Events
Wooden Hulls & Rag-Tag Fleets:
From the Continental to the US Navy
Friday, June 5th, 7 PM
Doors open at 6:30
A Free Panel Discussion
Join us for a combined Alexandria Historical Society and Athenaeum salute to the upcoming Sails on the Potomac when we host a panel of experts discussing an overview of the early days of the US Navy and its predecessor, the Continental Navy.
Our free, family-friendly Friday night prelude to Sails on the Potomac will include:
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Dr. Tom Sheppard, author of Commanding Petty Despots who will discuss the creation of the Continental Navy, its officer corps, and the accomplishments & struggles of the American Revolutionary war at sea.
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Mr. Chris Martin from the Ships, Stations and Squadrons Histories Branch of the Naval History & Heritage Command, who will describe what some of the early Navy ships were like.
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Information on Alexandria's own Tall Ship Providence, a reproduction of the first Continental Navy ship, and the following week's Sails on the Potomac, part of Sail 250.
We will conclude with an informal Q&A session on all things early Navy.
About the Panelists
DR. THOMAS SHEPPARD is an Assistant Professor of Military History at the Marine Corps University Command and Staff College in Quantico, Virginia. He earned his doctorate in military history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His work has appeared in the Journal of Military History and Strategic Studies Quarterly. He lives in northern Virginia.
MR. CHRIS MARTIN is a Historian for the Naval History & Heritage Command. He received a Bachelor's degree in Communications and a Master's degree in History from George Mason University.
Honoring Juneteenth
Friday, June 19, 6 – 8 pm
Artists' presentations began at 6:30 pm
Free
Discover the history of Juneteenth through art, African drumming, vendors, and poetry that marks the liberation of Black Americans.
For this Celebration we are thrilled to present Hostess: KaNikki Jakarta and three magnificent Artists: Ayanna Gallant, The HipHopMomma Princess Best aka “The HEALACIST” and 13 of Nazareth. Attendees will have the opportunity to talk with the artists and purchase their products after and in-between. The Athenaeum is offering Adinkra printmaking activities for all ages and artisans vendors.
For Vendor Opportunities contact KANIKKI JAKARTA kanikkij@gmail.com