Your Family Photos Could Help Complete Alexandria’s Black History

ALEXANDRIA, VA — A family yearbook, an old event flyer or a box of photographs could help fill gaps in Alexandria’s recorded history.

Alexandria Library is inviting current and former residents to bring those family treasures to its fourth annual Black Family Reunion from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Local History/Special Collections Branch, 717 Queen St.

The free event pairs a community celebration—food trucks, music, dancing and games for children and adults—with an ongoing effort to document Alexandria’s African American history.

Photos, Documents and Voices Become an Archive

Residents may bring yearbooks, photographs, old programs, flyers and other records for digitization. Guests will also have an opportunity to record a brief oral history, according to the library’s event information.

People do not have to wait for the reunion. The library is accepting early digital donations online and scheduling appointments at 703-746-1706.

The project has already made a measurable impact. The Urban Libraries Council reports that the first reunion helped collect 2,300 photographs, 900 documents, an 18th-century family Bible and portraits dating back 150 years. Originals were returned to contributors after digitization.

The Zebra covered the launch of the Black Family Reunion in 2023 and the third annual gathering in 2025.

A Reunion That Is Also a Party

Attendees can expect food trucks, music and dancing, games for all ages and Black Family Reunion T-shirts. The celebration is free and open to everyone.