The Historic Alexandria Foundation

Mission

The primary activities of the Foundation are education, advocacy, technical and easement advice, preservation grants, recognition awards and the historic plaque program. Since its founding, HAF has helped protect and preserve hundreds of irreplaceable buildings and artifacts associated with the city of Alexandria.

HAF is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt membership organization founded in 1954. The mission of the Historic Alexandria Foundation (HAF) is to advocate for the preservation of Alexandria’s historic buildings, districts and neighborhoods. HAF also inspires residents and visitors to discover and celebrate the city’s architectural and physical heritage and its place in the history of our nation. The Foundation accomplishes its mission through leadership, partnership and support of compelling educational programs and activities, and financial support for restoration and conservation of important structures and objects, as well as research about the city’s history. HAF is governed by an elected Board of Trustees.

Is there an old structure or object in Alexandria that you think might be a worthy candidate for preservation or conservation expertise and advice? The best time to investigate is before the development proposal signs appear and before restoration or conservation work is initiated. Contact us at info@historicalexandriafoundation.org. HAF will assist you with your preliminary research, educate you about the legal processes governing alteration or addition to historic structures, and offer advice about how it might assist you as part of its protection efforts.

Carlyle HouseThis albumen print photo of Alexandria with the railroad roundhouse in the center was taken between 1861 and 1865. It is in the collection of the Library of Congress.

Carlyle House Carlyle House, built by John Carlyle between 1751 and 1753, is currently owned and operated by the Northern Virginia Regional Parks Authority and has received numerous grants from HAF over the years.