Unearthing Alexandria: Gravestone Stories Brings Cemetery Secrets to Life
Tickets for June 7 Tour Now Available
ALEXANDRIA, VA – It’s not every day you get to wander around an old cemetery and look at grave markers, but you can in Old Town Alexandria, with Gravestone Stories.
Gravestone Stories, a historical tour company based in Alexandria, Virginia, was founded by public historian David Heiby. It offers guided walking tours through the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex, which encompasses 13 historic cemeteries and over 35,000 burials.
These tours delve into the lives of revolutionaries, Civil War soldiers, enslaved individuals, and other notable figures interred there. The organization also provides themed tours focusing on specific aspects of Alexandria’s history, such as Civil War events, African American heritage, and early Alexandria life.
The walking tour company was recently featured in a national article by Emerging Civil War in May 2025. The piece spotlighted the organization’s efforts to uncover and share the rich, often overlooked histories within Alexandria’s Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex.
The article by Madeline Feierstein, who recently joined Gravestone Stories, emphasized the urgency of preserving these narratives, as many gravestones are deteriorating and inscriptions fading, leading to the potential loss of irreplaceable history. Feierstein quotes David Heiby, who urges, “It is more critical than ever not only to preserve the headstones and those buried underneath, but also their richly lived lives.” He thinks people actually die twice, “when you take your last breath, and when your story is no longer told.”
Next Public Tour: Friday, June 7, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Step into the past during the next Gravestone Stories tour on Friday, June 7, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Whether you’re a seasoned history buff or a curious local, this immersive experience offers a fresh and fascinating perspective on the city’s layered past.
Why This Tour Will Captivate You
Passionate volunteer historians transform sacred ground into living classrooms. These are no ordinary walks through the past—each tour reveals compelling true stories you won’t find in traditional history books.
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The First “Mr. President”: Meet Dennis Ramsay, the man who first addressed George Washington with the now-iconic title.
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Civil War Drama: Stand where Wilmer McLean’s incredible story unfolded—he witnessed both the first and last battles of the Civil War.
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Hidden Heroes: Hear the powerful accounts of the United States Colored Troops (USCTs) who fought for freedom and justice.
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Local Legends: Explore Alexandria’s link to the 1848 Pearl escape, and the city’s surprising connection to Little Bighorn.
Gravestone Stories tours span 82 acres of Alexandria’s outdoor museum, breathing life into two centuries of American history. Special group tours can be arranged in advance.
For tickets and more information, on the next tour, click here.
For more information on upcoming tours and events, visit the official website: Gravestone Stories.
