New exhibition opening June 26!

The Birch Trials at Fraunces Tavern

In 1783, as the Revolutionary War drew to a close, a joint British and American commission–formed as part of the process to implement the peace–met at Fraunces Tavern to review and deliberate upon the eligibility of some Black Loyalists to evacuate with the British Army.  Testimonies were provided by interested persons alongside documentary evidence for the commission to render a decision. These proceedings are now referred to as the “Birch Trials,” named after British Brigadier General Samuel Birch, Commander of the 17th Regiment of Light Dragoons and Commandant of New York, appointed to oversee them.

The Birch Trials were part of a process whereby 3,000 Black Loyalists evacuated New York City between April and November 1783, many of whom had previously been enslaved.  The names of Black Loyalists who qualified for evacuation were recorded in the Book of Negroes, the compilation of which was overseen by the commission. 

This new permanent exhibition, opening on June 26, 2023 in the Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Educational Center for American History, will highlight these significant events as well as recognize the thousands of Black Patriots who fought to further the cause of American Independence. The exhibition is an important addition to the narrative of the Revolutionary War and its aftermath, and will provide powerful visuals and significant historical content for visitors.

Learn more about the exhibition, recognition opportunities, and the opening reception and optional dinner!

Flag Day Parade, Celebration, and Open House
Friday, June 2

June 14, 2023 marks the 246th anniversary of the adoption of the American Flag by the Second Continental Congress in June 1777. We hope you will join Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York on Friday, June 2 for the parade, celebration and open house and/or support the event with a donation.

Marchers gather at City Hall Park at 11am. The parade steps off at noon, follows down Broadway, and ends at the grandstand in front of Fraunces Tavern at about 12:30pm. The Ceremony includes the student Essay Contest winners reading their essays on “What the American Flag Means to Me” and more! All are welcome to attend this ceremony. Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York will be providing complimentary lunch for all marchers and event volunteers at the Museum following the parade.

More Information

Upcoming Events

Evening Lecture: Unfriendly to Liberty

Monday, June 12 | 6:30pm EDT
$5 in person
Free Zoom only/Museum Members

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. He will argue that longstanding political partisanship played a hitherto underappreciated role in determining their allegiance during the Revolution.

This lecture will be held in person and via Zoom.

The American Revolution in New York City Walking Tour

In 1776 all eyes were on “The Island at the Center of the World”! Experience the spellbinding story of the events leading up to the American Revolution while walking on the very streets where it happened, from the Stamp Act of 1765 through General Washington’s Farewell at the end of the War for Independence in 1783. Hear the stories of Sons of Liberty, soldiers, printers, and spies and the risks they took to fight against the oppression of the British Empire.

This walking tour is led by Mrs. Q.

Tickets
Members | $30
Public | $40

Tickets

George Washington: Revolutionary
2024 Calendar

We have gone into the Fraunces Tavern® Museum collections to bring to you this riveting 2024 calendar featuring the paintings by the legendary John Ward Dunsmore. John Ward Dunsmore, through his visual storytelling has set the gold standard for Revolutionary War paintings for generations-- solidifying in our collective memories the world changing events that transpired . One of his favorite subjects was the icon of the Revolutionary War himself, General George Washington.   Come on this journey from the sounding for the Minute Men, the ride of Paul Revere, Valley Forge, Yorktown, to Washington's inauguration as the first President of the United States. 

With a limited print run of only 1,000 copies, get yours while supplies last! Pick one up on-site in our Museum Gift Shop or order online.

Order online here and find out more information about customized calendars!

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