At Gravestone Stories, we proudly introduce our expert Alexandria tour guides, David Heiby, Catherine Weinraub, and Madeline Feierstein. They bring the city’s past to life through captivating tours and talks. With extensive knowledge and passion for history, these experienced guides have dedicated their lives 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 give talks to groups such as the Sons and Daughters of the Revolutionary War, Colonial Dames, Alexandria Historical Society, Lee-Fendall House, Friendship Fire House, The National Museum of Civil War Medicine, and others. Their extensive knowledge of history ensures an engaging and educational experience for all audiences.
David Heiby: Cemetery, Church, Civil War, and Lincoln Assassination Tours
David Heiby, one of our expert Alexandria tour guides, leads tours through the city’s historic sites. He shares insights and stories that bring the past to life. As a Board Member of the Alexandria Historical Society and Lee-Fendall House Museum, David deeply understands the city’s history. He also serves as the Superintendent of the Presbyterian Cemetery in the Wilkes Street Complex, a position he has held for over a decade after being “called” to serve by the Board of Directors of the Cemetery, who are members of his church, the Old Presbyterian Meeting House.
David has a multi-generational connection to the Old Presbyterian Meeting House, Alexandria’s historic Presbyterian congregation dating back to 1772. He has worshiped there for over 60 years, beginning when he was a child. He draws on his knowledge of regional history to provide tours showcasing Alexandria’s heritage. His expertise includes the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex, Antietam Battlefield, South Mountain Battlefields, and Harpers Ferry.
Considered an expert on Alexandria’s cemeteries, especially the historic Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex and the 18th-century burial ground at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House, David frequently gives talks to various groups and organizations about those buried in the city’s burial grounds. Photos from these events can be found on our Alexandria Cemeteries Photos page, highlighting David’s commitment to sharing the stories of those who have shaped the city’s history.
David owns and operates Gravestone Stories, a platform where he posts his research and true stories about those buried in Alexandria. This venture further demonstrates his dedication to uncovering and preserving the city’s rich history and the lives of its past residents.
Furthermore, David shares insights on the route of Lincoln’s assassination conspirators. He is a Licensed Tour Guide in the District of Columbia, where portions of this tour take place, enhancing the authenticity and depth of the experience.
Join David on a tour to discover fascinating stories. Explore Alexandria’s cemeteries, churches, such as the Old Presbyterian Meeting House, and Civil War sites, where he reveals secrets and stories from the region’s history. His expertise, official credentials, lifelong connection to the Old Presbyterian Meeting House, and dedication to educating others about Alexandria’s past through his tours and Gravestone Stories ensure a deeply informative and engaging experience.
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.
