Laws of the Alexandria Historical Society, and (3) information on past recipients of awards given by the Alexandria Historical Society.
Current Alexandria Historical Society officers are:
President Douglas Freeman
Vice President Bob Madison
Secretary Linda Greenberg
Treasurer Anne Paul
Board of Directors:
Amy Breedlove Term to end 2010
Audrey Davis Term to end 2010
Henry Desmarais Term to end 2010
Peggy Gross Term to end 2008
James (Hal) Hardaway Term to end 2008
Virginia Jacob Term to end 2009
Ted Pulliam Term to end 2010
Laura Mae Sudder Term to end 2010
Karen Wilkins Term to end 2009
William Dickinson Term to end 2008
Mary Ruth Coleman Ex Officio (Immediate
Past President)
The Constitution and By-Laws of the Society follow:
THE ALEXANDRIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
CONSTITUTION
APRIL, 2003 AS AMENDED
Article I
The name of the society shall be the Alexandria Historical Society.
Article II
The purpose of the society shall be to promote an active interest in American history and particularly in the history of Alexandria and of Virginia. The society is organized exclusively for educational purposes.
Article III
There shall be six (6) classes of membership: Gift, Student, Individual, Couple, Sustaining and Patron. Each member shall have one vote. Membership shall be open to anyone interested in furthering the purpose of the society.
Article IV
The Board of Directors shall consist of a president, vice-president, secretary (who shall also serve as registered agent), treasurer and ten (10) directors, one of whom shall be the editor of the newsletter, one of whom shall be the editor of the Chronicle, and eight (8) others who shall be elected by vote of the membership. Past presidents are eligible to be elected to the Board of Directors. At the request of the President, the immediate Past President may serve as an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors.
Article V
No part of the assets of the society shall inure to the benefit of any member.
BY-LAWS
Article I - Election of Officers
Sec. 1 The annual election of officers of the society and four members of the board of directors shall be held at the annual meeting of the society in May. Officers shall serve one year; Directors shall serve three years, beginning July 1 and ending June 30.
Sec. 2 All members of the board of directors shall be eligible for reelection.
Sec. 3 At least three months prior to the annual meeting. the president shall appoint a chairperson and three members of the nominating committee. Said committee shall submit a slate of candidates to the membership at least twenty days prior to the annual meeting.
Sec. 4 Additional nominations may be made from the floor provided the nominee has given his or her consent.
Article II - Meeting
Sec. 1 Regular meetings shall be held during the year, the number to be determined by the board of directors. One of these shall be the annual meeting in May. Regular meetings shall be held on dates fixed by the board of directors at places designated by the president.
Sec. 2 Special meetings may be called by the president.
Sec. 3 Twenty members may, by signed petition, instruct the president to call a special meeting. The petition shall state the reason for such meeting. Upon receipt of such petition, the president shall call a special meeting within one week.
Sec. 4 Twenty members shall constitute a quorum.
Article III - Duties of Officers
Sec. 1 The president is the principal officer of the society and shall preside at all meetings. The president shall appoint the following standing committees: program, membership, and publicity. The president shall appoint such other committees as are required to conduct the business of the society.
Sec. 2 The vice-president shall assume the duties of the president in the absence of the president.
Sec. 3 The secretary shall keep accurate records of the meetings and proceedings of the society and shall notify board members of the board meetings and other events as designated by the president. The secretary shall serve as the registered agent.
Sec. 4 The treasurer shall be responsible for the safekeeping of the society’'' s funds and for maintaining adequate financial records. The treasurer shall collect dues and other monies, and shall deposit them in a local bank in the name of the society. Monies shall be paid out by numbered check signed either by the president or the treasurer for amounts of $2,500 or less. Financial transactions of more than $2,500 shall require the signature of the treasurer plus any one other officer. The treasurer shall render a report at the annual meeting and at other regular meetings as requested by the president or the membership. The financial records shall be audited annually at the conclusion of each term and the results reported to the president. The treasurer shall be responsible for maintaining the membership roster.
Article IV - Dues
Sec. 1 Annual dues for a Gift membership shall be $5.00; for a Student membership $10.00;
for an Individual membership $20.00; for a Couple membership $30.00; for a Sustaining membership $50.00; for a Patron membership $100.00.
Sec. 2 Dues are due and payable July 1 of each year. A member in arrears more than six months shall be dropped.
Article V - Amendments
Sec. I The constitution may be amended at any two consecutive regular meetings by two-thirds vote of the members present, provided copies of the proposed amendment or amendments have been mailed to all members at least two weeks before the first meeting.
Sec. 2 The by-laws may be amended at any two consecutive meetings by a majority vote of the members present, provided copies of the proposed amendment or amendments have been mailed to all members at least two weeks before the first meeting.
Article VI - Order of Business
Business shall he conducted according to Robert*s Rules of Order.
Article VII - Endowment Fund
Sec. 1 An endowment fund shall be established in the name of the society to receive, accumulate and invest contributions, grants and bequests to support the society’s programs for grants, awards and publications. Contributions. grants and bequests with conditions attached shall be accepted only by a resolution of the Board of Directors. The endowment* funds not otherwise employed shall be deposited in such depository institutions as the Board may select. Monies shall be paid out by instruments signed by such officers or directors of the society as determined by resolution of the Board of Directors. Investment of funds may be authorized from time to time by the Board of Directors. The treasurer shall be responsible for the maintaining of adequate financial records of the endowment. Audit of the funds and financial records of the endowment shall be included in the annual audit of the society*’s funds and at other times as requested by the president or membership.
Sec. 2 The president may appoint special committees to make recommendations for investments and expenditures. Expenditures for grants. awards and publications shall be made by resolution of the Board of Directors, except that the president may authorize expenditures in amounts of five hundred dollars ($500.00) or less.
ALEXANDRIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY AWARDS PROGRAM
This section will (1) first list the past winners of the annual Alexandria History Award, (2) then list the past winners of the Alexandria High School History Awards, (3) then list the winners of Special Awards given by the Alexandria Historical Society, (4) then give the citations for the past winners of the Alexandria History Awards, and (5) finally give the citations for past winners of Special Awards given by the Alexandria Historical Society.
PAST WINNERS OF ALEXANDRIA HISTORY AWARD
In cooperation with other organizations and interested individuals, the Alexandria Historical Society each year honors one or more persons who have made especially noteworthy contributions to the preservation of the historic, cultural, and artistic heritage of Alexandria, Virginia. Individuals who have written research papers, theses, dissertations, books, and materials which publicly disseminate information on the social and cultural history of the area are given particular consideration.
1993 Dr. James D. Munson
1994 Ellen K. Donald & Anna M. Lynch
1995/1996 Catherine B. Hollan
1997 Edith Sprouse
1998 Mona Leithiser Dearborn
1999 Dr. Pamela J. Cressey
2000 Wesley E. Pippenger
2001 Dr. Oscar P. Fitzgerald
2002 William Francis Smith
2003 Lillie M. Finklea
2004 Dr. Alton S. Wallace
2005 General George G. Kundahl
2006 Jean Taylor Federico
2007 T. Michael Miller
2008 Dr. William Seale
PAST WINNERS OF ALEXANDRIA HIGH SCHOOL HISTORY AWARDS
Each year, one exceptional history student from each of Alexandria’s four high schools is chosen to receive the Alexandria Historical Society’s High School History Award. Student candidates are nominated by their teachers and receive an engraved cup. The Society’s selection criteria include demonstrated academic achievement and scholarship in American history (based on class participation, grades, and, if appropriate, achievement on advanced placement history tests); evidence of high motivation and sustained interest in American history; demonstrated awareness of the role of history and the historian in contemporary society; demonstrated mastery of communication skills; and demonstrated citizenship and student leadership.
T.C. Williams High School
1984 Ann Modlin
1985 Brian T. Sullivan
1986 Michelle P. Romani
1987 David Levy
1988 Anne Gilman
1989 Lorraine Reilly
1990 Daisy Hougan
1991 Robert Cushmac
1992 Scott Cyphers
1993 Christiana Callahan
1994 Thomas Schmidt
1995 Jacqueline Ferrand
1996 Margaret Blabey
1997 Lucia Gajda
1998 Katherine Kosloske
1999 Alexis Williams
2000 Sylvia Glassco
2001 Nawar Saddi
2002 Lindsay Walsh
2003 Malinda Snow
2004 Alexander Komorske
2005 Kendall Metz
2006 Gustaf Cavanaugh
2007 William Shafroth
2008 Taylor Wuerker
Episcopal High School
1984 Henry H. Hand
1985 James Rodney McGee
1986 Steve Cook
1987 Charles Rhett Anderson
1988 Thaddeus S. Wilson
1989 Edmund Todd Waters
1990 John B. Buntin
1991 William Alexander Lesman
1992 David Matthew Lawson
1993 Thomas Kennedy Helm, IV
1994 David Perlstein
1995 Nicholas Silins
1996 Michael J. McCarthy
1997 Kristen Anne Edwards
1998 Robert Benjamin Vranian
1999 James Tyler Brown
2000 Katherine Merrill Lummis
2001 Suzanne Eliza Pinckney
2002 Keith E. Carr
2003 Katie Arnold
2004 Zachary J.K. Chessou
2005 Sloan Battle
2006 Catherine Coley
2007 Matthew Hurley
2008 Smith Alexander Marks
Bishop Ireton High School
1984 Thomas P. Ferguson
1985 Michael G. Ferguson
1986 David Mark Moore
1987 Aengus B. Channon
1988 Ben Vinson, III
1989 Louis J. Crishock
1990 Timothy S. Callahan
1991 Michael J. Marmura
1992 Mary Elizabeth Ferguson
1993 Ellen Gawalt
1994 Matthew Tobin
1995 Katherine Ann Moran
1996 Brianna N. Stegall
1997 Angela Wallace
1998 Meaghan Elizabeth Donovan
1999 Colin M. Keating
2000 Theresa K. Hanicak
2001 Daniel W. Redding
2002 Elizabeth Dewey-Vogt
2003 Laura Olsen
2004 Mary LaMontagne
2005 Megan Locke
2006 Philippe Halbert
2007 Teresa Green
2008 Jennifer Nguyen
St. Mary’s Academy
1984 Jenny V. Willier
1985 Suzanne Chirico
1986 Mireille M. Cronin
1987 Danielle Eva Troyan
1988 Mary Faraday
1989 Regina Eve Conroy
1990 Pamela A. Mahony
St. Agnes School
1984 Anne Yasmine Rassam
1985 Julie Ann Lenzini
1986 Deborah Anne Meister
1987 Jennifer Griffin
1988 Rukiah Abdul-Malik
1989 Tara Arden Uhler
1990 Elizabeth Fritz
1991 Kerry Gormley
St. Stephen’s School
1984 Anthony D. MacIntyre
1985 Richard Owen Snyder
1986 Andrew S. Veech
1987 Thomas D. Yates
1988 Richard P. George
1989 Leverett William Edgar
1990 Dylan E. Rodriguez
1991 Andrew McCain
St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School
1992 Catherine Alice Jones
1993 Beatrice Evangelista
1994 Patrick Rodriguez
1995 Alex Reponen
1996 Kristen Egener
1997 Raffy Melkonian
1998 Dana Frantz
1999 Vernon Britt Richardson, III
2000 Cassie McGettigan
2001 Caroline Edsall
2002 Tim Gray
2003 Adrienne Allen
2004 William Max Meyers
2005 Alysia Harris
2006 Travis Thompson
2007 Julia Ciavarella
2008 Alexander Propp
PAST RECIPIENTS OF SPECIAL AWARDS
GIVEN BY THE ALEXANDRIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
1994 Mr. & Mrs. John N. Joynt
1995/96 Effie Crittenden Dunstan
1997 No Special Award
1998 No Special Award
1999 No Special Award
2000 Dee Gavey (Mrs. T. W.)
Emmy Stuart (Mrs. Douglas B.)
2001 T. Michael Miller
2002 No Special Award
2003 Anne S. Paul
John Hanna, Gary Smith, the late Wilbur Sparks and The Alexandria
Harmonizers
2004 Betty Rhoads Wright
2005 Marian Van Landingham
2006 No Special Award
2007 Gary D. Eyler
2008 Carlton A. Funn, Sr.
Robert E. L. deButts, Jr.
CITATIONS FOR PAST WINNERS OF
THE ALEXANDRIA HISTORY AWARD
1993 – James D. Munson, Ph.D.
Dr. Munson became deeply interested in Alexandria’s history and selected as his University of Maryland Ph.D. dissertation topic, “From Empire to Commonwealth: Alexandria, Virginia, 1749-1780.” His doctoral degree was issued in 1984. Since that time, Dr. Munson has been active in scholarly research, writing, lecturing, and promoting historical research about his chosen specialty. He wrote a history of the Carlyle House, Col. John Carlyle, Gent.: A True and Just Account of the Man and His House, published in 1986. He is currently preparing a definitive history of Alexandria from 1749 to 1801.
1994 – Ellen K. Donald & Anna M. Lynch
For their contributions in advancing the historic, artistic, and cultural history of Alexandria.
Ellen Donald’s expertise and careful scholarship in 18th and 19th century social history and material culture have helped to guide research and site interpretation regionally, and have made an impact on scholarly perceptions of Alexandria’s role in the colonial and federal periods. She has been a research associate and consultant at Gadsby’s Tavern as well as Carlyle House – contributing to the Historic Furnishing Plan and Interpretive Master Plan of both museums. Ms. Donald has also made significant contributions through her work at the Octagon House and Gunston Hall, and through her knowledgeable lectures and insightful writings in the field.
Anna Lynch’s valuable contributions to the study of Alexandria’s history – at Gadsby’s Tavern, the Black History Resource Center, and Alexandria Archaeology – include research to discover the identities of the earliest free Alexandria African Americans, filling an important gap in our knowledge of a vital part of Alexandria’s early history. Results of this work are being published through Alexandria Archaeology. The first, an alphabetized index of the earliest free African Americans known to have lived in the city is available now; the other two are forthcoming. Mrs. Lynch’s research has also been used in a current Archaeology Museum exhibit catalog – “To Witness the Past;” and to help create a living history “character” at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum.
1995/1996 – Catherine B. Hollan
In recognition of Catherine B. Hollan’s outstanding contribution in curating the exhibit “Three Centuries of Alexandria Silver,” and for her authorship of the accompanying exhibit catalog.
The exhibit and the catalog together represent a ground-breaking accomplishment, bringing to light and documenting a rich and vital part of Alexandria’s cultural heritage – that of silversmithing. Her achievements have enriched our appreciation and understanding of this unique facet of Alexandria’s tradition, as well as its relationship to the wider community. We honor Miss Hollan for sharing with us her knowledge and talent, both for the exhibit itself and for the catalog that promises to be a basic reference tool for future research.
1997 – Edith Sprouse
Edith Sprouse’s valuable contributions to the study of early Alexandria and Fairfax County history have been a great benefit to historians, researchers, and institutions. She has served as project director, researcher, and consultant for major regional history projects like the Fairfax County, Virginia, Bicentennial Indexing Project. The production of indexes to archival materials, and abstracts of vital record, has benefited the many researchers and historians who have followed her. She has spoken on research methodology at professional conferences and has published five books and fifty-three articles on a variety of subjects ranging from the early history of towns such as Colchester, to sites like Mount Airy and historical figures such as clock maker and silversmith Benjamin Barton.
1998 – Mona Leithiser Dearborn
Mona Leithiser Dearborn has made outstanding contributions to the preservation of Alexandria’s historical, cultural, and artistic heritage. She has devoted countless hours as a volunteer with Alexandria Archaeology, The Athenaeum, and the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, and has served on the Boards of the Alexandria Historical Society, The Lyceum Company, and Friends of Lloyd House.
An art historian, Mrs. Dearborn’s professional experience includes having served as Keeper of the Catalog of American Portraits at the National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, from 1974 until her retirement in 1984. Her special interest in American portrait miniatures led to her participation in several conferences, including the 1990 Metropolitan Museum of Art’s seminar “Tokens of Affection, the Portrait Miniature in America” and The Lyceum’s 1994 symposium “Portraits on Demand, the Itinerant Artists in Early 19th-Century America.” She has published numerous monographs, including “Isaac Todd” in The Alexandria Chronicle, “Guy Atkinson and the Itinerant Artists of Fairfax Street, Alexandria” in the Journal of Southern Decorative Arts, and “Anson Dickinson, Painter of Miniatures” in the magazine Antiques.
1999 – Pamela J. Cressey, Ph.D.
As the City Archaeologist for Alexandria, Dr. Cressey works closely with the community. She inspires volunteers, students, and the general public to research, appreciate, and protect Alexandria’s historical heritage. Thanks to her leadership, the city’s archaeology program is internationally acclaimed.
Dr. Cressey’s contributions go far beyond normal working hours. She takes an active role in stimulating interest in the rich social and cultural history of Alexandria. Dr. Cressey’s newspaper columns explore the meaning of the past, and her publications are a catalyst in preserving historic resources. She is a popular speaker for local organizations, a consultant for universities and government agencies, and a frequent television guest. She has been an adjunct professor at George Washington University since 1979, and has served as the President of the Society for Historical Archaeology. Dr. Cressey’s high standards, smile, and scholarship inspire Alexandrians in their appreciation of the city’s 250th anniversary.
2000 – Wesley E. Pippenger
Wesley E. Pippenger has contributed to the dissemination of information on the history of the region, especially Alexandria and Washington, DC. A sampling of his work includes:
Alexandria Town Lots, 1749-1801, Together with the Proceedings of the Board of Trustees, 1749-1780 (with C. K. Ring)
John Alexander, a Northern Neck Proprietor: His Family, Friends and Kin
Legislative Petitions of the Town and County of Alexandria, Virginia, 1778-1861
Alexandria, Virginia, Wills, Administrations and Guardianships, 1786-1800
Alexandria, Virginia, Marriages, 1870-1892
Tombstone Inscriptions of Alexandria, Virginia (4 Volumes)
Husbands and Wives Associated with Early Alexandria, Virginia
“John Mercer and His Land Book,” Magazine of Virginia Genealogy
“Ministers and Clergy around Alexandria, Virginia (Before the 20th Century),” Northern Virginia Genealogy
“Perils of a Respectable Family,” The Fireside Sentinel
Alexandria, Virginia, Hustings Court Orders, Vol. 1 (March 1780 to July 1787)
Mr. Pippenger’s publications provide valuable research tools to genealogical and historical researchers in making a variety of Alexandria, Arlington, and District of Columbia records easily available.
2001 – Oscar P. Fitzgerald
Dr. Oscar P. Fitzgerald has contributed to the preservation and dissemination of the history of Alexandria and especially the environment of the city. He was the chairman and a founding member of the Historic Alexandria Resources Commission, a member of the Archaeological Commission, and currently is Vice Chairman of the Board of Architectural Review for the Old and Historic District. Dr. Fitzgerald also serves as President of the Friends of Carlyle House and Chairman of the Alexandria Antiques Forum. His scholarship includes:
The exhibition catalog, The Green Family of Cabinetmakers: An Alexandria Institution, 1817-1887, for the 1986 exhibition of 19th century Green furniture at the Lyceum.
The exhibition catalog, In Search of Joseph Nourse, 1754-1841: America’s First Civil Servant, for an exhibition at Dumbarton House, National Society of the Colonial Dames of America.
The book, Three Centuries of American Furniture, 1982.
The book, Four Centuries of American Furniture, 1995.
In addition to many lectures on historical and decorative arts subjects, Dr. Fitzgerald teaches in the Master’s Program in the History of American Decorative Arts in cooperation with the Smithsonian Institution and the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum. He also serves on the faculty of Marymount University, Arlington, Virginia.
2002 – William Francis Smith
William Francis Smith is recognized for his years of volunteer activities for many different organizations, but especially for his diligence in seeking out and preserving images of the community. These photographs might otherwise have been lost, but now are saved for future generations. We also acknowledge Mr. Smith’s generosity in making these images available to a wide audience which has enhanced the city’s ability to tell the story of 19th century development in Alexandria.
William Francis Smith has had a long interest in Virginia and Alexandria history as seen in old photographs such as those depicting Civil War scenes in Alexandria and identifiable landmarks or street scenes from Alexandria.
Over the years, Mr. Smith shared his large collection with numerous historians and the public, first in the publication for the First & Citizens Bank, and then in A Seaport Saga: Portrait of Old Alexandria, Virginia, which he co-authored with T. Michael Miller. Many of his photographs are on loan to the Local History/Special Collections unit of the Barrett Library. They have been reproduced with permission in many museum exhibitions and publications.
2003 – Lillie M. Finklea
In 1997, after reading of the likely existence of hundreds of graves of former slaves at a South Washington Street gas station, 61-year resident of Alexandria Lillie M. Finklea founded, with Louise Massoud, the Friends of Freedmen’s Cemetery. The organization is dedicated to the preservation and commemoration of the burial ground.
Lillie’s achievements with the Friends include the placement of the burial ground on the Virginia African American Heritage Trail and the National Park Service’s National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom; the erection of a state historic highway marker commemorating the site; and a Community Service Award from the Alexandria Branch of the NAACP.
The 2003 History Award recognizes Lillie Finklea’s work with the Friends and her personal crusade to bring wide recognition of the significance of the Freedmen’s Cemetery and the freed African Americans interred there.
2004 – Dr. Alton S. Wallace
Dr. Alton S. Wallace holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics and Engineering from the University of Maryland, and has spent his professional life working in the defense industry in the Washington, DC, metro area. Currently, Dr. Wallace serves as a deacon and as the historian at Alfred Street Baptist Church.
In 1998, Dr. Wallace and his wife, Patricia, were appointed co-chairs of the church’s 2003 bicentennial celebration by the Rev. John O. Peterson, and were asked to write a book about the history of Alfred Street Baptist Church. Dr. Wallace recruited volunteers from the church to work on the Historical Research Committee and began the process of identifying sources, making trips to libraries, and conversing with other historians and knowledgeable people in the congregation and the community. Dr. Wallace worked tirelessly to write, edit and review I Once Was Young, a history of Alfred Street Baptist Church from 1803 through 2003. The publication will serve many generations, giving insight into the religious, social, and cultural life of African Americans in Alexandria and the humble beginnings of African American churches, especially Alfred Street Baptist Church.
2005 – General George G. Kundahl
General George G. Kundahl holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Alabama. After thirty-four years of commissioned service in the United States Army, Kundahl is now a Major General, U.S. Army (Retired). He is currently serving as Chief of Staff for the Military Order of the World Wars.
General Kundahl is being honored for writing Alexandria Goes to War: Beyond Robert E. Lee. He used local history source material to collectively weave a tapestry depicting a pre-Civil War Unionist Alexandria that is swept away along with the rest of Virginia into the Southern Confederacy. The variety of sources used – private journals, family letters, and articles – focuses on the stories of individual Alexandrians, providing personal voices to the stories. Much of the research for Alexandria Goes to War was done in the Barrett Branch Library’s Local History/Special Collections Section.
General Kundahl is also the author of Confederate Engineer: Training and Campaigning with John Morris Wampler.
2006 – Jean Taylor Federico
Jean Taylor Federico has been director of the Office of Historic Alexandria since 1983. During that time she has secured accreditation by the American Association of Museums of Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, The Lyceum, and Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site. She was responsible for raising funds for the exhibition and catalog of Three Centuries of Alexandria Silver (exhibition at The Lyceum) and a catalog on the Green Furniture Company. She raised funds for the renovation of the Lloyd House garden and the exhibition “Securing the Blessings of Liberty” at the Alexandria Black History Museum. She promoted partnerships with Historic Alexandria Foundation and later with the Antiques in Alexandria Committee. Both organizations provide funding for the purchase of objects and for grants. She also secured National Register nominations for seven Alexandria African American Sites and the 2004 “Preserve America Community” status for the City of Alexandria. She has served the Historic Alexandria Resources Commission, the Alexandria Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission, and the city’s 250th Anniversary Celebration.
Ms. Federico serves on Advisory Panels for the Potomac Heritage Partnership, the Alexandria Library Company, and the Institute for Museum & Library Services. She is a site visitor for the American Association of Museums Accreditation Committee and a MAP consultant. She is an active member of many prominent history and museum associations.
2007 – T. Michael Miller
In the 250 year history of Alexandria, nobody has written more about the history of Alexandria than T. Michael Miller. The catalog of the Alexandria Public Library lists 30 publications on Alexandria history by T. Michael Miller. These range from general works like A Seaport Saga: Portrait of Old Alexandria, Virginia (written with William Francis Smith); Pen Portraits of Alexandria, Virginia, 1739-1900; and his two-volume Artisans and Merchants of Alexandria, Virginia, 1780-1820 to major compilations of source material for researchers such as Burials in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Alexandria, Virginia, 1798-1983; Alexandria (Virginia) City Officialdom, 1749-1992; and If Elected: An Overview of How Alexandrians Voted in Presidential Elections from 1780-1984. In addition, as editor of the Fireside Sentinel from 1987 until 1994 and as editor of the Alexandria Chronicle from 1993 until 2005, he has written dozens of articles for these important Alexandria history journals. Also, he has frequently contributed articles on all aspects of Alexandria history to a wide variety of other publications such as the Alexandria Gazette Packet, Alexandria History, and newsletters like the Alexandria Archaeology Volunteer News.
Equally as important, he encouraged and assisted others in researching and writing works on Alexandria history. This was especially notable with the many authors he helped while editor of the Fireside Sentinel and the Alexandria Chronicle. Many of the articles by others in these journals would never have been published without his active support. Indeed, virtually every book on Alexandria history written in the past decade contains on its acknowledgment page effusive thanks for T. Michael Miller. He has been particularly helpful in assisting other researchers in finding and making better use of the many Alexandria history primary sources at the local library and other locations. His book, Historic House Sleuthing in Alexandria, Virginia, has helped many Old Town homeowners trace the histories of their homes.
Practically his entire adult life has been devoted to Alexandria history. He was curator of the Lee-Fendall House Museum from 1978 to 1980, research historian at the Alexandria Library, Lloyd House (now the Local History/Special Collections unit) from 1980 to 1995, and became Research Historian for the Office of Historic Alexandria in 1995, a position he continues to hold. He was President of the Alexandria Historical Society from 1994 to 1996, was Vice President for three years, and served on its Board for an additional twelve years. Sharing his vast knowledge, he has lectured extensively on Alexandria’s history to a multitude of groups throughout the area.
2008 -- Dr. William Seale
The 2008 Alexandria Historical Society History Award was presented to Dr. William Seale for his history of The Alexandria Library Company. Founded in 1794 The Library Company served Alexandria until the public library opened in 1932. At that time the Company turned over its collection of over three thousand books to the new organization. Dr. Seale’s history is not only a chronicle of the Company itself but also a history of the citizens and of the city and their cultural, intellectual and literary interests over almost a century and a half.
Dr. William Seale is one of the leading authorities on the preservation and restoration of historic buildings, specializing in state capitols and other public buildings. His definitive two-volume, The President’s House: A History is in the process of being revised and enlarged for a second edition due in 2008. The White House: The History of an American Idea is a richly illustrated reference study which brings together an architectural study of the White House and the story of the first families and designers who shaped it. Dr. Seale serves as editor of White House History, a journal published by the White House Historical Association. Other works on cultural and social history include A Guide to Historic Alexandria, Temples of Democracy and The Tasteful Interlude. William Seale’s work continues to be invaluable to museum curators and students of architecture and the decorative arts.
CITATIONS FOR PAST RECIPIENTS
OF SPECIAL AWARDS GIVEN BY THE
ALEXANDRIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
1994 – Mr. and Mrs. John H. Joynt
The Historical Society takes particular pleasure in offering a special commendation to Mrs. May Joynt and the late Howard Joynt for their long abiding efforts in the preservation field and also for their munificent gift of silver – which is on display at the Lyceum – to the City of Alexandria. For many years, Mr. Joynt served as chairman of the Historic Alexandria Preservation Restoration Commission which administers the Lloyd House, now occupied by the Alexandria library and its historic genealogical collection. He also supported the Carlyle House Historic Park and became president of the Carlyle House Foundation in 1984. Throughout the years the Joynts gave generously of their time and knowledge to many local organizations and their support of historic preservation helped to establish the high standards which we appreciate and continue to practice.
1995 – Effie Crittenden Dunstan
Effie Crittenden Dunstan was born in Montgomery, Alabama, educated at Florida State College in Tallahassee, admitted to the Alabama bar in 1934 and to the United States Supreme Court in 1944, and served as Assistant Attorney General of Alabama. She moved with her husband, Arthur, to Alexandria in 1949 and developed her continuing passion for Alexandria history. It is unlikely that any other person has been active (and not simply a nominal member) in so many historic, preservation and other civic and community projects and organizations in Alexandria and Northern Virginia as has Effie Dunstan.
Beginning in 1958 as a member of the Junior League of Alexandria, she organized the Gunston Hall Docents Association. During her presidency of the Alexandria Association, she helped found, in 1974, the Alexandria Historical Society and became its registered legal agent, a responsibility she continues to exercise. Some would consider her the “founding mother” of the Alexandria Historical Society. Effie Dunstan is the author of “Colonial Alexandria, 1749-1776: the Governmental Power Structure,” which appeared in Alexandria, A Composite History, Vol. I, and has also contributed to The City of Washington: An Illustrated History, published by the Junior League of Washington. She authored many constitutions and by-laws, including those for the Carlyle House and the Alexandria Historical Society.
Effie Dunstan was, in 1974, a founding member of the Historic Alexandria Docents and, in 1984, a founder and member of the first board of trustees for the Preservation Alliance. She has been an active member (and often a director or officer) of the Library Company, the Friends of Lloyd House, the Friends of Carlyle House, the Carlyle House Garden Guild, the Historic Alexandria Foundation, the vestry of Emanuel Church-on-the-Hil | 
