Join us as we commemorate martyred spy Nathan Hale at the foot of the Nathan Hale statue which stands at City Hall Park. The ceremony features the SRNY Color Guard, wreath laying, and more.

SUNDAY 9/20 TOUR CANCELED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER.

Join licensed tour guide Bruce Racond to uncover Central Park’s hidden Revolutionary War history! This walking tour explores some of Central Park’s most beautiful but least-known areas—including the grounds of historic forts and other sites from the war. You’ll encounter great vistas, hear captivating stories, and see vivid images and maps transporting you back to the 18th century as you experience the history of the land that would become Central Park.

Join licensed tour guide Bruce Racond to uncover Central Park’s hidden Revolutionary War history! This walking tour explores some of Central Park’s most beautiful but least-known areas—including the grounds of historic forts and other sites from the war. You’ll encounter great vistas, hear captivating stories, and see vivid images and maps transporting you back to the 18th century as you experience the history of the land that would become Central Park.

Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York will mark the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Harlem Heights (September 16, 1776) with a parade down Broadway from West 129th Street to West 116th Street, beginning at 1:00 PM. The parade will be followed by a private viewing of "Harlem Heights: The Story of Columbia's Lasting Tribute to its Hallowed Ground," an exhibit installed at Columbia University's Butler Library documenting the 1897 dedication of SRNY's bronze battle tablet on Columbia's campus, with a reception to follow at Mess Hall Harlem. The day's program includes remarks from SRNY President Peter Sherwin, Columbia historian David Eisenbach, and a prayer from Society chaplain Father Christopher Cullen, SJ.

Raise a glass to freedom and sing along to traditional songs from the colonial era performed by Anne Enslow and Ridley Enslow. These songs, performed on authentic 18th-century instruments, would have been heard in taverns across the colonies throughout the colonial era and American Revolution.

As always, Anne and Ridley perform in 18th-century dress and on instruments of the period—hammered dulcimer and a 1776 violin. They will have their little dancing man called a limberjack, who pleases audience members from 9 to 90! Before each song Anne will provide an interesting and entertaining introduction to the piece, setting the context in American history.

Join us in celebrating the 250th and singing to the tune of revolution!

Learn about a forgotten Founding Father in this talk by Scott S. Greenberger!

Along with Alexander Hamilton, Gouverneur Morris was the most important New Yorker during the Revolution and at the Constitutional Convention, where he was the most outspoken opponent of slavery, gave more speeches than anyone else, and wrote the final draft. (The immortal words of the Preamble—We the People, etc.—are his.) Morris was the true father of the Erie Canal—which cemented New York's status as America's most important city—and he designed the Manhattan street grid. He's buried in the Bronx, but he's been (unjustly) forgotten by New Yorkers and the country as a whole. He deserves to be remembered as we mark America's 250th.*

Explore the fascinating world of Revolutionary-era tavern culture on an unforgettable evening bar crawl through Lower Manhattan! Join licensed tour guide and beverage historian Diana Pittet* as you journey through a curated mix of historic taverns and vibrant neighborhood bars. Discover how taverns fueled the politics, commerce, and community spirit that shaped eighteenth-century America. The night culminates at the iconic Fraunces Tavern, where the stories—and spirits—of our nation’s founding come alive. Raise a glass, step back in time, and experience history like never before!

Step back into the American Revolution with a special family-friendly screening of Liberty's Kids! Join us at the Fraunces Tavern Museum to watch an episode of the beloved animated series that brings Revolutionary-era history to life through the adventures of young reporters James, Sarah, and Henri.

Following the showing, museum professionals will lead an interactive Q&A session where participants can gain deeper insight into historical facts from the show. Learn more about the characters, events, and history of the American Revolution.

Program is free with admission and is recommended for families with kids aged 6+.

Open to students, emerging writers, and professionals, this series of writing workshops invite New Yorkers across all five boroughs to grapple with the Revolution’s contradictions – a fight for liberty in a society where enslavement remained legal. Through thought-provoking prompts and community dialogue, participants will explore themes of freedom, displacement, and identity in Revolutionary-era New York.*

Step back in time this summer as we explore our nation’s rich heritage through hands-on crafts inspired by the past!

On July 16th, join us for colonial arts & crafts day to explore the history of corn husk dolls, tracing their origins from Native Americans to European settlers and enslaved African Americans. During the Revolutionary era, children made these dolls from available materials, showcasing their resilience and creativity despite adversity. Participants will learn to craft their own corn husk dolls, connecting with the historical ingenuity of these children and the broader Revolutionary War era. 

Drop in any time from 12:30-2:30pm to try your hand at our all-ages activities!

FREE WITH MUSEUM ADMISSION

Fraunces Tavern Museum will have its traditional open house on July 4, 2026. The open house is being coordinated with the major national event, Sail4th 250, a parade of ships in New York Harbor. The SRNY Color Guard will participate in the Lower Manhattan Historical Association’s Independence Day Parade. At 2:30 pm, the Museum is hosting its “It Happened Here” lecture highlighting The Passing of Three Presidents - John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe - all of whom died on July 4th.

Learn how rum impacted the American Revolution with Jordan B. Smith!

This talk, building on Jordan’s 2025 book, The Invention of Rum: Creating the Quintessential Atlantic Commodity, presents a new story of how rum was invented, made, sold, and consumed in the Atlantic world, and how those developments intersected with the American Revolution. We will explore how rum revolutionized the Atlantic world, then home in on various moments in the leadup, course, and aftermath of the American Revolution when the market for—and meanings embedded within—rum shaped the age of revolutions.*

Books will be available in-person at the event, and the author will be on-hand for signing. 

Explore the art of storytelling through quilting! Join us at the Fraunces Tavern Museum for a special hands-on program where we’ll decorate quilt blocks while learning about Freedom Quilts and their role during the American Revolution.

Discover how quilts were more than just blankets — they were symbols of resistance, freedom, and communication. We’ll discuss the meanings behind different quilt patterns and their connections to the fight for independence.

Drop in any time from 12:30-2:30pm to try your hand at this all-ages activity!

FREE WITH MUSEUM ADMISSION

Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. While not a federal holiday, this special day is observed across the nation, from small towns to big cities, often with parades. Since 1916, Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York, Inc. (SRNY) has hosted the Flag Day Parade, Celebration, and Open House here in New York City.

Join The New York Baroque Dance Company (NYBDC) for a lively workshop at Fraunces Tavern Museum! We'll learn social dances from George Washington's time and the early days of the nation, including some by Francis Johnson, the American composer who brought the whole nation to the dance floor.

In true 18th-century style, we'll practice elegant figures and spirited steps that will bring the world of the ball to life and demonstrate the spirited atmosphere of a revolutionary tavern. Whether you're new to historical dance or a seasoned reveler, this workshop will give you the confidence to shine on the dance floor and earn you free admission to NYBDC's Ball on June 28.

Costumes admired but not required.

Join Fraunces Tavern Museum for an evening discussion on Ken Burns' The American Revolution documentary!

Opening with a screening of select highlights from the six-part documentary, we will then discuss the making of the film with Producer and Co-Director Sarah Botstein, Producer Salimah El-Amin, Co-Producer Megan Ruffe, and Director of Photography Buddy Squires. The panel will illuminate the process of creating the documentary and their experience of telling the story of the American Revolution through film.*

Walking Tour Led by Bruce Racond*

American history comes alive on the streets where it happened in historic locations critical to the lives and partnership of Alexander Hamilton and George Washington! Relive the first reading of the Declaration of Independence and the subsequent revolt, honor the fallen American troops in the Battle of Brooklyn, celebrate the Constitution’s ratification, and applaud Hamilton's achievement of the Compromise of 1790. Stand at the site of Washington's momentous inauguration, dig into the history of the infamous duel between Hamilton and Aaron Burr, pay your respects at the final resting place of the Hamiltons, and much more. This is an immersive tour for lovers of United States’ history and the musical Hamilton!

Did we need a Declaration? What does the text tell us about the signers? Was the Declaration a success? What has been its appeal and its influence abroad and at home over the last 250 years? Join Judge Douglas Ginsberg to explore these questions at a special Liberty 250 lecture.

Judge Ginsburg is known for his civics work. He produced a film for PBS in July 2023 on the Declaration of Independence and a three-part series on the U.S. Constitution.

Walking Tour Led by Bruce Racond*

American history comes alive on the streets where it happened in historic locations critical to the lives and partnership of Alexander Hamilton and George Washington! Relive the first reading of the Declaration of Independence and the subsequent revolt, honor the fallen American troops in the Battle of Brooklyn, celebrate the Constitution’s ratification, and applaud Hamilton's achievement of the Compromise of 1790. Stand at the site of Washington's momentous inauguration, dig into the history of the infamous duel between Hamilton and Aaron Burr, pay your respects at the final resting place of the Hamiltons, and much more. This is an immersive tour for lovers of United States’ history and the musical Hamilton!

On April 27, 2026, Sons of the Revolution℠ in the State of New York, Inc. invite you to gather with us to commemorate the 251st Anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which took place on April 19, 1775. At this commemoration, we will also honor the winner of the 2026 Fraunces Tavern Museum Book Award.

The Fraunces Tavern Museum Book Award is presented annually to the author of the best newly published work on the American Revolutionary War that combines original scholarship, insight, and good writing. This year's winner is The Fate of the Day: The War for America, Fort Ticonderoga to Charleston, 1777-1780 by Rick Atkinson*.

Join this interactive craft cocktail class hosted by pop historian, comedian and certified mixologist, Jacey Powers. This unique event combines one-part humor, one-part history and shakes them up for a perfectly blended celebration of fascinating women in history, worthy of raising a glass to. 

As we approach America's 250th birthday, we'll look at the story behind our nation's most enduring symbol: the United States Flag. We've all heard the story of Betsy Ross, but is it fact or an American fable? Together we'll untangle the tale and shake up a historic cocktail inspired by the recipes and drinking culture of colonial America. This high-energy happy hour will illuminate the way we tell women's stories with every guest learning a little and laughing a lot.*

The year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the nation’s founding. Join historian Robert Watson for this talk exploring some of the fun and intriguing stories behind the stories as well as common myths and misconceptions about both remarkable events.*

Presented by the Saint Andrew’s Society of the State of New York

Scotland profoundly influenced Revolutionary America. Core tendencies in Scottish culture-such as common sense philosophy, the principle of popular consent, the appeal of personal autonomy, and the virtues of political moderation-had crucial reverberations across the Atlantic. This lecture will explore the ways in which Scotland shaped and informed the Declaration of Independence. We will begin by discussing the signers of the Declaration who were either Scottish-born or of Scottish (and Scots Irish) descent. Next, we will examine other prominent Scots active during that era (including one New Yorker who has been less known that he should be) who profoundly influenced American life, along with their varying reputations among the American people. Finally, we will analyze the intellectual role of the Scottish Enlightenment in forming the ideas expressed by Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration.

Presented by Dr. Nicholas Birns, a literary scholar and faculty member at New York University's School of Professional Studies. 

Following the lecture, there will be a reception with refreshments and small bites. InchDairnie Distillery from Fife will be providing the Whisky for the toast and the tasting. 

In honor of George Washington and to benefit Fraunces Tavern Museum

The George Washington Birthday Ball, hosted by Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York, is held each year to honor George Washington and to benefit Fraunces Tavern® Museum.

Come in and warm up from the cold with a Colonial style mulled wine as we discuss and celebrate the sequential art (comic book) of George Washington.

Join author Renee Witterstaetter* as she presents on her book, Cloaked Crusader: George Washington in Comics and Pop Culture, looking at the visage of Washington in everything from tavern signs to comic books to movies, over the past 250 years.

This lively presentation will be preceded by a wine tasting with offerings from Brotherhood Winery out of Washingtonville, New York, fittingly enough.

To round out the evening, we will also have caricature artist Edward Murr on hand to make you an art creation yourself.

Don’t miss this entertaining evening with Renee and Ed, where the “Oldest Winery in the US” is featured at the oldest building in Manhattan and raise a glass to Washington in Comics and Pop Culture for the nation’s 250th!

6:30pm reception
7:00pm program
8:00pm optional dinner (at Fraunces Tavern®)

Our guest speaker will be Kevin Draper, historian and co-founder of New York Historical Tours, who will speak on the subject of the American Revolution in the greater New York region in 1776. This 250th lecture is featured in coordination with our special exhibit commemorating the semiquincentennial, Path to Liberty: The Emergence of a Nation.

Kevin Draper is a sought-after New York City Historian and Co-Founder of New York Historical Tours. An impassioned native New Yorker, Kevin actively brings to life the incredible and inspiring stories that have made New York the most exciting and influential city in the world. For over fifteen years Kevin has provided top-rated first class tours and New York City experiences to locals and visitors from all over the globe.

His dynamic knowledge, professionalism and gift for storytelling have awarded him consistent five-star reviews, Trip Advisors Certificate of Excellence year after year and won the accolades of the most discriminating clientele. Kevin has led historical talks and lectures for top universities and Fortune 500 companies and is a respected historical consultant for major media and publications including CBS, ABC, Bloomberg, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.

We thank our event sponsors:

Michael P. Coneys

William S. Eakins

Peter C. Hein

Laura B. Matson

Peter J. W. Sherwin

Tri-Spy Tours

Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York, Inc. and its Fraunces Tavern Museum are joining the New York City Bar Association Legal History Committee to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the publication of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense. At this event, members of the New York City Bar Legal History Committee will orate selected readings from the text of Thomas Paine's book in person at the Museum.