The Role of Hornbooks in Early American Education
By Armonee Wilkins
October 22, 2024
Armonee Wilkins explores the historical significance and educational purpose of hornbooks in early American education.
Pirates of the American Revolution
By Jack Campbell
October 31, 2022
Jack Campbell highlights the important role played by privateers in the Revolutionary War.
The Art of Toasting in the Colonial Era
By Jack Campbell
September 15, 2022
Jack Campbell explores the tradition of toasting in Colonial America, as well as the larger history of the practice.
John Jay: New York’s Federalist Figure
By Jack Campbell
August 1, 2022
Jack Campbell explores the legacy of statesman, diplomat, Supreme Court Justice, and native New Yorker John Jay.
Object of the Month: Baron von Steuben’s Liquor Chest and Battlefield Drinking Culture
By Jack Campbell
July 12, 2022
Jack Campbell highlights one of the most unique items in the Museum’s collection, a liquor chest owned by Baron von Steuben, and explores battlefield drinking culture during the Revolutionary War.
The Restoration of Fraunces Tavern, 1906.
William H. Mersereau, Architect
by Mary Tsaltas-Ottomanelli and Jack Campbell
May 17, 2022
Mary Tsaltas-Ottomanelli and Jack Campbell explore the life and work of William H. Mersereau, the architect who completed the early 20th century restoration of Fraunces Tavern.
Object of the Month: Lafayette and His Military Legacy at Fraunces Tavern Museum
By Jack Campbell
April 26, 2022
Jack Campbell explores the life of the Marquis de Lafayette and his legacy at Fraunces Tavern Museum.
Tresses of the Fraunces Tavern Museum Collection
by Megan Villa
March 14, 2022
Depictions of George Washington, renowned general throughout the Revolutionary war and the first President of the United States, can be found throughout the galleries at the Fraunces Tavern Museum and frequently among the Museum’s collection. Visitors can also view intimate personal effects of Washington, including a lock of his hair. This installment of the Object of the Month, Megan Villa investigates the significance of such personal mementos and explores how these few strands of hair have elevated Washington’s status in history.
Love in the Time of Revolution
by Mary Tsaltas-Ottomanelli
February 11, 2022
Mary Tsaltas-Ottomanelli explores the art of letter writing between some of history’s most notable 18th century couples and offers practical tips for readers to do the same.
Christmas in Colonial and Revolutionary America
by Jack Campbell
December 15, 2021
Jack Campbell explores the festivities and traditions of Christmas in the Revolutionary Era.
Mercy Otis Warren: “The Conscience of the Revolution”
by Gabrielle Mollin
September 28, 2021
Gabrielle Mollin details the life and legacy of Patriot activist Mercy Otis Warren.
Object of the Month: Who Tore It Down?
by Dylan Giacobbe
August 3, 2021
Dylan Giacobbe explores the scene depicted in Pulling Down the Statue of George III, detailing who is pictured and who isn’t.
Gouverneur Morris: The Forgotten Founding Father
by Theresa DeCicco
April 22, 2021
Theresa DeCicco details the life and work of the “forgotten Founding Father” Gouvenor Morris, who influenced not one, but two historic Revolutions.
Homespun: The Economic Impact of Women on the American Revolution
by Jessica Bryant
March 9, 2021
Jessica Bryant explores the important role patriotic women played in winning the Revolutionary War.
Young Washington
by Theresa DeCicco
February 17, 2021
Theresa DeCicco paints a picture of young George Washington and details the events that would lead him to become the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army.
Object of the Month: HOUDONIT? The Mystery of the George Washington Bust
by Amanda Nesci
February 4, 2021
Amanda Nesci details the story behind one of the most lifelike objects in the Museum’s collection: the bust of George Washington.
Object of the Month: Toasty Toes in Colonial Times
by Amanda Nesci
December 7, 2020
Amanda Nesci highlights one of the most asked about objects on display in the Museum: the colonial foot warmer.
Evacuation, Occupation, And Farewell: The Last Chapter of The Revolutionary War In New York City
by Mary Tsaltas-Ottomanelli
December 2, 2020
Mary Tsaltas-Ottomanelli takes a close look at the months following the British surrender at Yorktown and explores the final chapter of the Revolutionary War in New York City.
Becoming Tallmadge
by Beau Robbins, Historical Interpreter
November 30, 2020
Beau Robbins, who played Colonel Benjamin Tallmadge in Fraunces Tavern Museum’s first-ever film, Washington’s Farewell, discusses his work as a historical interpreter, speaker, and consultant and how he “became Tallmadge” for the film.
The Second Surrender: Gloucester Point and Lauzun’s Legion
by Jessica Bryant
October 19, 2020
Jessica Bryant explores the lesser-known second surrender at the Battle of Yorktown, and the rowdy legion of foreign volunteers who made both surrenders possible.
The Great Link Between Minds: The United States Postal Service
by Theresa DeCicco
October 9, 2020
Theresa DeCicco delves into the origins of what Alexis de Toqueville described as “the great link between minds:” the United States Postal Service.
The Last Days of Nathan Hale
by Mary Tsaltas-Ottomanelli
September 22, 2020
Solider, spy, and Patriot, Nathan Hale's death is regarded as one of American history's greatest patriotic moments and launched him into martyrdom, but most of his life is largely shrouded in mystery. On the anniversary of his death, Mary Tsaltas-Ottomanelli dissects the life and legacy of Nathan Hale.
The Stadt Huys, Lovelace Tavern, and the Excavation of History
by Allie Delyanis
September 15, 2020
In honor of Fraunces Tavern Museum’s first-ever Tavern Week, Allie Delyanis explores the history of one of 54 Pearl Street’s forgotten neighbors: the Lovelace Tavern.
Read the full story.
Unknown artist, “The Inauguration of Washington” from Heroes of History and Their Grand Achievements, 1903
Print, 8 13/16" h x 5 15/16" w
Fraunces Tavern Museum, TR2019.01.020. Gift of Kent D. and Tina K. Worley
Object of the Month: “The Inauguration of Washington”
by Amanda Nesci
September 8, 2020
Amanda Nesci uses a detailed print to highlight the George Washington’s Presidential Inauguration.
Thirsty New York: Fire, Fever, and the Search for Freshwater
by Theresa DeCicco
September 4, 2020
Theresa DeCicco explores the storied, and often contentious, history of New York City’s water supply.
Unknown engraver, “Paul Revere’s Ride” from A Pictorial History Of The World's Great Nations, From The Earliest Dates To The Present Time vol. 2, 1882
Engraving, 10 ⅛ x 7 ¼ in.
Fraunces Tavern Museum, TR2019.01.006. Gift of Kent D. and Tina K. Worley
Object of the Month: “Paul Revere’s Ride”
by Amanda Nesci
August 3, 2020
Amanda Nesci explores the legacy of Paul Revere using a 19th century engraving.
HOWARD PYLE
THE BATTLE OF BUNKER HILLPRINT, 6 7/16 X 9 3/8 IN
FRAUNCES TAVERN MUSEUM, TR2019.01.014. GIFT OF KENT D. AND TINA K. WORLEY
Object of the Month: Howard Pyle’s The Battle of Bunker Hill
by Amanda Nesci
July 6, 2020
Amanda Nesci uncovers a rare print, torn from an 1898 magazine, and highlights the work of artist Howard Pyle.
GEORGE WASHINGTON'S COPY OF THE DECLARATION, A DECLARATION BY THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, IN GENERAL CONGRESS ASSEMBLED. COURTESY OF THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.
The Summer of 1776
by Mary Tsaltas-Ottomanelli
July 3, 2020
Mary Tsaltas-Ottomanelli chronicles the events of the summer of 1776 in New York City and the week leading up the the Declaration of Independence, which was arguably one of the most hectic weeks of General Washington’s life.
UNKNOWN ENGRAVER, AFTER ALONZO CHAPPEL (AMERICAN, 1828-1887)
DEATH OF GENERAL MONTGOMERY, 1866
ENGRAVING, 6 7/8 X 8 15/16 IN.
FRAUNCES TAVERN MUSEUM, TR2019.01.003. GIFT OF KENT D. AND TINA K. WORLEY.
Object of the Month: Who Illustrates History?
By Lisa Goulet
June 12, 2020
Collections Manager Lisa Goulet explores the career of Alonzo Chappel and the mass production of artwork depicting the Revolutionary Era.
Fraunces Tavern® Museum Celebrates Preservation Month
by Mary Tsaltas-Ottomanelli
May 7, 2020
In honor of Preservation Month, Mary Tsaltas-Ottomanelli—creator of the Museum's architecture tour and virtual lecture Preserving the Past: The Restoration of Fraunces Tavern—reflects on the historical significance of 54 Pearl Street, and how the community can work together to preserve it.
Cuba, An Unlikely Ally
by Sarah Kneeshaw
April 28, 2020
Sarah Kneeshaw delves into the often-overlooked, yet incredibly important, relationship between Spain, Cuba, and the Continental Army.
The New York Tea Party
by Mary Tsaltas-Ottomanelli
April 22, 2020
Not long after Boston, the Sons of Liberty planned their own “tea party” in New York City. Mary Tsaltas-Ottomanelli explores the New York Tea Party and the early days of revolutionary New York.
Pearls of Old New York
by Stephen Wood
April 15, 2020
Stephen Wood dives into New York City's (and Fraunces Tavern's) enduring relationship with crassostrea virginica — the Atlantic Oyster.
George Washington’s Public Health Crisis
by Sarah Kneeshaw
March 30, 2020
In 1777, George Washington faced an enemy that had the potential to decimate the entire Continental Army: smallpox. Sarah Kneeshaw takes a close look at the history of smallpox, and how it nearly cost Americans the war.
The Legend of Nancy Hart
by Jessica Bryant
March 3, 2020
In honor of Women’s History Month, Jessica Bryant unpacks the legend of Georgia frontierswoman Nancy Hart, a fearless woman and devoted Patriot.
Tavern Talks: A Revolutionary Podcast
by Allie Delyanis & Mary Tsaltas-Ottomanelli
February 18, 2020
Fraunces Tavern Museum is proud to present Tavern Talks: A Revolutionary Podcast!
On each episode of Tavern Talks, hosts Mary Tsaltas-Ottomanelli and Allie Delyanis dig into the early Colonial Revolutionary War Era and highlight upcoming Museum events and programs.
In Episode 101, Mary Tsaltas-Ottomanelli sits down with Dan Shippey the day after the museum’s annual Washington’s Farewell Open House.
A Q&A with Scott Dwyer, Director of Sons of the Revolution℠
in the State of New York, Inc. and its Fraunces Tavern Museum
February 7, 2020
Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York and it's Fraunces Tavern Museum recently welcomed Scott Dwyer to the team as its new Director! Scott is a proud member of SRNY, has a passion for history and historic preservation, and a diverse background in non-profit work. He is looking forward to working with the staff to grow the ranks of SRNY and Museum membership through dynamic programming, unique exhibitions and engaging audiences across multiple platforms.
Colonial Cooking: Making Sam Fraunces' Carrot Cake
by Mary Tsaltas-Ottomanelli
February 3, 2020
On National Carrot Cake Day, Mary Tsaltas-Ottomanelli bakes her way back in time by testing Samuel Fraunces’ very own Carrot Cake recipe, a staple on the 18th century tavern’s menu.
Evacuation Day: What It Is and Why It Matters
by Allie Delyanis & Mary Tsaltas-Ottomanelli
November 18, 2019
Allie Delyanis and Mary Tsaltas-Ottomanelli, team up with Museum tour guide Fred Cookinham to highlight the importance of Evacuation Day and its role in New York City’s revolutionary past.
Object of the Month
by Saga Beus
August 2, 2019
Saga Beus uncovers a rare and inspiring image from the Museum’s collection.
The Tale of the Onrust
by Allie Delyanis
July 14, 2020
Allie Delyanis uses her experience in investigative journalism to dive deeper into 54 Pearl Street’s history. Her efforts reveal a lesser known story in the many past lives of Fraunces Tavern and the site upon which it was built.
Object of the Month
by Lisa Goulet
July 2, 2019
Collections Manager Lisa Goulet explains the rules of a revolutionary card game.
Object of the Month
by Lisa Goulet
June 15, 2019
Collections Manager Lisa Goulet digs into the Worley Collection and uncovers an Untitled Treasure.
The American Alliance of Museums Annual Meeting
by Jacqueline Masseo
June 3, 2019
Jacqueline Masseo, reflects on her time spent at the 2019 American Alliance of Museums (AAM) Annual Meeting in New Orleans, where she learned how Museums across the country are staying relevant in an ever changing society, and promoting diversity and equality in their programming and staff.
Object of the Month
by Lisa Goulet
May 2, 2019
Collections Manager Lisa Goulet traces the evolution of George Washington’s portraits through the Museum collection.
Living History at Fraunces Tavern Museum
by Allie Delyanis
April 22, 2019
Allie Delyanis digs into 54 Pearl Street’s past, and uncovers a new piece of history.
2019 Book Club Season Highlights
by Mary Tsaltas
November 28, 2018
Mary Tsaltas-Ottomanelli gives us a look and what is in store for the 2019 season.
Samuel Fraunces: Revealed?
by Jessica B. Phillips
September 5, 2018 (This post has since been edited by Scott M. Dwyer to reflect present circumstances and the latest information known to us.)
At its annual membership meeting on December 4, 1913, Sons of the Revolution℠ in the State of New York, Inc. announced the recent acquisition of a portrait of Samuel Fraunces, the Tavern's original proprietor and namesake, a New York City tavern keeper, entrepreneur, Patriot spy during the American Revolution, and George Washington’s chief household steward. For over a century, the portrait was hung proudly in the Museum's galleries and interpreted as the image of Samuel Fraunces. But in 2017, this identification was called into question. Today, neither the Society nor the Museum use this portrait to identify Samuel Fraunces.
Guest Blog: "Wax Seals and Wifi: Researching Revolutionary New York"
By Lucie Levine
August 31, 2018
From the New York Public Library to the New York Historical Society, Archive on Parade founder Lucie Levine takes us behind the scenes of her research process to explore the many ways the treasures of the NYC past can be right t your fingertips!
Transcribing the Past
by Jamie Clark
August 14, 2018
Jamie Clark takes us back through time to discover the humanity and humor she found in the words of revolutionaries while transcribing an issue of The Massachusetts Spy from the Museum’s collection; which will be on display in our NEW exhibition, Fear & Force: New York City's Sons of Liberty opening August 22.
A Colonial Comic
by Eli McClain
May 1, 2018
The 1940's and 50's comic Dick’s Adventures in Dreamland integrated stories of American history with adventure through the eyes of a young boy around the age of 12 to provide entertaining history to young readers. Issue No. 227 depicts Dick being present for George Washington's famous farewell to his troops on December 4, 1783.
This eight-frame comic strip proof sheet, created for the comic’s No. 227 edition, places the reader in-between the British surrender at Yorktown and the nomination of George Washington as first president of the United States. In the title frame Dick appears in his bed recapitulating the events of last week’s edition before falling back asleep. He then wakes up in Dreamland in Lower Manhattan outside of Fraunces Tavern at 54 Pearl Street. He is present in the Long Room of the Tavern during Washington’s Farewell and later appears in the room as Washington resigns as Commander in Chief in Annapolis.
Huzzah! To our Museum Volunteers
April 24, 2018
To wrap up this Volunteer Appreciation Month, we tip our tricorne hats to the men and women whose kindness, passion for history, and enthusiasm for connecting with visitors define our incredible volunteer program.
Volunteers at Fraunces Tavern Museum are made up of history buffs, retired teachers, and college students working towards degrees in Museum Studies and History, but they all share a passion for history, eagerness to share their interests, and knowledge with others to ensure the ongoing success of our mission to interpret and preserve the history of the American Revolutionary Era. “My favorite part about being a docent at FTM is seeing the spark in visitors’ eyes when they learn something new,” says volunteer Laurell McCaffrey. “Being able to answer a question, provide a visitor with insight on a topic, and put a smile on their face makes it worthwhile.”
Our School Program Educators assist with our educational programming by leading inquiry-based learning and hands-on activities with students from 4th – 7th grade. “What I like best about the work I do at the Museum is getting to share my knowledge and trying to encourage kids of all backgrounds to feel as excited and inspired as I am about the American Revolution and all that it stands for,” says school program volunteer Larry Bauman. “It’s thrilling to stand up in front of a class and talk about the colonists’ fight for independence and I enjoy helping students understand the unifying ideals of the Revolution.”
Our volunteer Docents lead guided tours for adults and are situated in the galleries on the weekends to answer questions and provide guests with a deeper understanding of the building’s rich revolutionary history. “What has been my favorite moment as a docent at the Museum?” says volunteer Rob Stio. “Was it the day I gave a quick tour for Leonardo DiCaprio? Or perhaps the first time I met a George Washington reenactor (aka “His Excellency”) and was able to question him about his life? There are so many! But I think it was my first day doing a tour for a father and his two sons who actually came back a few months later and remembered me!”
Our volunteers are the face of Fraunces Tavern Museum; making sure each and every visitor has a memorable and positive visit and we hope you stop by the Museum and see for yourself!
Huzzah to their hard work and dedication!
Interested in becoming a volunteer? Learn more about our Volunteer Program or contact Jacqueline Masseo, Director of Education & Public Programs at 2Education@FrauncesTavernMuseum.org.
Making History at Fraunces Tavern Museum!
by Waverly Winchester, The Kiditor
March 3, 2018
Last week Kids News NYC visited us and The Kiditor went on an adventure back in time to gather stories and fun facts to use in her feature on the Museum!
Do you ever feel like going back in time? Or do you ever get bored reading about the past in history class and wish you could actually go to some places you read about? By George, I think I’ve got the place for you! My class is studying The American Revolution right now and when my mom and I read about how George Washington gave his famous farewell speech at Fraunces Tavern right here in Manhattan, we knew we just had to go see it for ourselves. So we planned a visit to Fraunces Tavern Museum. And guess what? There’s way more inside the museum than there was in my book, and in our imagination! Read the full adventure here.
Guest Blog from Washington's Quill
by Lynn Price
January 19, 2018
Read this fantastic blog post from Lynn Price, Assistant Editor at The Washington Papers, who takes us behind the scenes of the Museum's Washington's Farewell event and interviews the men behind the General himself.
On December 4, 1783, an emotional George Washington, commander in chief of the Continental army, stood before his officers in the Long Room of Fraunces Tavern in New York. “With a heart full of love and gratitude I now take leave of you,” Washington toasted, as his eyes scanned the room. “I most devoutly wish that your latter days may be as prosperous and happy as your former ones have been glorious and honorable. I cannot come to each of you but shall feel obliged if each of you will come and take me by the hand.” MORE.
A Note from our Fall 2018 Marketing Intern
by Amy Chipko
December 18, 2017
Any internship can be a great learning opportunity, but when you find one that combines your interests and a mission you support, the experience is invaluable. As a Communication and American Studies student, I was beyond excited to come across a marketing internship at Fraunces Tavern Museum that was an ideal fusion of both of my undergraduate majors.
Working with Mrs. Amy Kennard, Fraunces Tavern Museum’s Marketing Coordinator, my to-do list as the Museum's marketing intern varied with ongoing tasks and current projects. Each of my days began with gathering new contacts from a comment binder that guests would sign after their visit to the museum. Reading through guests’ comments was enjoyable because they clearly appreciated their visit and I was able to see the Museum's mission at work. Other ongoing tasks were maintaining a press coverage list and researching social media trends and tags for the Museum to implement on their social pages. Special projects I worked on included organizing the Museum's first marketing collateral archive, updating and building a media contact list, outlining an internal style and branding guideline, and performing media research for the Museum's popular Washington’s Farewell event.
I have learned a lot during my time here at Fraunces Tavern Museum. From a marketing standpoint, I am now aware of steps and tasks to complete in order to get more awareness for a project or organization, and I have also realized the value of keeping everything very organized. Above all, interning at Fraunces Tavern has allowed me to realize that my future as a professional does not have to be monotonous or dull. It is possible to find a place that you care about enough, making it feel less like work. I have loved working with the team here at Fraunces Tavern Museum, and will always look back on this experience fondly!
The Bottle Diggers of Lower Manhattan
by Jessica B. Phillips
November 30, 2017
Curator Jessica Phillips and curatorial intern eli mcclain prepare to catalogue the collection.
In the middle of the 20th century, Lower Manhattan's skyline grew taller with the proud edifices of glass and metal skyscrapers. During the day contractors dug the deep foundation pits of future financial institutions, but as the five o'clock bell rang, a handful of local residents and businessmen would scavenge these sites, searching for the treasures they knew lay hidden beneath the dirt.
Often referred to as "bottle diggers" due to the nature of the vast majority of their finds, they would sift through dirt and partially torn down late 19th century brick buildings unearthing bottles thrown out by generations of New Yorkers dating back to the colonization of the island in the 1620s. One such bottle digger was Gifford Dieterle of Lloyd Harbor, New York. Gifford owned a company that operated out of Lower Manhattan in the 1970s and amassed a collection of bottles numbering into the hundreds that ranged from the early 19th to 21st centuries.
In early 2017 Gifford's son Tom reached out to Fraunces Tavern Museum. Gifford had recently passed and Tom was looking for a good home for the family bottle collection. Tom thought the bottles belonged back in Lower Manhattan. While Fraunces Tavern Museum was unable to receive the entirety of the collection it was fortunate to be gifted ten well preserved mallet style bottles from the 18th century.
The bottles will go on exhibit at the start of December in the famous Long Room. They will all be displayed with the other 18th century tavern-ware. The Museum is grateful for this kind gift made in memory of Gifford Dieterle.
