A History of Philanthropy in Alexandria

By Daniel Lee, Office of Historic Alexandria

Alexandria, VA – Did you know that many of the historical buildings you see in Alexandria today are thanks to the philanthropic nature of community members? The buildings, artifacts, and stories that have been saved can all be linked back to dedicated community members.

In the 1930s, after the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary closed its doors, Alexandria citizens partnered with private buyers to purchase the collection and archives. At the same time, the newly formed Landmarks Society purchased the buildings. Their actions preserved the collection that teaches medical history inside Alexandria and beyond. To this day, the Landmark Society, now called the Mortar and Pestle Society, has given over $200,000 to continue the preservation efforts of th