Lee Boyhood Home Calendar of Events
Lee Boyhood Home Museum activities were centered on tours, private rentals and a series of annual events commemorating Museum related historic events, the seasons or personal achievements. A typical private rental is shown on the Weddings page. Discussed below are the other events which highlighted each year.
January
R.E. Lee Birthday Celebration Of course the highlight of the year was the celebration of the birth days of Robert E. Lee and his father Light-Horse Harry Lee. Although this occurred during the non-tourist season when the Home was closed, an exception was made on this one day in January. The celebration included cake and punch, Lee family member reenactors and musical entertainment.
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Period musicians were part of many events
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April
Garden Tour In the spring, the Home participated in the annual tour of historic Alexandria houses. The docent Garden Committee members, see October, took the opportunity to paint and spruce up for the coming tourist season while giving visitors a pleasant afternoon. Here members of The Committee to Save the Lee Boyhood Home Museum tour the gardens.
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Visitors in the Boyhood Home's garden
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July
Fitzhugh-Custis Wedding Observance of the Wedding of Molly Fitzhugh and George Washington Parke Custis found volunteers dressed as the members of the wedding party. Included in this group are the bride and groom, our littlest docent as flower girl, father-of-the-bride, William Fitzhugh, and guests such as Bushrod Washington.
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The wedding party poses with the bride and groom
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October
Docents Luncheon The Museum relied heavily for its day-to-day operation upon volunteer docents. There was seldom a shortage of willing participtants as evidenced by the number of docents. In addition to giving tours, docents performed a variety of tasks in Museum maintenance. Their efforts were recognized at an October luncheon.
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Docents did more than lead tours
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October
Lafayette Visit This house, which was home to the Lees and Fitzhughs and hosted Washington, was also honored by a visit from the Revolutionary hero, Lafayette. This event was recreated each year with he and Mrs. Lee having tea in the living room. On occasion, French choral music was provided through the French Embassy.
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Lafayette, freedom fighter
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December
Candlelight Tour At Christmas time, the Home participated in the annual candle light tour of historic Alexandria houses. Lighted only by candles inside and luminaires outside, the past came alive in an event which continues to this day, although, of course, without the Lee Boyhood Home Museum.
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Candles light the gand staircase
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