At Gravestone Stories, we proudly introduce our expert Alexandria tour guides: David Heiby, our founder and Civil War expert; Catherine Weinraub, a specialist in Alexandria’s firefighting history; and Madeline Feierstein, Civil War hospital historian. With over 50 years of combined experience, these passionate guides bring the city’s past to life through captivating tours and talks. They have devoted significant time and effort to researching and sharing Alexandria’s rich history. Through engaging storytelling, they lead visitors on unforgettable journeys to discover historic sites, cemeteries, churches, and more. Our guides regularly present to groups such as the Sons and Daughters of the Revolutionary War, Colonial Dames, Alexandria Historical Society, Lee-Fendall House, Friendship Fire House, and The National Museum of Civil War Medicine. Their deep knowledge of history ensures an engaging and educational experience for all audiences, from history enthusiasts to curious visitors.
David Heiby: Alexandria’s Master Storyteller of History
David Heiby’s passion for history was kindled on his 11th birthday with a trip to Appomattox Court House, the site of the Confederate surrender in the Civil War. This pivotal moment sparked a lifelong journey that would see David become one of Alexandria’s most knowledgeable and engaging historical tour guides. In a twist of historical serendipity, David now leads tours in the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex, where Wilmer McLean, the owner of the house where the surrender took place, is buried.
However, David’s connection to history runs even deeper. Growing up in the Old Presbyterian Meeting House, established in 1772, David was quite literally surrounded by history. His family pew offered a view of Dr. James Craik’s grave, the Chief Surgeon of the American Revolutionary War and a close friend of George Washington. Craik was present at Washington’s deathbed and served as chief mourner at his funeral. In another fascinating twist, David’s pew was positioned just 13 feet above the grave of Dr. James Muir, a former pastor of the Meeting House and chaplain of Washington’s Masonic lodge. Muir played a prominent role in laying the cornerstone of the District of Columbia and the United States Capitol building and participated in Washington’s funeral.
With such rich historical connections surrounding him from childhood, it’s no wonder that David developed a profound love for American history. This early exposure to the intertwining stories of America’s founding figures laid the groundwork for his future as a historical tour guide and storyteller.
David’s expertise now spans the city’s historic cemeteries, churches, and Civil War sites and even explores the intriguing details of the Lincoln assassination. His path to becoming a premier tour guide was as varied as the history he now interprets. His career saw him serve in law enforcement, excel as a corporate sales trainer, and rise to become the CEO and President of a successful international hand tool company. In 2021, David sold his interests in the company, paving the way to pursue his passion for history fully. These diverse experiences honed his leadership and communication skills, perfectly preparing him for his true calling in historical education and preservation.
In 2022, David launched Gravestone Stories, a platform that allows him to share his extensive research and the true stories of those buried in Alexandria. As the Superintendent of the Presbyterian Cemetery in the Wilkes Street Complex for over a decade, David has quite literally walked among history, uncovering and preserving the tales of the city’s past residents. His dedication to historical research has led to several significant discoveries, including locating the long-lost graves of notable Alexandrians. Among these are Phillip Richard Fendall, Sr., who built the Lee-Fendall House; Charles Glasscock, a volunteer firefighter killed in the line of duty in 1852; and George Gilpin, a friend of George Washington who fought alongside him in the Revolutionary War and served as an honorary pallbearer at Washington’s funeral. These discoveries showcase David’s expertise and his commitment to bringing forgotten pieces of history back into the light, adding new layers to Alexandria’s rich historical tapestry.
David’s expertise is not confined to Alexandria. He leads tours through significant Civil War battlefields such as South Mountain, Harpers Ferry, Antietam, and Fredericksburg. His top-rated Lincoln Assassination tour in Washington, DC, where he is a licensed guide, takes participants on a journey through one of the most dramatic events in American history.
As Treasurer of the Alexandria Historical Society and Vice President of the Virginia Trust for Historic Preservation, which owns and operates the Lee-Fendall House Museum, David is at the forefront of preserving and promoting the region’s heritage. His depth of knowledge comes not only from years of personal study but also from learning under giants in the field at Penn State Mont Alto Civil War conferences and the University of Virginia.
Whether you’re a history buff, a curious local, or a visitor to Alexandria, a tour with David Heiby promises to be an immersive journey into the past. His unique blend of historical insight, personal connection to the city, and engaging storytelling style brings Alexandria’s rich history to life in a way that few others can match.
Join David for a walk through time, and discover the hidden stories etched in Alexandria’s gravestones, echoing through its historic streets, and woven into the fabric of this remarkable city.
Catherine Weinraub: Alexandrian Heritage and Firefighting History Tours
Catherine Weinraub, another one of our knowledgeable Alexandria tour guides, brings the city’s past to life through her storytelling. She has experience at the Office of Historic Alexandria, Mount Vernon, and Arlington House. Additionally, Catherine shares her expertise as the Historian for the Ivy Hill Cemetery Historical Preservation Society and Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association.
Her tours showcase her knowledge of Alexandria’s history. She highlights the impact of 19th-century fires that shaped the city’s firefighting legacy. As the Friendship Fire Company’s historian, Catherine offers an insider’s perspective. Moreover, she shares stories of the volunteers who risked everything to protect their community.
In 2023, Catherine authored “Friendship Fire Company 250th Anniversary 1774 – 2024 Alexandria, Virginia,” a book celebrating the rich history and legacy of the Friendship Fire Company. This publication further demonstrates her expertise and dedication to preserving Alexandria’s firefighting heritage.
Join one of Catherine’s engaging tours to discover untold stories. Furthermore, explore Alexandria’s historic Ivy Hill Cemetery and learn about the brave firefighters who shaped the city’s history.
Madeline Feierstein: Civil War Historian and Developer of Alexandria’s Civil War Hospital Tours
Madeline Feierstein is a dedicated local historian with a deep expertise in the Civil War history of Alexandria, Virginia, particularly focusing on its military hospitals and prisons. As a docent at the Lee-Fendall House Museum, Madeline co-founded the Civil War Research Team and developed the popular Civil War Hospital Tour. Her meticulous research has been showcased at prestigious institutions, including the Lee-Fendall House and the National Museum of Civil War Medicine. She leads significant projects documenting the soldiers treated and those who fell in Alexandria’s wartime hospitals.
Originally from Washington D.C., Madeline earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminology from George Mason University. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in American History at Southern New Hampshire University and plans to continue her academic journey with a doctoral degree in history in the near future.
Join Madeline on a journey through Alexandria’s Civil War history. Explore the city’s wartime hospitals and prisons, and uncover the stories of the soldiers who passed through these sites. Madeline’s deep knowledge and passion for history ensure an enriching and informative experience.
Book Your Tour Today
Our expert guides, David Heiby, Catherine Weinraub, and Madeline Feierstein, are passionate about sharing Alexandria’s fascinating past with visitors. Each guide brings a unique perspective and deep knowledge of the city’s history, ensuring an engaging and informative experience. Whether you’re interested in exploring historic cemeteries, uncovering Civil War stories, or learning about Alexandria’s firefighting legacy, our tours offer something for everyone.
Take advantage of the opportunity to dive into Alexandria’s captivating history. Choose your preferred guide and tour, and embark on an unforgettable journey through time.
