New York Held Prisoner!

"REVOLUTION AND THE CITY"

On Exhibit at Frances Tavern Museum
July 10, 2010 - January 2011

• Churches converted to barracks and stables!
• Harbor filled with prison ships!
• Patriots jailed, Tories' homes sabotaged!
• A City divided for seven years!

Fraunces Tavern Museum presents "Revolution and the City" an exhibit covering 1776 - 1783 when all of New York City was held captive. The story of a city divided. Tory against Patriot, neighbor against neighbor. In addition to numerous paintings illustrations and artifacts, visitors will stand at the spot where a famous tavern keeper passed British military secrets on to General Washington as well as see "the most notorious horse's tail of the War."

Washington’s Triumphal Entry into New York, November 25, 1783

Collection of Fraunces Tavern Museum®

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About the Museum

Fraunces Tavern Museum is a survivor of the early days of New York City. It was built in 1719 as an elegant residence for the merchant Stephan Delancey and his family. In 1762, the home was purchased by tavern-keeper Samuel Fraunces, who turned it into one of the most popular taverns of the day. Though it is best known as the site where Washington gave his farewell address to the officers of the Continental Army, in 1783, the tavern also played a significant role in pre-Revolutionary activities. After the war, when New York was the nation’s first capital, the tavern was rented to the new government to house the offices of the Departments of War, Treasury and Foreign Affairs.

In 1904, the Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York purchased the tavern and hired preservation architect William Mersereau to return the building to its colonial appearance. Fraunces Tavern® Museum opened to the public in 1907. Today, the museum complex includes four 19th century buildings in addition to the 18th century Fraunces Tavern building.

Fraunces Tavern® Museum’s mission is to educate the public about New York City history as it relates to Colonial America, the Revolutionary War, and the Early Republic. This mission is fulfilled through the preservation and interpretation of the Museum’s landmarked 1719 building along with varied exhibitions of art and artifacts as they relate to the historic site.

Fraunces Tavern® Museum is located at 54 Pearl Street, Manhattan. The Museum is open Monday - Saturday 12pm – 5pm. Closed Sunday. Admission: $10.00 general, $5.00 seniors and children under 18, and free to children 5 and under and to members with membership card. Subway: R or W to Whitehall St., 4/5 to Bowling Green, 1 South Ferry, J/M/Z to Broad St. Buses: M1, M6, M15.