Fourth Graders Tour Historic Fraunces Tavern

As part of their study of the American Revolutionary era, the fourth grade class toured George Washington's headquarters at the historic Fraunces Tavern in Lower Manhattan. The early American tavern, which now serves as a museum, is notable as the site of Washington’s farewell to his officers after British troops evacuated New York in 1783. 

During their tour, the boys learned about the role of the tavern during the Revolutionary War, as well as the war’s impact on colonial New Yorkers and the city’s landscape. One of the highlights was visiting the tavern’s Long Room, where Washington gave his farewell. One of the boys, Cole, remarked on how special it was to be in the same room where Washington addressed his officers.

Elsewhere in the museum, the boys were treated to a special exhibition on 20th century painter John Ward Dunsmore, famous for his depictions of scenes from the Revolutionary War. The 47 paintings, which were newly restored by the museum, are notable for their accurate portrayal of colonial life. After the boys toured the gallery, they examined items from the time period, including a musket and a long table topped with apple cider and other beverages, as well as china plates and games from that time period. According to the museum’s website, the tavern prides itself on being a repository for artifacts of early American history, which allow visitors to “interpret humanity at a specific time and place.” 

After the tour, students reenacted the stance of revolutionary soldiers by posing in powdered wigs and colonial clothes in front of an early American flag at the photo booth.