Freedom House Museum

The basics

The three floors of the Freedom House Museum tell the story of the building on 1315 Duke Street, which was the headquarters of the largest domestic slave trading company in the US. Most poignantly, the museum honors the lives of the enslaved people who moved through here between 1828 and 1861 on their way to markets in the South. It showcases Black history and exhibits art by Black artists and photographers.

Alexandria played a significant role in the trade of enslaved people, and various historical and walking tours focus on this aspect of its history. Such tours often pass by the Freedom House Museum and note the building’s significance. For an in-depth tour of the museum, visit independently so you can really take your time.

Things to know before you go

• Due to the sensitive nature of the museum’s content, it’s most suitable for kids aged 8 and above.

• The three-story museum has an elevator and is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

• There’s a small entry fee to the museum; children under 5 and residents of Alexandria get free admission. Pre-booking your tickets is recommended.

• The museum has a well-stocked bookstore selling books on African American and local history.

How to get there

The Freedom House Museum is in Alexandria’s Old Town. Street parking is available nearby, for up to two hours, and several parking garages are a few blocks away. Alexandria is just across the Potomac River from Washington, DC, and is easy to reach from the capital by car or public transport. The Freedom House Museum is about a 15-minute walk from the Alexandria train station and the King Street–Old Town Metrorail station.

When to get there

The museum is typically open Thursday–Monday between late morning and late afternoon. It’s closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Avoid visiting too close to closing time as you’ll need about 1.5 hours to tour the museum.

Follow the African American Heritage Trail

Travelers can find many African American historic and cultural sites throughout Alexandria. Many of these are connected by the African American Heritage Trail, a walking trail with a map and informative signs along the way. The North Waterfront Route takes about 45 minutes, and the South Waterfront Route takes about 90.