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St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, in collaboration with Virginia Humanities, is proud to announce the Alexandria Festival of the Book, a premier literary event taking place on Saturday, March 14, 2026. This one-day festival, themed “Portraying America 1776–2026,” invites readers and history enthusiasts to explore the art, architecture, and literature that have defined the American experience from the Revolution to the present day.
Set against the historic backdrop of St. Paul’s—an architectural landmark designed by Benjamin Latrobe—the festival serves as a cornerstone of Alexandria’s America250 commemorations. The day features two distinct sessions led by a curated roster of award-winning historians and biographers:
Morning Session (10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.): The Revolutionary Era Authors will dive into George Washington’s "Founding Friendship" with Alexandria, the grueling winter at Valley Forge, and the untold stories of Washington’s heirs.
- Afternoon Session (1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.): The Gilded Age to the Jazz Age The focus shifts to the creative forces of the 19th and 20th centuries, exploring the work of John Singer Sargent, the friendship between Stanford White and Augustus Saint-Gaudens, and the 100th anniversary of The Great Gatsby.
“We are fortunate to have this impressive array of award-winning authors join us here in Alexandria. Alexandria is, indeed, George Washington’s “hometown” and we are pleased to celebrate that. Alexandria is also a city of readers and book clubs and we are excited about the opportunity to explore a few selections from the literature that helps explain and define us,” said Oran Warder, Rector of St. Paul’s.
Featured authors and speakers include:
- Tim Rose: George Washington and Alexandria: A Founding Friendship
- Cassandra A. Good: First Family: George Washington’s Heirs and the Making of America
- Henry Wiencek: Stan and Gus: Art, Ardor and the Friendship That Built the Gilded Age
- Donna Lucey: Sargent’s Women: Four Lives Behind the Canvas
- Ricardo A. Herrera: Feeding Washington’s Army: Surviving the Valley Forge Winter of 1778
The festival is free and open to the public, though registration via Eventbrite is encouraged to assist with planning. Books will be available for purchase and signing following each session.
Event Details:
- What: Alexandria Festival of the Book: “Portraying America 1776–2026”
- When: Saturday, March 14, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Where: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 228 S. Pitt St., Alexandria
- Cost: Free (Registration at alexandriavabookfest.eventbrite.com)
About St. Paul’s Episcopal Church: Founded in 1809 and designed by Benjamin Latrobe (architect of the U.S. Capitol), St. Paul’s is a historic Gothic Revival landmark in Old Town Alexandria. It has served as a community hub for over two centuries, hosting significant cultural and educational events.
About Virginia Humanities: Virginia Humanities is the state’s humanities council, connecting Virginians to history, literature, and culture for over 50 years. They are the primary organizers of the annual Virginia Festival of the Book in Charlottesville.
