'The Costumes of PBS’ Mercy Street' Exhibition on Display at The Lyceum in Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- As season two of PBS’ "Mercy Street" nears its finale on Sunday, March 5, the Office of Historic Alexandria and Visit Alexandria report that a new exhibition, "The Costumes of PBS’ Mercy Street," are on display at The Lyceum: Alexandria’s History Museum through Sept. 1.

Fans of the show are invited to view four original costumes worn in seasons one and two by Josh Radnor (Dr. Jedediah Foster), AnnaSophia Robb (Alice Green), Hannah James (Emma Green), and Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Mary Phinney) created by costume designer Amy Andrews Harrell. Also on display are sketches of the costumes, series images of the actors in the costumes, and historical artifacts such as furniture from the Green furniture factory and medical supplies from the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum.

“We are very excited to display four costumes from PBS’ Mercy Street, two from season one and two from season two, at The Lyceum,” said Gretchen Bulova, deputy director for the Office of Historic Alexandria. “This is the only exhibition of the show’s costumes outside of the filming location in Petersburg, Virginia. In addition to this exhibition, the museums in Historic Alexandria are offering special programs and unique experiences based on the themes of Mercy Street that dive deeper into Alexandria’s Civil War history.”

Mercy Street, PBS’ first original American drama in a decade, is inspired by real events of Civil War Alexandria. Alexandria celebrates the national spotlight on its history by presenting this new exhibition as well as more than 50 visitor experiences in 2017. Fans are invited to visit the city’s historic sites to enjoy new exhibits and events inspired by the series, with several that focus on Civil War-era cultural customs including food, fashion and music. Uncover the real people behind the characters on the show, the realities of Civil War medicine, the changing roles for women, and the breakthrough experience of enslaved African-Americans claiming their freedom.

“It’s a rare treat to have a production of this quality done about your community’s history,” said Jim Mackay, director of The Lyceum. “To have costumes from the show on view is even more remarkable. For any fans of the show, Civil War history, or any other aspect of local history, this is a very unique opportunity.”

The Lyceum: Alexandria’s History Museum is located at 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314. To learn more about The Lyceum, visit alexandriava.gov/Lyceum or call 703-746-4994.

Learn about more Alexandria experiences inspired by PBS’ Mercy Street at www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com/mercystreet.

PHOTO of exhibition courtesy of Visit Alexandria/City of Alexandria