Entertainment Briefs for Feb. 9

Miniatures Exhibition

African American Dollhouses exhibition by Sharon J. Frazier and Linwood M. Smith will run today through May 1 at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St. in Alexandria. Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

An opening reception is tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. The reception is free and open to all. Those wishing to attend are asked to call (703) 746-4356.

To learn more about the museum and Alexandria's rich African-American heritage, please visit www.alexblackhistory.org.

Swordsmen's Rendezvous at Gadsby's Tavern Museum

Join Gadsby's Tavern Museum for a unique living history program as you learn a skill all 18th-century gentlemen must know — swordplay. The programs is Saturday and March 10 and includes re-enactments of 18th-century swordplay and a display and discussion of 18th-century weapons. This popular family event is suitable for children in second grade and older and includes some audience participation.

Swordsmen tours are scheduled every half hour between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., with each tour lasting one hour. Admission is $6 per person, ages 5 and older. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (703) 746-4242. This program sells out quickly, so don't delay in making your plans.

Gadsby's Tavern Museum is at 134 North Royal St. in the heart of Old Town Alexandria.

For more information, visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call (703) 746-4242.

Church hosts Black History program

The Bethel Baptist Church in Mitchells, Va., hosts a Black History Program: "A Commemoration of the United States Colored Troops (USCTs)" Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The program features 23rd USCT reenactors based in Spotsylvania County. Several of the men will be present in uniform to talk about the actions of the 23rd.

For more information, call Rev. Wayne Robinson at (540) 785-9802 or Steward Henderson at (202) 253-9867 or (540) 872-7282

Colonial Themed Children's Day

The Weems-Botts Museum hosts a Colonial Themed Children's Day Feb. 18 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. There will be 18th century make-and-take crafts such as Powdered Wigs, Cherry Trees, and Girl's Mop Caps. Enjoy spoon bread and other refreshments. Hear the story of Mr. Parson Weems and the famous tale of George Washington's Cherry Tree.

The event is at the Weems-Botts Annex, 3944 Cameron St., Dumfries, Va. For more information, visit www.historicdumfries.com/weemsbotts.html or call (703) 221-2218. 221-2218.

Gadsby's Tavern Museum George Washington Birthnight Banquet and Ball

The George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee and Gadsby's Tavern Museum host a celebration of George Washington. The 2012 George Washington's Birthnight Banquet and Ball is Feb. 18 from 5:30 to 11 p.m. in the historic ballroom of Gadsby's Tavern Museum. The ball opens at 9 p.m. The evening includes a three-course 18th-century banquet by Gadsby's Tavern Restaurant, English country dancing, toasts, a special 18th-century style dessert collation, and character re-enactors. "After-five" attire is encouraged; period costumes are optional.

Tickets for the Birthnight Banquet and Ball are available, beginning at $100 per person, or $50 for the ball only. For $125, enjoy dining in a private room with the Washington's themselves or for $200, be seated at the same table as the Washington's.

Advance registration is required. Purchase tickets online by visiting www.GadsbysTavern.org and clicking on "Tickets." Contact Gadsby's Tavern Museum for registration and additional information at (703) 746-4242.Gadsby's Tavern Museum is at 134 North Royal St. in Old Town Alexandria.