The Alexandria Historical Society has selected local historian Robert L. Madison and journalist Michael Lee Pope as winners of Special Alexandria History Awards for 2012. This award is given to a person or persons who have made notable contributions to the Society and to Alexandria history. Pope and Madison will be honored at an awards ceremony on Wednesday, April 25, at 7:30 p.m., at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street. State Sen. Patricia S. “Patsy” Ticer, will present the award. The honorees for the 2012 special awards are authors of works researching local aspects of Alexandria history.
Madison is the author of “Walking with Washington: Walking Tours of Alexandria, Virginia, Featuring over 100 Sites Associated with George Washington.” This guide highlights more than 140 Alexandria sites related to George Washington. As a result of its publication, Madison was Alexandria Archaeology’s 1998 Volunteer of the Year. All of the proceeds from the sale of the book go to Alexandria’s historic sites. Madison has been a docent with the Carlyle House for over 12 years. For seven years, he was a board member of the AHS, and held positions of vice president and program chair. During his tenure with the AHS, he managed the website, edited the newsletter, handled publicity and scheduled a stellar roster of speakers for the society.
Pope is author of “Hidden History of Alexandria, D.C.” (2011), which covers an overlooked period of Alexandria’s history. In addition to this publication, Pope’s “Ghosts of Alexandria” (VA / 2010), also contains local history. In conjunction with the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, Pope has written a series of articles on Alexandria’s Civil War history. As an award-winning journalist, he has reported for WAMU 88.5 FM, the Alexandria Gazette Packet, the New York Daily News and the Tallahassee Democrat. Born in Moultrie, Ga., he grew up in Durham, N.C., and Tampa, Fla. Pope has a master’s degree in American Studies from Florida State University. He was also a former adjunct professor at Tallahassee Community College. Pope resides in Old Town Alexandria with his wife, Hope Nelson.
The awards for outstanding high school history students will be presented to Saara Kaudeyr of T.C. Williams High School, Robert Larose of Bishop Ireton High School, Joslyn Chesson of Episcopal High School, and Douglass Maggs of St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes Upper School.
Following the awards presentation, guest speaker Stephanie Pace Brown will give a short talk. Brown serves as President and CEO of the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association.
A reception will follow the awards ceremony and lecture. The event is free and open to all.