Observe Armed Forces Day on May 20, 2017, by attending a tour of Fort Ward, the best preserved of the Union forts that defended Washington during the Civil War, followed by a concert of Civil War music by the Federal City Brass Band on the Museum lawn.   The 90-minute tour will begin at 11 a.m., and the concert will be presented at 1 p.m.  Both activities are free, and no reservations are required.

Tour participants will learn about the construction and history of Fort Ward, and army life in the Defenses of Washington from a Union soldier interpreter.  The Federal City Brass Band re-creates the music and appearance of a U.S. Army regimental band of the 1860s.  Members perform in authentic dress and play original brass instruments of the period.  Song selections are based on original band journals and sheet music of the Civil War era.  The concert will feature a variety of military, patriotic and popular selections of the time, introduced with historical commentary.

Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site is located at 4301 West Braddock Road in the West End of Alexandria.  The Museum offers exhibits, programs and special events throughout the year.  For more information about the program, please call Fort Ward Museum at 703.746.4848, or visit www.fortward.org.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended.  To request a reasonable accommodation or an alternative format, e-mail FortWardMuseum@alexandriava.gov, or call 703.746.4848, or Virginia Relay 711.