School Programs

The Lee-Fendall House Museum offers engaging, curriculum-aligned programs that bring Alexandria’s history to life for students of all ages. Through guided tours, hands-on activities, and primary source exploration, students connect local history to broader themes in American history, civics, and social change—all within the historic walls of the Lee-Fendall House.

Each educational program has been carefully crafted using the history of Lee-Fendall and Virginia’s educational standards. All four field trips have been tailored to both elementary and secondary education standards, including the program’s tour and activity.

Lesson plans for each field trip can be provided upon request

House Programs (capacity of 30 students)

1. Alexandria Civil War History

  • Analyze local history through the lens of a national event
  • Think about Alexandria’s role as both a Confederate and Union occupied space
  • Learn about the experiences of free and enslaved individuals throughout the war
  • Understand how Alexandria became a hotspot for Union Hospitals and the ways in which it shaped Virginia’s history

2. Visual and Material Culture

  • Think about the importance of material and visual culture in historic preservation and interpretation
  • Learn about examples of material and visual culture while defining key terms
  • Create examples of visual culture with techniques explored in the museum
  • Develop an appreciation for material/visual culture in and out of historic sphere

Garden Programs (capacity of 50 students)

1. Local Foodways

  • Understand how residential food production and preparation changed as a result of the industrial revolution
  • Familiarize themselves with Virginia’s agricultural industry, as well as the widespread usage of enslaved labor in crop and livestock production
  • Identify foodways that influenced Virginia’s cuisine, both ingredients and dishes
  • Develop a Lee-Fendall menu based on local foodways and agricultural products

2. Virginia Natural History

  • Analyze the impacts of America’s industrialization on residential gardens
  • Learn about the process of archeological digs and their role in historic study
  • Understand Virginia’s landscape and climate and the way it impacted local history
  • Identify pollinators and their importance within the ecosystem and natural history

Scheduling A Program

If you are interested in visiting the Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden for a field trip, please see below for details and logistics:

  1. Field trips must be booked at least one month in advance, any bookings within 30 days of the trip may incur a late fee
  2. A $50 deposit and signed contract is required to finalize booking, balance is due in full prior to the field trip date or upon arrival
    1. Pricing: $150 minimum, $12/student, 1 free adult per 10 students, $6/extra adult
  3. Should your field trip be cancelled due to inclement weather, we will make every effort to reschedule based on availability, or a refund will be provided
  4. Field trips will last about 1.5 hours, both indoor and outdoor programs
  5. A minimum chaperone ratio of 1:10 is required to ensure an enjoyable experience, this can include teachers and parents, and if necessary the museum can provide chaperones with extensive notice
  6. If you are having lunch or snacks in the garden, please let us know 30 days prior
  7. Bus and motorcoach parking is limited in the Old Town area. For more information about motorcoach parking, and pick-up and drop off zones, please visit the City of Alexandria’s Motorcoach Information Page

A field trip contract will be provided upon booking, including information above and further details.

To schedule a visit, please contact the Program Manager at sophie.mccarthy@leefendallhouse.org or call the museum at (703)548-1789.