Author: Kirsten Baldacci

In Memory – Engin Artemel

In Memory – Engin Artemel

We are sad to hear of the passing of Living Legend Engin Artemel. Engin passed away on June 17, 2020. His accomplishments as a Living Legend can be read here. Engin Mehmet Artemel (Age 81) died peacefully on June 17, 2020 at his home in Old Town 

In Memory – Fred Parker

In Memory – Fred Parker

We are sad to hear of the passing of Living Legend Fred Parker. Fred passed away on April 26, 2020. His accomplishments as a Living Legend can be read here. Fred Parker, founder of Hard Times Café, dies at 78 By Denise Dunbar – May 7, 

POSTPONED: 2020 Meet the Legends Reception

POSTPONED: 2020 Meet the Legends Reception

Due the Coronavirus (COVID-19) the event has been postponed.

We will be providing a date once it is determined


MARCH 19 @ 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM


Living Legends of Alexandria is an ongoing project conceived to create an enduring artistic record of the people whose vision and dedication make a positive, tangible difference to the quality of life in Alexandria.

Each of the Living Legends selected this year will be introduced and honored at this “Meet the Legends” reception. A photograph and profile of each Legend will be published in the Meet the Legends catalog that is given to each attendee and which is donated to the Alexandria Library, collected by the Library of Virginia in Richmond and available at the U.S. Library of Congress.

Program will be hosted by Merrick Malone, President of the Departmental Progressive Club, and will feature video presentations of this year’s Legends. A reception catered by the Home Grown Restaurant Group will follow and provide an opportunity to meet and mingle with many Living Legends of Alexandria.


TICKETS: Tickets may be purchased online for $65 each. You will not need to print or bring any tickets and no tickets will be sent to you. Instead, your information will be kept on a list to confirm your registration when you check in at the event. There will be no refunds.


LOCATION: George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22301. The Memorial is located between King and Duke Streets near the Telegraph Road exit off of the Capital Beltway (I-495). The King Street Metro Station is within walking distance (approximately ½ miles up a steep incline) of the Memorial. The Yellow and Blue lines come to this station providing easy access from Washington, DC; Northern Virginia and Suburban Maryland.


PARKING: Parking is free on the grounds of the Memorial. (Valet parking is not available.)

Living Legends of Alexandria Announces 2020 Living Legends Recipients

Living Legends of Alexandria Announces 2020 Living Legends Recipients

Living Legends of Alexandria is pleased to announce the selection of Living Legends for 2020. The 2020 Living Legends were vetted from an array of nominations that were submitted by the public and received through fall of last year. These community leaders were chosen based 

In Memory – Herman Boone

In Memory – Herman Boone

We are sad to hear of the passing of Living Legend Herman Boone. Herman passed away on December 18, 2019 at the age of 84. His accomplishments as a Living Legend can be read here. Click here, for information about his memorial service. In lieu 

A Christmas Carol Play & Holiday Celebration – Dec 17

A Christmas Carol Play & Holiday Celebration – Dec 17

Join us for a great show and holiday party honoring our 2019 Legends.

Please purchase your ticket today.


Unable to join us, but would like to support Living Legends?
Click here to make a donation.

Please purchase your ticket today.


Unable to join us, but would like to support Living Legends?
Click here to make a donation.

Nominations Extension – Oct 15

Nominations Extension – Oct 15

Due to some technical difficulties, the deadline to submit your 2020 Living Legend nomination has been extended to October 15. Click here to submit your nomination.

Celebrating African American Activists – July 21 to August 10

Celebrating African American Activists – July 21 to August 10

Living Legends of Alexandria has partnered with the Alexandria Black History Museum to present: Living Legends of Alexandria: African American Activists This exhibition highlights the amazing character of each Legend and their commitment to the City of Alexandria. The exhibit is open through August 10, 

City Hall Portrait Unveiling – April 23

City Hall Portrait Unveiling – April 23

On April 23rd beginning at 5:30 pm, the official 2019 Living Legends portraits will be presented officially at the Market Square Lobby of Alexandria City Hall, made possible by sponsor Dominion Energy. All Living Legends and Living Legends of Alexandria supporters are invited to this (free) event, but we are looking forward to especially seeing all 2019 Legends there.

Living Legends President, Jenn Ayers, will deliver opening remarks that describe why these portraits serve as important chronicles of improvements made to the City.  Mayor Justin Wilson will offer comments and most of the City Council is expected to be there.

Following this brief ceremony, the video that debuted at the March 14th Meet the Legends Reception will be shown, where refreshments will be served by Pure Perfection Catering.  No need to RSVP, but we certainly hope to see everyone there.

Recap – 2019 Meet the Legends Reception

Recap – 2019 Meet the Legends Reception

The March 14th 2019 Meet the Legends Reception was a huge success. We want to thank everyone who was able to attend to make this night a special night. View the 2019 Living Legends video interviews. View the 2019 Reception Catalog. View photos from the