Magna Carta and The Foundations of Freedom at Fraunces Tavern Museum

The 1215 Magna Carta

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Picture courtesy of the Lincolnshire Echo newspaper

Fraunces Tavern® Museum

A Rare Opportunity

See where the story of your freedom began. The exhibit continues through June, 2010

In the almost 800 years since it was drawn up this remarkable copy of Magna Carta has journeyed from its home at Lincoln Cathedral in England to New York a handful of times. The first time was for the 1939 World's Fair. The last time was over 20 years ago. It doesn't make the trip very often.
		Lincoln Cathedral, home to Magna Carta since 1215 Lincoln Cathedral photo

Fraunces Tavern® Museum

See Magna Carta - and More

Fraunces Tavern® Museum—dedicated to America's own struggle for freedom—is the perfect venue for you to see this amazing document. Fraunces Tavern is the ONLY museum in Manhattan dedicated to American Revolutionary War history-and the place where much of it actually happened.

Magna Carta is one of the most important documents in the history of democracy, directly influencing human rights throughout the centuries, which followed.

"MAGNA CARTA and the Foundations of Freedom" will also reveal how the roots of the U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights and more all reach back to Magna Carta. It will also trace the freedom struggles of the diverse peoples making up the American social fabric.

Your admission to MAGNA CARTA will also gain you entrance to our Dunsmore Gallery with its magnificent paintings depicting Revolutionary War scenes, the historic Long Room where George Washington bade farewell to his officers, and the elegant Clinton Dining Room.

Your visit will be an experience rich with stories of American patriotism and the history of liberty itself.

Our "Founding Fathers" Inspire Us
…Magna Carta Inspired Them

The year is 1215 and the days of "the divine right of kings" are numbered. A group of English Barons call King John to the fields of Runnymede to set his seal to Magna Carta, a document which, for the first time, limited his powers and put the wheels of liberty in motion that continue to roll forward today.

Originally known as "The Charter of Liberty," deep within was the revolutionary clause forming the basis of ideas that would later find their way into the Declaration of Independence, The U.S. Constitution and other documents of liberty:

"No free man shall be seized or imprisoned, or stripped of his rights or possessions, or outlawed or exiled - nor will we proceed with force against him - except by the lawful judgment of his equals or by the law of the land."

A King is reprimanded. "Hugh Admonishes King John" ancient, leaded glass window at Lincoln Cathedral, captures the spirit of Magna Carta.
Lincoln Cathedral photo

When the English came to American soil in the 1600's, they brought with them ideas established by Magna Carta. It was the 13th century wellspring from which the 18th century American Revolution was born. —And from which declarations of liberty and law to this very day are based.

An Exhibit for All Who Breathe Free

For young and old alike, here is an exhibit for everyone who enjoys the bounty of freedom and wants to know more about it how these liberties were won.

Recommended for students, middle school age and up. School groups are encouraged. Please contact Visitor Services at 212 425-1778 to schedule a guided tour.

Seeing history up close. Magna Carta on display in England.
Lincoln Cathedral photo

Dining

PLEASE NOTE: Due to a change in management, please call in advance to confirm Restaurant hours.

After you have seen MAGNA CARTA may we suggest topping off your visit with a meal downstairs? For your convenience Fraunces Tavern® Restaurant, on the ground floor of the Museum building, serves lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Monday - Friday and 11:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Reservations are encouraged but not mandatory. Restaurant info or reservations call: 212-968-1776
Or visit: www.frauncestavern.com.

Location & Directions

Fraunces Tavern® Museum is located at 54 Pearl Street at the corner of Broad Street in Lower Manhattan.
Take the Subway: N/R to Whitehall St., 4/5 to Bowling Green, 1/9 to South Ferry, or J/M/Z to Broad Street. Buses: M1, M6, M15

For More Information call 212-425-1778

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Support by:

The Bodman Foundation
Order of Colonial Lords of the Manor in America

George Washingtons Farewell at Fraunces Tavern Museum

Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York
Fraunces Tavern Museum
54 Pearl Street New York, New York 10004

SR Ph: 212-425-1776 - SR Fax: 212-509-3467
FTM Ph: 212-425-1778 - FTM Fax: 212-509-3467

Fraunces Tavern Restaurant
54 Pearl Street New York, New York 10004

Reservations: 212-968-1776 Fax: 212-797-1776

Copyright 2002 - 2009 Sons of the Revolution In the State of New York, Inc.. Fraunces Tavern Museum is owned and operated
by and FRAUNCES TAVERN ® is a registered service mark of, Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York. Inc.,
a not-for-profit corporation instituted in 1876 and incorporated in 1884.
Funding is provided by individuals, corporations, foundations, government agencies and
Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York. IRS 990 Documentation.