Join author Kostya Kennedy for this lecture exploring the dramatic events of April 18 and 19, 1775—the night of Paul Revere’s famous ride. With new insights from archives, family documents, and contemporary accounts, discover how the legendary ride is far more complex than it is usually portrayed.*

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 21, 2025, Sons of the Revolution℠ in the State of New York, Inc. invite you to gather with us to commemorate the 250th 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 2025 Fraunces Tavern Museum Book Award and present our new exhibition, Path to Liberty: The Emergence of a Nation, officially opening to the public the following day.

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!

More than 3 years passed between the last battle in the North and the British surrender at Yorktown. In this lecture, Alan Pell Crawford tells what actually happened in those 3 too-little known years that forced the British to lose the war–and enabled America to win it.*

George Washington and Samuel Fraunces developed skills of risk-taking, judgement, and leadership through their entrepreneurial ventures that would later advantage them and the new nation when they chose to join the cause of American patriots. In this lecture, John Berlau will spotlight the successes and struggles of both men in their respective business careers that intertwined at important points in American history.*

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.

Our 2025 Ball will honor the 250th Anniversary of the formation of our Nation’s armed forces. Our Distinguished Patriot will be General Richard B. Myers, the 15th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

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.

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

   Our guest speaker will be Richard Brookhiser, author of Glorious Lessons: John Trumbull, Painter of the American Revolution. This engaging book tells the life-story of John Trumbull, and also explains the significance of Trumbull’s celebrated Revolutionary War paintings, which reflected Trumbull’s personal experience as aide to George Washington and to Horatio Gates. Four of John Trumbull's most famous paintings, The Declaration of Independence, Surrender of General Burgoyne, Surrender of Lord Cornwallis, and General George Washington Resigning His Commission, are on display in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. Other Trumbull paintings are displayed in the Yale University Art Gallery, including Trumbull’s iconic The Battle of Bunker's Hill, June 17, 1775, a copy of which is included in our museum’s latest permanent exhibition, The Birch Trials at Fraunces Tavern.

     Richard Brookhiser is a celebrated journalist and author who has written a series of biographies and other books on American founders and other leading figures in American history, including Alexander Hamilton, Governor Morris, George Washington, John Marshall, James Madison, Abraham Lincoln and the Adams family dynasty. He curated “Alexander Hamilton: The Man Who Made Modern America,” an exhibition at The New York Historical; and wrote and hosted “Rediscovering George Washington” and “Rediscovering Alexander Hamilton,” films by Michael Pack which aired on PBS.

The new year is a time for new beginnings, just as it was for the leaders of the American Revolution. Fraunces Tavern has always been more than a place to dine: it served as a meeting place where famous revolutionary leaders made pivotal decisions. Learn about leaders like George Washington and reflect on how their "resolution" shaped the new nation — while writing your own resolutions using a quill pen and colonial berry ink!

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

FREE WITH MUSEUM ADMISSION

Clement Clarke Moore is known the world over for his masterpiece of juvenile fiction, Twas the Night Before Christmas — less well-known is Moore's own life story and the involvement of his parents and grandparents during the revolutionary period. Join author and historian Pamela McColl for a festive presentation on the life and times of Clement Clarke Moore (New York, NY 1779-1863) and the Moore and Clarke families' involvement in the Revolutionary War.*

On December 4, 1783, George Washington and his officers met at Fraunces Tavern to say an emotional farewell. Join us in the room where it happened for a special reenactment and opportunity to converse with Washington himself before he returns to Mount Vernon! $1 reserves your space at one of our four timed reenactments and also gives you admission to the Museum to see our current exhibitions.

Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York, Inc. are pleased to invite you to our annual Evacuation Day Dinner celebration held at Fraunces Tavern!

Evacuation Day marked the final British evacuation from New York City in 1783, after seven years of occupation. The evening culminated in a festive dinner given by Governor George Clinton, honoring George Washington and his officers at Samuel Fraunces' tavern.

Evacuation Day remained a New York City holiday into the 1910s, with celebrations rivaling those of the Fourth of July.

We look forward to celebrating this event with you at Fraunces Tavern as George Washington did that night, by raising our glasses for the very same thirteen toasts given at the first Evacuation Day Dinner at Fraunces Tavern on November 25, 1783.

OUR 2024 EVENT HAS REACHED CAPACITY AND TICKETS ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE.

In this lecture, join author, photographer, and licensed NYC sightseeing guide Tommy Silk as he discusses how he decided on the 120 buildings that constitute the hidden landmarks of the five boroughs. Discover the histories of the city's remaining buildings from the 18th century and earlier, including Fraunces Tavern itself, and learn why so few of these structures remain today.*

On October 23, 2024, Fraunces Tavern Museum will unveil our vastly enlarged permanent exhibition "The Birch Trials at Fraunces Tavern", highlighting the role of Fraunces Tavern in the emancipation of thousands of Black Loyalists at the end of the Revolutionary War enabling them to leave New York City and the creation of the Book of Negroes. The exhibition expands upon one opened at the Museum in June 2023. Recognition is also given to the thousands of Black Patriots who fought to further the cause of American Independence.

During the reception, which will include wine, beer, and hors d'oeuvres, the Birch Trials exhibition's curators will be available to answer questions from attendees. We will also be opening another new exhibition and screening our new film on the history of Fraunces Tavern in a new space within the Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Educational Center for American History. Brief remarks will be made around 7:25PM.

During the optional dinner program, which will begin around 8pm, special guests will include Elizabeth Cooke-Sumbu and Andrea Davis, descendants of individuals listed in the Book of Negroes. Ms. Cooke-Sumbu will give remarks and Ms. Davis, Executive Director of the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre in Nova Scotia, Canada, will give a lecture.

Join licensed tour guide Bruce Racond to visit the New York City that George Washington would have known from 1776 to 1790! This walking tour explores the people and places of NYC during the Revolutionary War and Washington’s first term as president, including the important contributions of women and African Americans.

Join licensed tour guide Bruce Racond to visit the New York City that George Washington would have known from 1776 to 1790! This walking tour explores the people and places of NYC during the Revolutionary War and Washington’s first term as president, including the important contributions of women and African Americans.

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

On Friday, October 18th, join us for an historic, fall-themed craft! Discover 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, like the corn husks available after harvest. Join us to make your own corn husk dolls, connecting with the historical ingenuity of these children and the broader Revolutionary War era.

Drop in any time from 1:00-3:00pm to try your hand at our all-ages activities!

FREE WITH MUSEUM ADMISSION

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.

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.

Nathan Hale was commissioned by George Washington to infiltrate the British ranks to gather intelligence. He was discovered on September 21, 1776 and hanged for treason, without trial, the next morning.

The Nathan Hale Commemoration Ceremony takes place in City Hall Park near the statue of Nathan Hale that was donated by the Sons of the Revolution to New York City in 1893 and stands facing the south main entrance to City Hall. Click HERE to see the exact location on Google Maps.  To enter the park, you may enter the secure area from either the west or east gate of Steve Flanders Square, which is on the south side of the City Hall building.  Everyone who enters will have to walk through a metal detector and have any bags scanned by an x-ray machine, as they will be entering City Hall property. Look for chairs set up where the commemoration is to take place.

THIS EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Join Sons of the Revolution℠ in the State of New York, Inc. to celebrate the signing of the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787, featuring special guest and speaker Tom Hand*. Hand is the author of An American Triumph: America’s Founding Era Through the Lives of Ben Franklin, George Washington, and John Adams, which was an honorable mention for the 2024 Fraunces Tavern Museum Book Award.

In this lecture, Tyson Reeder traces early America's rocky beginnings, when foreign interference and political conflict threatened to undermine its aspirations and ideals, even its very existence. Spanning the period from the Revolution to the War of 1812, and focusing particularly on the career of James Madison, it reveals a nation adjusting to rancorous partisan politics, aggravated by the untested and imperfect new tools of governance and the growing power of media.*

Thanks to The Society of the Second War with Great Britain in the State of New York and The State of New York Society, United States Daughters of 1812 for co-sponsoring this event.

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

On July 26th, join us for our final Funday Friday 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 1:00-3:00pm to try your hand at our all-ages activities!

FREE WITH MUSEUM ADMISSION

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

On July 19th, join us for another Funday Friday to investigate the history of invisible ink during the American Revolutionary era. Used by spies and soldiers to send hidden messages, invisible ink played a vital role in communication and espionage. Participants will learn how to create and reveal invisible ink, uncovering the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the time. This hands-on activity offers a deeper understanding of the era's challenges and the innovative strategies that defined the American fight for independence. 

Drop in any time from 1:00-3:00pm to try your hand at our all-ages activities!

FREE WITH MUSEUM ADMISSION

We don't always consider the powerful impact that the War of Independence had on the physical landscape of 18th century America – much less how those impacts might still be seen and felt today. Join Professor David C. Hsiung for fascinating insights into the lasting legacies of the Revolution on the natural world, including deforestation at Valley Forge, raids that seized animals but also produced some surprisingly "positive" effects, and lead musket balls left on battlefields that may only now be poisoning the land.*

Thanks to the Paul Revere House for collaboration and promotion.

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

On July 12th, join us for our second Funday Friday program of the summer to delve into the history and craftsmanship of hornbooks, essential educational tools from the American Revolutionary era. Participants will have the opportunity to create and decorate their own hornbooks, gaining hands-on experience while learning about the vital role these simple yet effective tools played in educating children during this pivotal time in history.

Drop in any time from 1:00-3:00pm to try your hand at our all-ages activities!

FREE WITH MUSEUM ADMISSION

Perhaps no single day in US history was as threatening to the survival of the nation as August 24, 1814, when British forces captured Washington. This unique moment might have significantly altered the nation's path forward, but the event and the reasons why it happened are often forgotten. In this lecture, Dr. Robert Watson explores the British campaign and American missteps that led to the fall of the capital city, but also tells the redeeming stories of the courageous young clerks and the bold first lady who risked their lives to save priceless documents from the flames, including the Constitution. Join Dr. Watson for the shocking, behind-the-scenes story of the British attack on Washington and the rebuilding of the capital and nation.*

Thanks to The Society of the Second War with Great Britain in the State of New York and The State of New York Society, United States Daughters of 1812 for co-sponsoring this event.

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

On July 5th, join us for our first hands-on Funday Friday on moral compass fans from the American Revolutionary era. These decorated fans served as tools for subtly expressing political and moral beliefs. Participants in this drop-in activity will explore how moral compass fans reflected the values of the time and create their own fan, connecting with the personal and political narratives of the Revolutionary era.

Drop in any time from 1:00-3:00pm to try your hand at our all-ages activities!

FREE WITH MUSEUM ADMISSION

Celebrate Independence Day at Fraunces Tavern Museum with $1 admission all day long! Starting at 2:00pm, you can also attend an afternoon of talks as a part of the Lower Manhattan Historical Association’s It Happened Here programming.