Long Room 50th Anniversary Celebration
April 5-15, 2021
The Long Room at Fraunces Tavern
In preparation for the nation’s bicentennial celebrations, Sons of the Revolution undertook an ambitious project: to transform the historic Long Room at Fraunces Tavern from a public dining space into the period room we know today.
After more than a year of research and renovations, the newly restored Long Room was officially reopened on April 15, 1971 in a ceremony hosted by Sons of the Revolution. It was the first time the room offered what is considered to be an authentic representation of the room George Washington would have seen when he delivered his Farewell Address in 1783.
This month, we’re celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Long Room renovation with virtual programming AND in-person offerings at the Museum. Explore the events below, and join us in honoring one of the most historic rooms in New York City.
Long Room Archive
First built in 1719 by Stephen De Lancey as a family home, the building that houses Fraunces Tavern Museum today has lived many lives. From 1719 until the mid-1730s, the 741-square-foot room on the second floor served as a drawing room in the De Lancey’s mansion (though it is unclear if the De Lanceys ever lived in the building). When the De Lanceys leased the building out for commercial activity the space became known as the Long Room, and it quickly grew into one of the most important community hubs in Lower Manhattan.
Explore the archive to learn more about the history of the Long Room at Fraunces Tavern Museum and its days as part of a tavern, government offices, boarding house, and eventually, a museum.
In the Museum
Long Room Timeline
Visit the Long Room at the Museum and pick up a special brochure that highlights key events in the room’s history.
Become a Colonial Tavernkeeper
In this activity, children will have the opportunity to become a tavernkeeper just like Samuel Fraunces while exploring the artifacts in the Long Room.
New Labels
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Long Room’s first interpretation as a period room, the Museum upgraded the labels on the reader rail, adding more visual interactives to immerse visitors in the history of the room and designing them to conform with the Museum’s current visual identity.
Fish House Punch
Fraunces Tavern Museum and Beers with Mandy team up to explore the history of eating and drinking in 18th century taverns and recreate a colonial cocktail: Fish House Punch.
Virtual Lecture
The Long Room: For the Entertainment of Friends and Strangers
April 15, 2021 | 6:30pm EDT
Join Fraunces Tavern Museum in celebrating the legacy of the Long Room with a discussion about the history and significance of taverns throughout the Revolutionary Era.
In this special presentation, Education & Public Programs Coordinator Mary Tsaltas-Ottomanelli will sit down with former Fraunces Tavern Museum Guest Curator Kym S. Rice. Rice will offer a glimpse into her journey to open the museum-wide exhibition Taverns: For the Entertainment of Friends and Strangers in 1983. She will also discuss the role taverns played throughout the 18th century and take a look at life inside an urban tavern.
