Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Educational Center for American History
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. The new exhibition also recognizes the thousands of Black Patriots who fought to further the cause of American Independence.
McEntee Gallery
This permanent exhibition portrays one of Fraunces Tavern’s private dining rooms in the late 18th century. New York had quickly become a cosmopolitan, global port city by the 18th century where travel and trade routes brought new ingredients and ways of cooking and presenting them. And while other taverns were providing average communal fare, Samuel Fraunces was making culinary history. Fraunces was one of the first to offer delicious food, at any time of day, in an elegant setting with individual table service. His cooking and reputation in the City brought government officials and prominent members of society (including many of the country’s Founding Fathers), as well as private clubs and companies to the Tavern to meet and entertain away from the Tavern’s public rooms.
Mesick Gallery
George Washington’s persona has been showcased in comics and pop culture; in traditional reenactments of famous events; and in appearances in modern times with the likes of Superman, Captain America and other famous heroes. He has become a mythical figure and super hero in his own right—a metaphor for good and justice in these tomes. The comic books and original artwork in this exhibition highlight Washington's continued relevance to our collective past, present, and future. Original artwork and comics on display will feature pieces by Michael Golden, Arthur Suydam, George Evans, George Perez, Neal Adams, Kurt Swan, Graham Nolan, Jose Marzan, Jr, Daniel Scott, Fred Fredericks, and many more!
The exhibition is guest-curated and written by Renee Witterstaetter of Eva Ink Artist Group and Pros & Cons Celebrity Booking and is based on her book of the same name.
From 1785 to 1788, between the end of the American Revolution and the ratification of the United States Constitution, the Congress of the Confederation rented rooms at Fraunces Tavern for three government departments. During this time, Washington’s compatriots in the Revolution, John Jay and Henry Knox, headed the Departments of Foreign Affairs and War respectively. Offices of the Board of Treasury were also located in the same building. Governing the Nation from Fraunces Tavern depicts the Department of Foreign Affairs while it was headquartered at the Tavern and helps visitors understand the diplomatic, military, and financial challenges that all three departments faced during their time here.
Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Educational Center for American History
Flags have long served as visual representations of human groups, expressing a collective experience and forming communities around a set of shared values and ideals. Before uniting around the Stars and Stripes, regimental battle flags bore special importance to their members. In this permanent exhibition, learn about the history and iconography behind the regimental flags of the diverse groups who fought for American independence.
Adeline Moses Loeb Gallery
Made famous on the Gadsden flag, the timber rattlesnake was adopted by many as a symbol of American resistance to British rule during the Colonial Period. This special exhibition offers a look at the history, significance and meaning of this striking flag.
Dunsmore Gallery
Though we typically remember its significance in the American Revolution, Fraunces Tavern continued to be an active and important social space in the many years following Washington's farewell. A Monument to Memory explores the many roles 54 Pearl Street has played in the public life of Lower Manhattan, inviting visitors to discover how the stories we tell through historic preservation and inquiry shape our memories of the past.
On the second floor of 54 Pearl Street is the Long Room, the site of General George Washington’s famous farewell to his officers at the end of the Revolution. This period room is a re-creation of an 18th century public dining room based on extensive research of inventories and estates of tavern keepers during this period.
Washington’s farewell to his generals who survived the war was an emotionally charged address. In attendance was Colonel Benjamin Tallmadge, who described the event many years later in his memoirs, “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 memoir is currently on view in McEntee Gallery.
George Washington Portrait Gallery Honoring Stanley and Elizabeth Scott
Few individuals have been as honored and revered in American history as George Washington. Elected as the rebellion’s military leader in 1775 as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, and eventually unanimously elected as the first American President, he embodied the spirit of the American people.
Washington was a symbol of popular political participation and resistance to authority, while also being a champion of law and order. He possessed numerous virtues including duty, bravery, and loyalty that continue to inspire respect and emulation. These attributes, along with his impressive physical stature, moved numerous artists to create portraits of Washington during his lifetime.
The majority of the prints on display in the exhibition were issued during the last quarter of the 18th century, and seen together they give a rare glimpse into the attitudes and perspectives of that period.
McEntee Gallery
Sons of the Revolution℠ in the State of New York, Inc. opened Fraunces Tavern® Museum in 1907 to educate the public. At that time, this gallery served as the entire Museum. Today, it features the history and activities of SRNY including the commemorations of Washington’s Birthday, the Battles of Lexington and Concord, Nathan Hale, and Evacuation Day. The gallery also features significant American Revolutionary Era objects from the Museum’s collection displayed in the original cabinets crafted by Tiffany Studios for the Museum’s opening.
