Fraunces Tavern® Museum

Description

Fraunces Tavern Museum is a survivor of the early days of New York City. Now registered as a National Historic Landmark with the United States National Park Service, the building was originally built in 1719 as an elegant residence for the merchant Stephan Delancey and his family. In 1762, the home was purchased by tavern-keeper Samuel Fraunces, who transformed it into one of the most popular meeting places of the day. Though it is best known as the site where Washington gave his farewell address to the officers of the Continental Army, in 1783, the tavern also played a significant role in pre– and post-Revolutionary activities. After the war, when New York was the Nation‘s first capi-tal, the tavern was host to the new government‘s offices of the Departments of War, Treasury and Foreign Affairs. In 1904, the Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York purchased the tavern and hired preservation architect William Mersereau to restore the building to its colonial appearance. Fraunces Tavern® Museum opened to the public in 1907. Today, the museum complex includes four 19th century buildings in addition to the 18th century Fraunces Tavern building. For over one hundred years, Fraunces Tavern Museum has stood as an historic beacon to this city‘s always changing landscapes and hopes to continue doing so for many years to come.