Fraunces Tavern Museum

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

At a Glance

Ages: All

Allows Food/Drink: No

Luggage Storage: No

Fraunces Tavern Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of the United States. Located in Lower Manhattan, New York City, the museum is housed in a historic building that dates back to the Revolutionary War era. One of the main reasons tourists visit Fraunces Tavern Museum is to learn about the fascinating history of the American Revolution. The tavern was a hub for revolutionary activity and was the site of George Washington's famous farewell to his officers in 1783. Visitors can explore exhibits and artifacts related to the Revolution, including documents signed by Washington and other historical figures. In addition to its historical significance, Fraunces Tavern Museum is also known for its beautiful architecture and ambiance. The building has been carefully restored to its 18th-century appearance, complete with period furnishings and decor. Visitors can enjoy a meal or drink in the museum's restaurant, which features a cozy atmosphere and a menu inspired by colonial cuisine.

54 Pearl St, New York, NY 10004 Get Directions

Fraunces Tavern Museum Videos

In this virtual lecture, Major General Jason Bohm* explores the origins of the United States Marines. He will explore the parallel stories of the creation and early operations of the Continental Marines, Navy, and Army during the American Revolution, culminating in the Battles of Trenton, Assunpink Creek, and Princeton. This lecture was recorded as part of Fraunces Tavern Museum's Evening Lecture series on Thursday, July 27, 2023. *The views of the speakers are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Sons of the Revolution℠ in the State of New York, Inc. or its Fraunces Tavern® Museum.

It is a truism that Lower Manhattan has been America’s town square since its founding in 1524, even though its history is much deeper. Virtually every aspect of global, local and national significance can be in some manner traced to this Downtown stage. Some have been forgotten and some have been transformative in our culture and many have fallen between. It Happened Here captures the multiple and overlapping stories that are woven throughout our city’s life. It embraces America’s history as the museums, monuments and memorials that dot its streetscape do. It highlights many of the concerns, events and places that the people who lived, fought, worked and visited here thought were important at their moment in time. The July 4, 2023 program at Fraunces Tavern Museum was the first of many prequels to the United States’ upcoming 250th birthday and a 4-day It Happened Here celebration the weekend of July 4, 2025 and included speakers on the following topics: Fraunces Tavern: Its Revolutionary Story; The Birch Trials at Fraunces Tavern; the New York City Revolutionary Trail by The Gotham Center for New York City History; George Washington’s First Command; Alexander Hamilton; Revolutionary Forebears; It Happened Here. *The views of the speakers are their own and do not reflect the views of Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York, Inc. and its Fraunces Tavern Museum.

In this lecture, Christopher Minty* focuses on the origins of the American Revolution in New York City from the perspective of those who became loyalists. It argues that longstanding political partisanship played a hitherto underappreciated role in determining their allegiance during the Revolution. This lecture was recorded as part of Fraunces Tavern Museum's Evening Lecture series on Monday, June 12, 2023. *The views of the speakers are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Sons of the Revolution℠ in the State of New York, Inc. or its Fraunces Tavern® Museum.

On September 21, 1776, five days after the British occupied New York City, a devastating fire burned down about a fifth of the city. This mystery brings together a startling cast of characters from around the Atlantic World: soldiers and officers, but also Loyalists, women, and people of African and Indigenous descent. Fraunces Tavern Museum hosts the New York Genealogical & Biographical Society and author Benjamin L. Carp* to explore these themes in the context of his new book, The Great New York Fire of 1776: A Lost Story of the American Revolution. This lecture was recorded as part of Fraunces Tavern Museum's Evening Lecture series on Thursday, May 18, 2023. This lecture was hosted by the New York Genealogical & Biographical Society. *The views of the speakers are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Sons of the Revolution℠ in the State of New York, Inc. or its Fraunces Tavern® Museum.

This lecture is sponsored by Manhattan Chapter, NSDAR. In the summer of 1781, after spying on the British troops in Manhattan for six weeks, General Washington and General Rochambeau made a critical decision. They would not attack the British in New York but instead would take their troops across the Hudson River and march to Yorktown, Virginia to confront General Cornwallis’ army in the South. That decision changed the war and it happened at Odell House Rochambeau Headquarters. In the spring of 2020, The Town of Greenburgh, NY, at the urging and leadership of Susan Seal* took possession of Odell House to save it from collapse. Amazingly, this house, listed on the National Register, retains most of its original details and it is now in the process of restoration. By 2026, in time for the 250th commemoration of the Declaration of Independence, it will be open to the public as a museum. *The views of the speakers are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Sons of the Revolution℠ in the State of New York, Inc. or its Fraunces Tavern® Museum.

Between 1776 and 1783, Great Britain hired more than thirty thousand German soldiers to fight in its war against the American rebels. Collectively known as Hessians, the soldiers and accompanying civilians, including hundreds of women and children, spent extended periods of time in locations as dispersed and varied as Canada in the North and West Florida in the South. In this presentation, Friederike Baer* highlights some of the key experiences of these participants in a war on a distant continent against a people that had done them no harm. This lecture was recorded as part of Fraunces Tavern Museum's Evening Lecture series on Monday, April 3, 2023. *The views of the speakers are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Sons of the Revolution℠ in the State of New York, Inc. or its Fraunces Tavern® Museum.

More Museums

Fraunces Tavern Museum News

Xiomaro to Present New Fine Art Photography at the Connecticut General Assembly's Leg Photo

Xiomaro to Present New Fine Art Photography at the Connecticut General Assembly's Legislative Office Building

'The New England National Scenic Trail,' a solo photographic exhibition by Xiomaro showcasing the Connecticut portion of the historic hiking route, will be on view April 3 to 14, 2023, at the Connecticut General Assembly's Legislative Office Building.

National Park Celebrates Presidents Day with Photography Exhibition on George Washing Photo

National Park Celebrates Presidents Day with Photography Exhibition on George Washington's Headquarters

The museum at New Jersey's Morristown National Historical Park kicks off Presidents Day with the debut solo exhibition George Washington's Headquarters: Photographs by Xiomáro, curated by Jude M. Pfister, D.Litt, the park's Chief of Cultural Resources. Admission is free and the 24 large images of the Ford Mansion, which served as Washington's headquarters, will be on view from February 17 to December 28, 2018. The exhibition is part of the grand opening celebration of the museum's new 'Discover History Center.' A reception and a talk by the artist and curator will be scheduled for the spring. Free gallery talks will be given by Xiomáro on February 17, 18, and 19. A free limited edition exhibit ebook of photographs visit www.xiomaro.com.

National Park Invites Public To Free Reception For Xiomaro's Photography Exhibit

The museum at New Jersey's Morristown National Historical Park invites the public to a free reception with refreshments and an illustrated artist talk on Saturday, May 19, 2018 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The event celebrates the debut solo exhibition George Washington's Headquarters: Photographs by Xiomaro. The 22 large images of the Ford Mansion - Washington's Revolutionary War base of operations during the winter of 1779-1780 - will be on view until December 28, 2018.

National Park Celebrates Presidents Day with Photography Exhibition on George Washington's Headquarters

Peculiar Works to Present ANDROBOROS: VILLAIN OF THE STATE at Fraunces Tavern Museum

Peculiar Works Project and Fraunces Tavern Museum announce their unique collaboration for the World Premiere of 'Androboros: Villain of the State,' America's first published play written in 1714 by Robert Hunter and adapted for today by S.M. Dale.

Peculiar Works Project Announces Location for ANDORBOROS

Peculiar Works Project is thrilled to announce the unique location for their October, site-specific production of Androboros by Robert Hunter. The landmark Fraunces Tavern® Museum on Pearl and Broad Streets will host this world premiere of America's first published play.

Fruitlands Museum Celebrates National Park Service with Photographs by Xiomaro

Having turned 100 years old, the National Park Service inaugurates its second century with a fine art photographic exhibit at Harvard's Fruitlands Museum titled 'Find Your Park: National Parks in New England,' which includes several large-scale photographs by New York artist Xiomaro. The group display is open now through March 19, 2017.

Salon/Sanctuary Concerts Presents THE FLOOR OF HEAVEN: SCENES FROM A MERCHANT SONGS OF HIS VENICE

Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice is poised between two Empires - The Sceptered Isle and La Serenissima. In honor of the 400th anniversary of the death of Shakespeare and the 500th anniversary of the birth of the Venetian ghetto, The Floor of Heaven interweaves moments from Shakespeare's complex and revolutionary text with the play's original music and songs from the English-Venetian soundscape that Shakespeare's characters would have played and heard.

The Salon/Sanctuary Announces 2016 �" 2017 Concert Season

Joining the world-wide 500th anniversary commemorations of the creation in Venice of the world's first ghetto, Salon/Sanctuary Concerts' eighth season explores the musical worlds shaped by ancestors and descendents of exiles. From Esther to Shylock, from Troubadors to Dowland, we glimpse at fault lines of acceptance refracted through the prism of music.

The Salon/Sanctuary Announces 2016 �" 2017 Concert Season

Fraunces Tavern Museum Presents Talk On 'Alexander Hamilton: Spymaster'

Author Michael Newton tells of Hamilton's intricate spy network feeding information to patriots and misinformation to the enemy.

3rd Annual Night at the Museums in NYC Set for 6/21

The Downtown Culturals Group presents the third annual Night at the Museums, bringing visitors and locals of Lower Manhattan unique experiences at 15 of the area's most diverse and culturally significant institutions. The event is presented as a part of River To River Festival 2016, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council's annual summer arts festival. Night at the Museums takes place on Tuesday, June 21, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Admission is free and many of the sites include special programming and tours.

Hopkinson Smith to Perform Concert of Elizabethan Repertoire, 12/10

John Dowland, though also a sprightly and humorous composer, is most famous for the darker side of his character and the pervading melancholy that nourished his unquiet soul. But he was in no way the inventor of highly charged melodic poignancy in solo lute music. Two important composers of the generation of English lutenists that preceded him clearly show signs of great invention including moments of tormented yearnings which led to music of extraordinary depth. John Johnson (died in 1594) and Anthony Holborne (died in 1602) were the most prominent lutenists to remain in England during the Elizabethan period (Dowland spent many years on the Continent). Their œuvre contains rhapsodic Pavans of lyrical intensity and richness of harmony, spirited Galliards, striking character pieces and elaborate variations. They were both virtuosos if the highest calibre as the daring of their diminution techniques attests.

African Burial Ground National Monument Set for 'Night at the Museums' Tonight

Join the National Park Service at African Burial Ground National Monument tonight, June 23, for evening tours of the outdoor memorial as part of Lower Manhattan Cultural Council's 'Night at the Museums.'

Fraunces Tavern Museum Frequently Asked Questions

What are the closest subway stops to Fraunces Tavern Museum

The closest subway stops to Fraunces Tavern Museum at 54 Pearl St in New York City are:

1. Wall Street Station: This station is served by the 2, 3, 4, 5, J, and Z trains. It is located just a short walk away from Fraunces Tavern Museum.

2. Whitehall Street Station: This station is served by the R and W trains. It is also within walking distance of Fraunces Tavern Museum.

Both of these subway stations provide convenient access to the museum, allowing you to easily explore the historic site and learn about its significance.

While you're in the area, I recommend checking out some other nearby attractions:

1. Battery Park: Located just a few blocks away from Fraunces Tavern Museum, Battery Park offers beautiful waterfront views, gardens, and the iconic Statue of Liberty. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.

2. The National September 11 Memorial & Museum: A short walk from Fraunces Tavern, this memorial pays tribute to the victims of the September 11th attacks. It is a powerful and moving experience that is worth visiting.

3. South Street Seaport: This historic district is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. It's a great place to grab a bite to eat or do some shopping.

For the most up-to-date information on subway schedules and any service changes, I recommend visiting the official website of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) at www.mta.info. This site provides real-time updates on subway service, as well as maps and other helpful resources for navigating the city.

I hope you have a wonderful time exploring the Fraunces Tavern Museum and the surrounding area!

What's the best way to get to Fraunces Tavern Museum by bus?

The closest NYC bus stops to Fraunces Tavern Museum at 54 Pearl St in New York City are:

1. Broad St/Pearl St: This bus stop is served by the M15, M15 SBS, M20, and M55 buses. You can check for bus updates and schedules on the MTA Bus Time website.

2. Water St/Coenties Slip: This bus stop is served by the M15, M15 SBS, M20, and M55 buses. You can also check for bus updates and schedules on the MTA Bus Time website.

Please note that bus routes and schedules may be subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check for updates before your visit. Have a great time exploring Fraunces Tavern Museum and the surrounding area!

How much time should I plan to spend at Fraunces Tavern Museum?

The ideal length of time to plan to spend at Fraunces Tavern Museum in New York City is approximately 1-2 hours. This should give you enough time to explore the museum's exhibits, learn about its fascinating history, and fully appreciate the significance of this iconic landmark. However, if you're a history enthusiast or have a particular interest in the American Revolution, you may want to allocate more time to delve deeper into the exhibits and soak up all the historical details.

Can I bring food and drinks into Fraunces Tavern Museum?

Fraunces Tavern Museum, located in the heart of New York City's Financial District, is a historic landmark that offers visitors a unique glimpse into the city's rich history. While the museum itself does not serve food or drinks, it is situated within Fraunces Tavern, a renowned restaurant and bar that has been serving patrons since 1762.

At Fraunces Tavern, you can enjoy a wide range of delicious American cuisine, including classic dishes like burgers, steaks, seafood, and more. The tavern also boasts an impressive selection of craft beers, wines, and spirits, making it a great spot to unwind and soak in the historic ambiance.

It's worth noting that Fraunces Tavern can get quite busy, especially during peak hours and weekends. To ensure a seamless dining experience, I recommend making a reservation in advance. This can easily be done through their website or by calling their reservation line.

Whether you're a history buff or simply looking for a memorable dining experience, Fraunces Tavern Museum and Restaurant is a must-visit destination in New York City.

Does Fraunces Tavern Museum offer luggage storage?

Fraunces Tavern Museum, located in the heart of New York City's Financial District, does not have a luggage storage facility. As a historic museum and restaurant, their primary focus is on preserving the rich history of the American Revolution and providing a dining experience. However, there are several luggage storage options available nearby. One popular choice is to utilize the services of a luggage storage company, such as Vertoe or LuggageHero, which have multiple locations throughout the city. These services offer secure storage for your bags at affordable rates, allowing you to explore the city without the burden of carrying your luggage. Additionally, many hotels and hostels in the area may offer luggage storage for their guests, so it's worth checking with your accommodation if they provide this service.

Is Fraunces Tavern Museum a good place to visit for foreign travelers who are not native English speakers?

Absolutely! Fraunces Tavern Museum in New York City is a fantastic destination for visitors from other countries and non-English language speakers. The museum offers a unique glimpse into American history, particularly the Revolutionary War era. It is located in a historic building that dates back to the 18th century and is filled with fascinating artifacts and exhibits.

While the majority of the signage and information at the museum is in English, they do offer guided tours in multiple languages, including Spanish, French, German, and Italian. These tours provide a detailed explanation of the exhibits and the history behind them, allowing non-English speakers to fully appreciate the experience.

Additionally, the museum staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they are always willing to assist visitors with any language barriers they may encounter. They can provide brochures and maps in various languages, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and included.

So, whether you're a history buff or simply interested in exploring New York City's rich past, Fraunces Tavern Museum is a must-visit attraction that caters to visitors from all over the world.

What ages are appropriate for Fraunces Tavern Museum?

The Fraunces Tavern Museum in New York City is a great destination for history enthusiasts of all ages! While there is no specific age range recommendation, visitors of all ages can enjoy the rich history and fascinating exhibits housed within this historic landmark. From its role in the American Revolution to its collection of artifacts and documents, the Fraunces Tavern Museum offers a unique glimpse into the city's past. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious about New York City's heritage, this museum is definitely worth a visit!

Videos