Most people, when they think about archaeology, think of digs in Egypt or uncovering Inca relics in Peru. Few people realize that despite the fact that North America has been relatively recently settled, a lot of archaeology goes on here, too. Why, even here in Alexandria, Virginia there's a museum dedicated to the area's archaeological pursuits. If you're looking for a break from selling condos, Toronto has nothing that compares. Just look at everything that the Alexandria Archeology Museum, which is owned and operated by the city of Alexandria, has to offer.

The exhibits at the museum are designed to introduce people who are unfamiliar with the city's archaeological past to the efforts that archaeologists in Alexandria are making to uncover and preserve the city's history. It may surprise you to learn that your Merton Street condos were actually built over the site of an old foundry or that a Civil War era privy uncovered at the corner of Lee and Queen Streets has valuable archaeological significance. In fact, the Lee Street exhibit is the museum's centerpiece and you can explore all the work they have done.

So what sorts of things do the archaeologists at the Alexandria museum study? Well, the Civil War era is one of their primary areas of interest. They've uncovered wharves, bakeries, taverns, hospitals, and a myriad of artifacts that help to illustrate what life was like under Union Army occupation. No piece of Markham real estate has history like this. Items on display include old muskets, arrowheads, a drummer boy's sticks, the remains of a burned furniture factory, and even the skeleton of a pet dog.

In addition to looking at the displays, a trip to the Alexandria Archaeology Museum will introduce you to the methodology that archaeologists use to uncover and preserve the past. You can watch artifacts being cleaned and preserved in the public laboratory and even volunteer for a shift yourself. Instead of just reading a plaque about the history of a strapping system, you can do hands on activities to see what life is like as an archaeologist by putting plates together or doing a self-guided heritage walk around Alexandria's historic district.

There are also special events happening regularly at the museum that you may want to take part in once you've seen all the displays of old furniture and used woodworking machinery. Events include a bus tour of Washington's defenses, Apothecary open houses, a toddler program, fencing classes, lunchtime lectures, historical film screenings, walking tours, family dig days, ladies teas, masquerade balls, and more. Visit www.alexandriava.gov/Archaeology for a full listing or visit the museum during regular hours. The museum is located in the Torpedo Factory Art Center at 105 North Union Street.