Living History &
Public Programs
Bringing Alexandria’s past to life — in person. Historical interpretation, cemetery tours, and public lectures led by working historian David Heiby.
Meet E.E. Downham
Mayor, merchant, Mason — and now, a voice from the past.
Emanuel Ethelbert Downham (March 23, 1839 – September 17, 1921) arrived in Alexandria in 1862, a young man from New Jersey who found opportunity in a city occupied by Union troops. He established himself as a wholesale liquor dealer at No. 13 King Street — selling whiskey to Union soldiers — and never left. He married Sarah Miranda Price, daughter of a respected Alexandria merchant, and spent the next six decades weaving himself into the fabric of the city.
Downham served on the city council twice before winning five consecutive two-year terms on the Board of Aldermen. When Mayor John Smoot died suddenly on Christmas Eve 1887, Downham stepped in as temporary mayor — and won the office outright in 1890, serving a successful four-year term. Beyond politics, he served as Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Virginia, Knights Templar (1893–1894), was a devoted Shriner, and helped raise funds for the George Washington Masonic National Memorial.
His son Robert acquired the historic Lee-Fendall House in 1903 — the same year Emanuel assumed the presidency of the Friendship Fire Company. The Downham name was woven into Alexandria’s civic, commercial, and fraternal life at every level.
A remarkable personal connection: David Heiby is Superintendent of the Presbyterian Cemetery & Columbarium — the very cemetery where E.E. Downham rests in Section 25, Plot 22. He now portrays Downham at the Lee-Fendall House — the home Downham’s own son purchased in 1903. The historian who tends the grave brings the man back to life.
David Heiby as E.E. Downham with (left to right) Benjamin Smith of the Virginia Trust for Historic Preservation, which owns and operates the Lee-Fendall House; Christine Heiby; and Jenny Waters, Museum Manager, following the sold-out February 2026 candlelight performance.
Born Newport, N.J. · March 23, 1839
Died Alexandria, Va. · September 17, 1921
Grand Commander, 1893–1894
Presbyterian Cemetery · Section 25, Plot 22
The Portrayal in Action
David Heiby portrays E.E. Downham in period costume at the Lee-Fendall House Museum, offering visitors a first-person encounter with one of Alexandria’s most colorful 19th-century figures. The performances — delivered by candlelight in the historic rooms of the house Downham’s own son purchased — have sold out every appearance and earned exceptional feedback from audiences and museum staff alike.
The portrayal draws on more than a decade of original primary source research into Downham’s life, businesses, political career, and Masonic leadership. It is not a scripted performance but a historian’s conversation with the past — grounded in fact, alive in the telling.
David Heiby as E.E. Downham in the North Dining Room of the Lee-Fendall House Museum, leading the sold-out February 2026 candlelight lantern tour. The room is furnished in the Federal style, reflecting the period when the house was occupied by the family of Philip Richard Fendall, Sr., and later the Edmund Jennings Lee family.
Upcoming Events & Appearances
Reserve your place at these upcoming public programs led by David Heiby
From Enslavement to Justice: How African Americans Forced Change in Alexandria
Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex, Alexandria
A walking tour examining how African Americans — both enslaved and free — forced legal, social, and moral change in Alexandria across generations. Using burial grounds as primary historical sources. Hosted by the Old Presbyterian Meeting House Dismantling Racism Team.
1475–1501 Wilkes Street, Alexandria, Virginia
We are working on scheduling a second date — check back here for updates.
Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex Walking Tour
Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex, Alexandria
A historian-led walking tour of America’s most historic cemetery complex — 13 adjoining cemeteries, 35,000+ burials, and more than two centuries of Alexandria’s story. Presented in partnership with the Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden.
1475–1501 Wilkes Street, Alexandria, Virginia
E.E. Downham: An Autumn Evening at Lee-Fendall
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, Alexandria
The return of David Heiby’s sold-out candlelight portrayal of Alexandria Mayor E.E. Downham — this time in the atmospheric setting of an October evening at the historic Lee-Fendall House. A rare opportunity to experience history as living conversation.
Beyond Downham — Public History Programs
David Heiby is available for lectures, panel presentations, specialized tours, and educational programs for heritage organizations, museums, schools, civic groups, and DAR and SAR chapters.
The complete registry of Alexandria’s 162 documented Revolutionary War patriots — nearly three times the previously accepted count — is available on the Gravestone Stories website. Original research, primary sources, and the graves that connect Alexandria to the founding of the nation. Explore the full registry →
America’s most historic cemetery complex — 13 adjoining cemeteries, 35,000+ burials, and more than two centuries of Alexandria’s story. Led by the historian whose research is cited as a primary source in the National Register of Historic Places nomination for the Complex.
How enslaved and free Black Alexandrians forced legal, social, and moral change — told through the burial grounds that record their resistance, resilience, and legacy across generations. Developed for the Old Presbyterian Meeting House Dismantling Racism Team.
The stories behind landmark original discoveries — Colonel George Gilpin’s lost grave confirmed by ground-penetrating radar in 2024; Philip Richard Fendall I at Ivy Hill; and the archival methods that recovered centuries of forgotten history.
A first-person portrayal of one of Alexandria’s most engaging 19th-century figures — wholesale liquor dealer, accidental mayor, Grand Commander of the Virginia Knights Templar. Available for museum programs, heritage events, and special occasions.
The Alexandria physician present at Washington’s bedside on December 14, 1799 — namesake of the Elisha Cullen Dick DAR Chapter. Delivered to the Chapter in February 2026 with new archival material correcting 46-year-old errors in the official chapter biography.
Book an Appearance or Program
David Heiby is available for historical portrayals, walking tours, panel presentations, and educational programs. Heritage organizations, museums, libraries, civic groups, and DAR and SAR chapters are especially welcome to inquire.
Contact David directly to discuss your event, audience, and program needs. Response within 24 hours.
Gravestone Stories · Alexandria, Virginia · Est. 2022Page last updated: April 2026