Is this event free to attend?

Yes, the Slice of History: Civics Pizza Party is completely free and open to the public ages 16 to 30.

Are there guided tours available?

This event features self-guided tours that allow you to explore at your own pace.

Is the event outdoors?

Yes, most of the event takes place outdoors on the Woodlawn grounds.

This event is intended for youth and young adults ages 16 to 30.

Are refreshments provided?

Free pizza and snacks are included during the event.

Is there parking available on site?

Information about parking isn’t specified, so checking with local event organizers prior to arrival is recommended.

Explore Woodlawn’s Riveting History with Free Pizza and Self-Guided Tours | History Tour | Self-Guided Tour

Located just outside Alexandria, Virginia, the Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House offers an engaging blend of history and community through the unique Slice of History: Civics Pizza Party. This free event, held on June 20th from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM, invites guests aged 16 to 30 to dive into stories of transformation and justice that ripple through this historic site. Woodlawn, once a plantation tied to George Washington's Mount Vernon estate, evolved into a powerful symbol of anti-slavery efforts, hosting one of the earliest free Black communities before the Civil War. The site's layered past is reflected in its preserved landscape and architecture, inviting visitors to connect directly with moments that shaped American history.

Visitors at the pizza party can enjoy free pizza and snacks while embarking on a self-guided tour around the property, taking time to ponder thoughtful reflections and conversations prompted throughout the grounds. This event is designed to inspire dialogue about the legacy of slavery, civil rights, and ongoing movements for justice. Beyond the open house, attendees gain special access to the latest exhibit, “Saving Pope-Leighey House: How Marjorie Leighey Rescued Her Frank Lloyd Wright Home,” a captivating narrative of preservation and architectural heritage.

Woodlawn’s role in the Alexandria area’s outdoor and historical recreation scene stands out because it fuses educational opportunities with relaxed social engagement in an outdoor setting, creating an experience that’s both intimate and profound. The 2.5-hour event balances casual enjoyment with meaningful learning, making it a perfect gathering for young adults passionate about history, civic engagement, and community building.

Situated in Alexandria, this destination is easily accessible for travelers staying in the metropolitan area, providing a welcome outdoor alternative to the traditional museum visit. The surrounding parkland offers a serene backdrop of Virginia’s natural beauty, featuring open lawns, mature trees, and historic structures preserved with care. The Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House creates a platform where history and current social issues converge, elevating outdoor adventure to a thoughtful reflection on justice and heritage. For visitors who want to explore the roots of American social change while enjoying a social, relaxed atmosphere under the open sky, this event is a must-book in the region’s rich calendar of outdoor and cultural experiences.

About Woodlawn and Pope-Leighey House

Woodlawn and Pope‑Leighey House, located in Alexandria, Virginia, preserves and interprets two distinct American landmarks. Woodlawn reflects a narrative that moves from plantation origins connected to George Washington to an antislavery farming community and active working farm. Pope‑Leighey House is a Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian design preserved for its architectural significance and natural setting. Together the sites offer a range of guided tours and specialty experiences that deepen understanding of architecture, regional history, and landscape.

Public offerings include house tours of Woodlawn and of Pope‑Leighey House, combined visits, and thematic tours such as “Slavery and Freedom,” “Architecture of Woodlawn & Pope‑Leighey House,” and a Lafayette specialty tour that explores Marquis de Lafayette’s 1824 connections to the Custis and Lewis families. Seasonal and limited-capacity events include “Wright at Twilight,” Yoga Nidra led by instructor Emily Hampton, Forest Bathing with guided mindfulness, and community programs like a pizza-and-history evening. Tours and experiences are led by named guides and instructors, offering documented perspectives on design, preservation, and community legacy.

The site supports ongoing preservation with visitor programs, and the grounds include a working farm and a gift shop that highlights local crafts. Small-group experiences and limited tickets for specialized sessions provide intimate access to sites and stories. Woodlawn and Pope‑Leighey House combines architectural significance, historical interpretation, and active stewardship to provide informative visits and meaningful public programming. Visitor support through admissions and events helps fund preservation, interpretation, educational programming, and ongoing stewardship of these significant historic properties for present and future generations alike.