Current Exhibit
If These Walls Could Talk:
54 Pearl Street
Now through December 31, 2008

Every building in New York tells a piece of its past. As Manhattan's oldest surviving building, 54 Pearl Street has witnessed nearly three centuries of the city's history. Built as a home by Stephen Delancey, a Huguenot refugee turned successful merchant, in 1719, 54 Pearl Street represented the commercial, multi-cultural nature of early New York. During the Revolutionary War period, the tavern run by Samuel Fraunces gained note not just for its food and drink but its politics. The Sons of Liberty held meetings here before British occupation of the city. Festivities were held here for Evacuation Day on November 25, 1783, and a week later Washington said farewell to his officers in the tavern.

From 1785 until 1790 New York City served as the nation's capital, and 54 Pearl Street served as the offices for the Departments of State, Treasury, and War. As a boarding house in the 19th century, 54 Pearl Street reflected the growth of New York City as a major world port. Finally, the restoration of the building by the Sons of the Revolution and the opening of the museum in 1907 illustrate reactions to the city's rapid growth and eventual rebirth of the city's financial district.

Located in the Adeline Moses Loeb Gallery, this exhibit looks at just a few of the many people from diverse backgrounds who joined together to win America’s independence. Paintings on exhibit include Henry Hintermeister The Drill Master, John Ward Dunsmore’s The Message from Lexington, and Dennis Mallone Carter’s Molly Pitcher at the Battle of Monmouth.

Molly Pitcher and the Battle of Monmouth
Dennis Malone Carter, oil on canvas, 1854
Gift of Herbert P. Whitlock

Ongoing Exhibitions:
George Washington Portrait Gallery
honoring Elizabeth and Stanley DeForest Scott

Few individuals have been as honored and revered in history as George Washington. With his appointment in 1775 as commander of the Continental Army, and later as the nation's first president, Washington has long embodied the spirit of the American people. His military prowess and impressive physical stature inspired numerous artists to issue portraits during his lifetime. The Elizabeth and Stanley DeForest Scott Collection represents the rich diversity of these likenesses. Most of the prints in this collection were created during the last quarter of the 18th century and, when viewed together, they give a rare glimpse into the attitudes and perspectives of that period.

Commemoration of Washington
John James Barralet
Stipple engraving with etching, published by Simon Chaudron, Philadelphia, 1802
Gift of Stanley DeForest Scott

The Long Room

The Long Room is the site of General George Washington's famous farewell to his officers at the end of the Revolution. Based on extensive research of inventories and estates of tavern keepers of this period, the Long Room is a re-creation of an 18th century public dining room.

In his handwritten memoirs, now on display, Col. Benjamin Tallmadge, recorded Washington's farewell,"With a heart full of love and gratitude I now take leave of you. I most devoutly wish that your latter days may be as prosperous and happy as your former ones have been glorious and honorable."

The Clinton Room is named for George Clinton, New York State's first American governor. He hosted a dinner party for General George Washington at Fraunces Tavern to celebrate the British evacuation of British troops from New York on November 25, 1783.

This exhibit explains the history of the organization and its founders, and displays items from the Museum's permanent collection of Revolutionary War objects and documents. Highlights of the exhibit include: a miniature statue of Nathan Hale, which the Sons commissioned for City Hall Park in 1893, historic relics (such as a lock of Washington's hair and one of his false teeth!), and Benjamin Tallmadge's diary, the only first-hand account of Washington's Farewell. Of note are the display cases which were built for the Museum's opening in 1907 by Tiffany & Company.