The Birch Trials at Fraunces Tavern

In 1783, as the Revolutionary War drew to a close, a joint British and American commission–formed as part of the process to implement the peace–met at Fraunces Tavern to review and deliberate upon the eligibility of some Black Loyalists to evacuate with the British Army.  Testimonies were provided by interested persons alongside documentary evidence for the commission to render a decision. These proceedings are now referred to as the “Birch Trials,” named after British Brigadier General Samuel Birch, Commander of the 17th Regiment of Light Dragoons and Commandant of New York, appointed to oversee them.

The Birch Trials were part of a process whereby 3,000 Black Loyalists evacuated New York City between April and November 1783–many of whom had previously been enslaved–the culminating event in one of the largest emancipations of Black people prior to the American Civil War.  The names of Black Loyalists who qualified for evacuation were recorded in the Book of Negroes, the compilation of which was overseen by the commission.

This permanent exhibition highlights these significant events. Visitors enter the exhibition and observe chairs and a table, arranged as if waiting for the commissioners to enter and hear a case. Along the exhibition’s walls, art and written communications of the period highlight the role of Black Loyalists in the Revolutionary War.

"The Birch Trials were a significant event in the long and continuing story of Americans of African descent in the United States.  Although the story of these individuals has been told, including by our own Museum, it is still not widely known by the public.  We hope this new permanent exhibition will change that."

Ambrose M. Richardson III, Co-Chairman of the Museum and Art Committee

"The exhibition reflects two years of exhaustive research on both sides of the Atlantic into thousands of pages of existing original documentation, and provides the most comprehensive insight to date into this significant event in the history of Black emancipation in the United States." 

Craig Hamilton Weaver, Co-Chairman of the Museum and Art Committee

The exhibition also recognizes the thousands of Black Patriots who fought to further the cause of American Independence.  For example: Crispus Attucks, a Black sailor killed in the Boston Massacre, who is thought by many historians to be the first American to die in the rebellion; Peter Salem and Salem Poor, who were recognized for their valor in the Battle of Bunker Hill; James Armistead, who served in a unit commanded by French General Lafayette and provided intelligence on the British positions at Yorktown that was crucial to the American victory; and the 1st Rhode Island Regiment–including a large and visible body of Black soldiers, both free and previously enslaved–who fought bravely during the War, most notably at the Battle of Newport, Rhode Island.

This exhibition is an important addition to the narrative of the Revolutionary War and its aftermath, and provides powerful visuals and significant historical content for visitors.

Sponsors

Melinda Hull Allison

Peter C. Hein

PRESS INFORMATION

Find the exhibition press release here.

READ THE CITATION FROM MAYOR ERIC ADAMS here.

WATCH THE PREVIEW RECEPTION REMARKS: Watch remarks from the preview reception here on YouTube.

WATCH RELATED REMARKS: Watch remarks from Lenore Zann, former Member of Canada's Parliament and the House of Commons, connecting Birchtown in Nova Scotia back to The Birch Trials at Fraunces Tavern here on YouTube, linking these two sites in a profound way. (Remarks begin at the 11:00 mark.)

SPONSORHIP OPPORTUNITIES

The Museum is offering recognition opportunities for those who financially underwrite the infrastructure, production, and maintenance costs of this exhibition, at the following sponsorship tiers (payable in two installments, if desired):

$1,000 for Sponsors

$5,000 for Sustaining Sponsors

$10,000 for Lead Sponsors

$25,000 for Benefactors

To discuss sponsorship opportunities and/or to arrange a site visit, or if you have further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Scott Dwyer, Executive Director, at (212) 425-1779 or sdwyer@frauncestavernmuseum.org.