Eighteenth-century wharves, taverns, homes, a bakery—archeologists unearthed them all when they started digging into the Lee Street site in Alexandria. Shallow foundations make for a relatively routine excavation, but before they could get to the 18th-century remnants, the team had to go through another layer.

After the residential neighborhood, the site held a U.S. army hospital facility where wounded Civil War soldiers sought treatment. The main exhibit at Alexandria Archaeology Museum introduces visitors to this entire city block, named for the intersection where it sits (Lee Street and Queen Street). Explore the exhibit to learn about everything from the history of the city block, to the details of its excavation, to the artifacts it yielded.

After all, this Alexandria museum is all about acquainting the city with its past. In the public laboratory, you can actually watch employees scrub down and catalog new artifacts. Or you can head to a hands-on activity area where kids can try their hand at piecing together replicas of artifacts. Each of the exhibits promises new insight into Alexandria's history.

Alexandria Archaeology Museum
The Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N. Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
http://www.alexandriava.gov/Archaeology
http://www.yelp.com/biz/alexandria-archaeology-museum-alexandria

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Today we want to take time to wish all the Dads out there a very happy day! We hope all the Fathers near and far have a great day relaxing with loved ones!

Adding a green plant to your home's decor is easy; keeping it alive is a whole other story. Even if you aren't blessed with a green thumb, these three tips will help you keep your houseplants happy and thriving.

1. Go easy on the watering.
Over-watering is the number one killer of houseplants. Even if the soil on top looks dry, the plant may, in fact, have plenty of water. To test if your plant really needs a watering, stick your finger about two inches into the dirt. If it emerges dry, then your plant could use a drink. Otherwise, hold off on watering for a few days. After watering, ensure that the plant doesn't having water its tray, as this will cause root rot.

2. Find the right plant for your circumstances.
Before you bring that new plant to your home or office, read its tag to see its light requirement. Plants are divided into three light requirements: low light, medium light, and full sun. If your office doesn't have any windows, then a full sun plant won't work for you. Keep in mind that flowering plants require more light than foliage plants.

3. Ward off the chill.
Plants are typically happiest between 65° to 80° F during the day and 55° to 65° F in the evenings. Keep your plant away from heating/cooling vents, and don't allow its leaves to come in contact with a cold windowpane during the winter.

Houseplant Pests and Diseases [Gardener's Supply Company]
A Beginner's Guide to Caring for Houseplants [Mahoney's]
Care for Houseplants [Lowe's]
Tips on Caring for Houseplants in the Fall and Winter [HGTV]

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