Presented by Craig Bruce Smith*

In this lecture, Smith reveals how the American Revolution was not only for liberty and freedom, but also a revolution of ethics; reshaping what colonial Americans understood as “honor” and “virtue.” Smith will highlight prominent Americans who came of age before and during the Revolution, linking it to an ethical transformation, and sparking the American Revolution.

Presented by Carol Berkin

Berkin takes a look at the challenges faced in the first decade of the federal government and the national identity forged during these extraordinary years of crisis.

Presented by David Griffin*

Author David M. Griffin will discuss the network of fortifications on Long Island covered within his book and describe more details regarding his research on a few of the key posts on the island. Learn about new and ongoing research within the inner city areas of Brooklyn and Queens.

Presented by Virginia Anderson*

Nathan Hale, hanged as a spy by the British, is remembered as a Revolutionary hero. Moses Dunbar, executed as a loyalist traitor to the state of Connecticut, is virtually unknown. Despite their divergent historical reputations, Anderson considers how their stories are not so different, and together can illuminate important features of the impact of the Revolution on ordinary lives.

Presented by Marcus Rediker*

Rediker explores the life of Benjamin Lay, the Quaker dwarf who was one of the first people to call for the immediate and unconditional abolition of slavery worldwide.

This book is on the 2018 Fraunces Tavern Museum Book Club schedule.

Presented by Holger Hoock*

Although the American Revolution is often portrayed as an orderly, restrained rebellion, with brave patriots defending their noble ideals against an oppressive empire, author Holger Hoock finds that the Revolution was not only a high-minded battle over principles, but also a profoundly violent civil war—one that shaped the nation, and the British Empire, in ways we have only begun to understand.

Presented by Kevin R.C. Gutzman*

This lecture was originally scheduled for Thursday, April 19. Please note the date change. We apologize for any inconvenience.

In this lecture, Gutzman argues that Thomas Jefferson should be remembered more for his success as a constructive statesman than for his authorship of the Declaration of Independence.

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Presented by Joel Paul

Learn about the remarkable story of John Marshall who, as chief justice, statesman, and diplomat, played a pivotal role in the founding of the United States.

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Presented by Harlow Giles Unger

Unger will describe the life and career of Richard Henry Lee, the first Founding Father to call for American Independence from Britain. Learn about how Lee masterminded the political and diplomatic victories that ensured Washington’s military victory.

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Presented by Edward Lengel

Lengel provides a look at how George Washington’s entrepreneurship and understanding of money informed his leadership as a general and president, and helped set the United States on the road to prosperity.

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Trace the thirty-year rivalry between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr that ended in their deadly encounter in Weehawken- just one week after they dined together at Fraunces Tavern!

Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.

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The Battle of Monmouth, fought on June 28, 1778, was a brutal tactical draw. George Washington's partisans spun a public relations victory that enabled the General to silence the army and political critics who had challenged his command the previous winter in the so-called Conway Cabal. Thus the battle was contested on two fronts- the military and political, both with grave results for Washington and the Revolution. 

*Fatal Sunday: George Washington, the Monmouth Campaign, and the Politics of Battle is a Fraunces Tavern Museum Book Award 2017 Honorable Mention.

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Explore the background of the shootings that are remembered as the “Boston Massacre.” Learn how they became an icon of American independence and consider their evolving significance in American culture.