GTMS supports the preservation, development, and interpretation of historic Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
11/22/2022
Join GTMS on Friday, December 2nd for a special performance of "Tiny Tim's Christmas Carol," with proceeds to benefit Gadsby's Tavern Museum.
This year, LTA's holiday show is a new take on the classic tale by Charles Dickens. Tiny Tim longs to have his father home on Christmas day, but Ebenezer Scrooge won’t give Bob Cratchit the day off. There must be a way to change Scrooge’s mind – and perhaps a ghost or two will set Scrooge right! Written by Broadway’s award-winning Ken Ludwig and his son, Jack, get ready for the wildest Christmas ride you’ve ever had!
Doors open at 6:30 pm, and the performance starts at 8:00 pm.
Tickets are $25 per person, and the evening includes the opportunity to:
* Take your own PICTURES WITH FATHER CHRISTMAS (as George Washington would have known him)
What a fantastic evening! Thank you to everyone who shared in its success.
10/05/2022
For World Architecture Day, let's take a closer look at bricks. Have you ever noticed patterns in the brick formations on many historic buildings? These are called brick bonds + each pattern has a specific name + purpose. The front of Gadsby's Tavern is in a Flemish Bond where the long side of the brick (stretcher) alternates with the short side (header). This pattern was often used on the front facades because it was aesthetically pleasing.
Gadsby's got a shout out from Money Magazine's Best Places to Live.
Two Virginia communities were listed among the best places to live in the U.S., according to a new ranking released this week by Money.
10/03/2022
Look what the Zebra, our co-host for Mystery at the Museum is saying about the event and the author behind it! And buy your tickets TODAY - they're selling like hot Tavern cakes!
09/26/2022
Some tickets remaining! Book now!
09/22/2022
Today is the 39th anniversary of the dedication of the Slave Memorial at Mount Vernon.
The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association collaborated with the Howard University School of Architecture to create this memorial in 1983.
There's a write up about the origins of our Mystery in the Museum event on October 15th on today's Zebra Press edition. Read how it's been two years in the making - AND BUY YOUR TICKETS FOR THIS FABULOUS EVENT!
ALEXANDRIA, VA--On Saturday, October 15, the Gadsby’s Tavern Museum Society (GTMS) will host Mystery in the Museum, a two-hour interactive “Who Done It”
07/11/2022
What are these things? And how do they relate to 18th century life? Find out this summer from the Junior Docents at Gadsby's Tavern Museum! Every Sunday June 19 through Labor Day weekend from 2-5 p.m., guests will meet Junior Docents (grades 4 and older) and learn about the history of early America and *chocolate!* Don't miss the hands-on demonstration of historic chocolate making in the Ballroom. This program is back after COVID thanks to the support from American Heritage Chocolate!
07/11/2022
Did you know chocolate comes from fermented seeds known as cacao beans? At one time, cacao beans were a form of currency in Central and South America and the chocolate drink made from them was an important part of the Olmec, Maya, Toltec, and Aztec cultures. Learn this + more with the Gadsby's Tavern Museum Junior Docents. Visit the Museum from 2-5 p.m. on Sundays.
05/04/2022
Save the Date: Sept. 23- 25, 2022 and join us on a very special journey. We're going on a road - actually, rail - trip to see the Gadsby's Tavern railcar displayed in the historic crossroads town of Roanoake. Enjoy south-west Virginia with fellow Tavern friends as we visit this special dining car, the National D-Day Memorial, a winery, and much, much more! Sign up now. (You don't have to be a member but be warned, we will try and recruit you!). https://www.gadsbystavernmuseum.us/events/swva_trip
05/01/2022
Fantastic Day in the Tavern! More news to follow. The 30th Anniversary Pearl Necklace was won by a very enthusiastic raffler. Thank you to everyone who participated. We are so thrilled that our Birthday Party was SUCH a success.
Are you coming to our 30th Birthday Party? You are invited and we have these AMAZING RAFFLE PRIZES! Thank you so very much to our donors.
Two Shakespeare Theater Tickets
Lady Clare Placemats from Market Square
Platinum Jubilee Items from Buckingham Palace
Murphy's Grand Irish Pub $100
Old Town Walking Tour
Alexandria Restaurant Partners (ARP) $100
The Tall Ship Providence Foundation - Two Day Sail Tickets
AND AN AMAZING Pearl Necklace. Pearl is the symbol of a thirty year anniversay!
Thirty years ago a small group of history-lovers joined together to find new (and fun) ways to support Alexandria's historic gem, Gadsby's Tavern Museum. To begin our year of celebrating this milestone, GTMS is planning a birthday party and you are invited!
04/18/2022
It's 30 years since we formed Gadsby's Tavern Museum. We're having a party. You are invited! Cake, bubbles and music!
Link below!
04/06/2022
Thirty years ago a small group of history-lovers joined together to find new (and fun) ways to support Alexandria's historic gem, Gadsby's Tavern Museum. To begin our year of celebrating our 30th year, GTMS is planning a birthday party in the rooms where George Washington danced and Thomas Jefferson held his inaugural dinner. And you are invited! Join us for this fun event! https://www.gadsbystavernmuseum.us/events/anniversary
03/17/2022
We’re thrilled to announce that our Gadsby's Tavern Museum Society was awarded Third Prize in the Historical Unit category in the George Washington Birthday Parade in Old Town Alexandria on February 21! Well done everyone, you looked awesome!
A birthnight ball honoring George Washington has been held at the tavern now known as Gadsby's Tavern Museum since the 1790s. Attendees from recent decades s...
03/10/2022
Civil War Women’s Day at Fort Ward
Saturday, March 26
Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site
11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free
In recognition of Women’s History Month, Fort Ward Museum is presenting Civil War Women’s Day on Saturday, March 26, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The program is free, and interesting for all ages.
Learn about the dress, skills and contributions of women during the Civil War from historical interpreters who will present on-going talks, displays and demonstrations. Women’s roles on the home front, in camp, and on the battlefield will be explored. Among the featured topics will be soldiers’ aid societies and relief efforts that were typically launched by women to support both armies during the war. The theme of women who disguised themselves as soldiers will be portrayed by interpreters in Union uniform who will explore the challenges experienced by the hundreds of women who served in the army. Learn how women and girls supported the war effort through industry and craft, and pursued new work roles, from the home and farm to the city and factory. Displays include 19th-century tableware, and a hands-on opportunity to learn about the everyday clothing of women and girls.
Fort Ward is the best preserved of the Union forts that comprised the Civil War Defenses of Washington. The Museum features exhibits and special programs throughout the year. Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site is located at 4301 West Braddock Road in the west end of the City of Alexandria. For more information, please call 703.746.4848.
The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended. To request a reasonable accommodation or an alternative format, email [email protected], or call 703.746.4848, or Virginia Relay at 711.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum Now Accepting Junior Docent Applications
For Immediate Release February 22, 2022
Do you know a child or student who enjoys learning about history and talking about what they know? Gadsby’s Tavern Museum’s Junior Docent Program is a wonderful way to encourage their interest and enthusiasm! Students accepted into the program are trained in museum information and presentation skills. Then, they provide tours in 18th-century clothing Sunday afternoons during the summer (based on student availability), practicing their speaking skills and engaging visitors of all ages and sharing their interest in history.
Applications are now being accepted from 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th grade students. To be considered, students must complete the application, available at alexandriava.gov/gadsbystavern and return it to the Museum no later than Friday, March 25. Applicants must also attend an audition on Sunday, March 27, where the child will have the chance to give a short presentation on a historical topic of their choosing. Application includes information about required training classes. Questions should be directed to the Assistant Director at 703.746.4739.
The two 18th-century taverns that make up Gadsby’s Tavern Museum capture the changing landscape of the early United States. Through tours, programs, and special events, learn about this complex time.
02/21/2022
Come and parade with us!
02/21/2022
We’re in the parade today! Come and walk with us. Meet from 11:30 outside Lyles Crouch School.
02/17/2022
The George Washington Birthday Parade is on Monday, February 21 in Old Town Alexandria from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Come and march with us!
We will assemble at Division 3, spot 310 next to Lyles Crouch School (see map). Come and join us from 11.30am onwards. Dogs and period costume welcome but not necessary!
02/02/2022
Viva George - Celebrating Washington in Laredo and Alexandria
Virtual Lecture with Gadsby’s Tavern Museum on February 3
Alexandria has celebrated hometown legend George Washington for hundreds of years with parades and balls. Another city in America that has also celebrated with pomp and parade? Laredo, Texas. Learn from Dr. Elaine Peña, Associate Professor of American Studies at The George Washington University, about these extensive festivities along the border. Afterwards, Tyler Vanice, Chair of Alexandria’s George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee, will join Dr. Peña as they explore the similarities and differences between Laredo and Alexandria. Purchase Dr. Peña’s book - ¡Viva George! Celebrating Washington's Birthday at the U.S.-Mexico Border - at the Gadsby’s and Alexandria History Museum’s Shops.
The lecture will begin over Zoom at 7 p.m. Cost is $6 per person. Tickets are available through AlexandriaVa.Gov/Shop.
About Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
As America began as a nation during the late 18th century and emerged in the 19th century, Gadsby’s Tavern was the center of social and political life in Alexandria as well as the new Federal City of Washington. The tavern served as the premier gathering place for residents – including George Washington – and visitors to eat, drink, learn, and influence history. Tavern keepers John Wise and John Gadsby hosted balls, performances, and meetings, and their accommodations were known as the best by travelers near and far. Gadsby’s Tavern Museum is located at 134 North Royal Street in the heart of Old Town Alexandria and is owned and operated by the City of Alexandria. For more information, please call 703.746.4242 or visit www.gadsbystavern.org.
Alexandria Celebrates George Washington on his 290th Birthday!
February 21
The City of Alexandria, Virginia, the adopted hometown of George Washington, celebrates his birthday each year with events throughout February. The highlight will be on February 21, 2022, when Alexandria residents and visitors will line the streets of Old Town Alexandria to cheer on one of the oldest and largest George Washington Birthday parades in the country. The parade features drum corps, color guards, bands, community and fraternal organizations, youth groups, local merchants, city dignitaries, and, of course, General Washington and Martha Washington. This year, the Celebration will honor Alexandria’s health care workers and first responders, who will march as Parade Grand Marshals.
For updates on events, visit www.washingtonbirthday.com, homepage of the George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee (GWBCC).
The “Cherry Challenge” is a competition among the finer restaurants in Alexandria. Each restaurant will develop its own cherry cocktail, appetizer, entrée, and/or dessert in honor of our distinguished native son, of course! The competing restaurants and their entries will be listed on the Geo...
Virtual Birthnight Banquet & Ball
Saturday, February 19
7–9 p.m.
Purchase tickets http://alexandriava.gov/Shop..
Join in the celebrations that have been ongoing for hundreds of years – General Washington’s Birthnight Ball. Gather your bubble to honor our first President over Zoom. Begin the evening with a video presentation about the history of this event and hear from those that have participated in it for years. Then meet other guests and enjoy conversation with the General, who will be available LIVE for all your questions! Lastly, enjoy English Country Dancing called by our expert Dance Master that you can do with 1, 2, 4, 6 or 8 people at home. Period costumes of the 1790s encouraged! One virtual dance class on February 17th is included. Tickets are $15 per person. A dinner from Gadsby’s Tavern Restaurant and traditional Birthnight Ball cake from Bittersweet are available for pickup with a separate purchase of $50.
The operator of this site (“Operator”) has built this site with TAM Intelliware, a division of Lode Data Systems, Inc. (“LDS”). As host of the site, LDS will have access to personal data and information that is collected by or provided to the site. LDS will manage all such data according to ...
“George Washington’s Alexandria” Tours
Every Sunday in February (6th, 13th, 20th & 27th)
2–4 p.m.
Free
On every Sunday in February 2022 (6th, 13th, 20th & 27th) at 2:00 p.m., you can explore historic Old Town Alexandria as George Washington knew it! This popular two-hour guided walking tour will visit sites associated with Washington and his closest colleagues, including Christ Church, Light Horse Harry Lee’s house, the Lord Fairfax home, Washington’s townhouse, Gadsby’s Tavern, Duvall Tavern, Wise’s Tavern, the Carlyle House, Market Square, Ramsay House, the Apothecary Shop, and Gentry Row. To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/ and search George Washington’s Alexandria.
The Restaurant Cherry Challenge
February 1-15
The “Cherry Challenge” is a competition among the finer restaurants in Alexandria. Each restaurant will develop its own cherry cocktail, appetizer, entrée, and/or dessert in honor of our distinguished native son, of course! The competing restaurants and their entries will be listed on the George Washington Birthday Celebration website and page, and the winners will be announced on Parade Day. For a full list of participating restaurants, visit http://washingtonbirthday.com/cherry-challenge
From February 1st through the 15th, Alexandria restaurants will be offering cherry-inspired dishes in honor of the myth of Washington’s chopping down the cherry tree. Visit your favorite restaurants to find out what their entries are!
01/30/2022
Goodbye Larry, good luck and Godspeed!
After 38 years with the City of Alexandria, Museum Educator Larry is hanging up his nametag + officially retiring. When we highlighted Larry in 2018 during our People of Gadsby’s series, he said, “When here by myself and locking up at the end of the day, I often take the opportunity to sit in the rooms quietly and think about the events and conversations that occurred here.” Well Larry has certainly seen his fair share of events and conversations as well. His last day at the Museum is Sunday so pop in to wish him Godspeed and Huzzahs! We will certainly miss him.
01/05/2022
Warm Up with a Virtual Trivia Night to Benefit Gadsby's Tavern
Sunday, Jan. 23
7:00pm-8:30pm
Grab your favorite beverage and settle down for some trivia fun (with prizes!) that will test your knowledge of American history, the Presidents, and George Washington in honor of his birthday in February!
You’ll learn some fun and interesting facts as we reveal the answers!
Whether you’re a single, a couple, or a couple of friends, this is a perfect way to spend a Sunday night in January. The questions are targeted for adults, but family teams are welcome.
Gadsby's Tavern Museum, part of the Office of Historic Alexandria, is recruiting volunteers to lead guided tours! These tours use the historic tavern spaces to share the stories of diverse people in early America. Training begins January 15 from 9 - 11 a.m. with an in-person workshop, continues with virtual evening classes, and wraps-up with a second in-person workshop in late February/early March. For more info + to sign up, visit: https://www.alexandriava.gov/35234
01/03/2022
Wow!
Thanks to our community’s creativity + dedication, our tavern + its work was a beautiful masterpiece this year. Happy New Years from Gadsby’s Tavern Museum!
And on to the next event! The Alexandria Scottish Walk is tomorrow, Saturday December 4th. Our staging area is G6 - Royal St b/w Wolfe & Wilkes. Please join us before 11am when the parade begins. Dogs, colonial dress and tartans are all welcome but not required!
12/03/2021
No better way to kick off the season than a perfomance of "A Christmas Carol" at ! With grateful thanks to the staff at LTA, bakery for their delicious cookies, Don Feige for his appearance as Father Christmas, everyone who donated a raffle prize or bought a ticket, and all our lovely guests. Thank you for helping us support Gadsby's Tavern Museum and their important work keeping a part of our past alive and relevant.
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Videos
Gadsby’s Tavern Dog Contest 2013
Gadsby’s Tavern Ice Well Celebration
George Washington Birthday parade 2018
The third President of these United States addresses the GTMS Annual Board Meeting attendees June 9, 2019
GTMS Annual Meeting Presentation see clips below in comments
GTMS Annual Board Meeting June 9, 2019
GTMS recipient of the First Annual Little Theatre of Alexandria’s Community Partner Award, November 4, 2018
The Gadsby’s Tavern Museum Society (GTMS) was formed in 1992 as a private citizens' group designed to provide on-going support for the preservation, development and interpretation of Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, one of Alexandria's 18th Century gems. Our support of the Museum has taken many forms, including:
Giving annual gifts which have become increasingly substantial including:
Reproduction items for the Museum when period tavern pieces are not available (bed hangings, window treatments)
Improvements to help operations of the Museum (shelving for the Shop, items for the Docent Lounge)
Funding for advertising Museum events and facilities
Advocating on behalf of Gadsby’s Museum in Alexandria City budget or other debates
Providing financial support to Museum programs
Ceramic Exhibits
Pre-Visit Education Packages
Historic Hauntings
18th Century Fair
Promoting the Museum and its activities by
Marching in 18th century attire in the George Washington's Birthday, Scottish Christmas Walk and St. Patrick’s Day parades
Providing speakers for a Speakers’ Bureau to tell the Gadsby's story
Organizing fundraising campaigns to help the Museum with major purchases and improvements
1993: the Get Hooked on Gadsby’s campaign helped the Museum buy authentic 60 brass coat hooks for the ballroom
1994-1998: a development campaign raised over $35,000 for new Curtains for the Ballroom
2007: major renovation campaign to restore the Tavern's unique urban Ice Well.
2018: acquisition of the Irwin Family Papers, personal and business documenting the purchase transactions between John Gadsby from the early 19th century.
Mark your calendar for more trivia adventures with the Gadsby's Tavern Museum Society!
Come out to do a little shopping on Thursday before heading to the Gadsby's Tavern Museum Society's A Christmas Carol night at the Little Theatre
Honor the Female Stranger on the anniversary of her passing AND celebrate the launch of Long Black Veil® on October 14 at Port City Brewing. For every 16 oz pour (on-site, to-go and curbside), $1 will be donated to Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. Rocklands Barbeque will be onsite as the Food Truck for that day. So toast to the Female Stranger, Alexandria’s most famous urban legend, at Port City Brewing Co, Alexandria’s most famous brewery! Staff of the Museum will be there to tell the tale…and perhaps the famous lady will make an appearance at some point in the evening. https://www.facebook.com/events/4774560679223609
Guided tours at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum will resume on October 14! Tours begin on the quarter after the hour at 1:15, 2:15, and 3:15. Take the 45-minute tour with an expert guide to explore life in the new Republic and learn more about the many people of the tavern. Cost is $8 ages 5 and up but, as always, free for City residents. Capacity is limited. The Museum will continue to offer the self-guided tour experience throughout its open hours. For additional information, visit www.alexandriava.gov/GadsbysTavern.
In previous summers, Sundays meant Gadsby’s Tavern Museum was full of eager, passionate young historians sharing their knowledge on all things tavern related. While the Museum is closed, the Junior Docents have been continuing to learn and are making videos to bring the tavern to you! Every Sunday this summer, enjoy a video montage as these students share favorite facts, magic tricks inspired by tavern entertainment, and news of the day from the 1790s. Huzzah to Sarah, our GTMS Junior Docent Fellow, who first volunteered with us in 4th grade and is now spending her summer before her senior year of college editing videos and mentoring these budding young historians. Special thanks to the Gadsby's Tavern Museum Society for funding this inaugural Fellowship.
It is with sad hearts that we share the passing of long-time volunteer Kathy Kelly. She was part of the Gadsby’s museum family, sharing her love for history and this museum for decades, volunteering for everything from 18th-century fairs and Hauntings to Candlelight Tours. She was a founding member of Gadsby's Tavern Museum Society and continued to volunteer as she was able even through health challenges. The museum was a second home to her and her merry band of incredible friends – the Gadsbyettes. The whole museum community will miss her greatly.
Visitation will be at Everly-Wheatly at 1500 Braddock Road on January 2 from 4 – 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Kathy’s family is requesting donations be made to a cancer society or Gadsby’s Tavern Museum.
Gadsby's Tavern Museum Society (Tag yourself in comments)
The George Washington Birthday Parade Feb. 18, 2019. (Photo by Mary Wadland)
Gadsby's Tavern Museum Society with Karen O'Meara
The George Washington Birthday Parade Feb. 18, 2019. (Photo by Mary Wadland)
Gadsby's Tavern Museum Society with Karen O'Meara
The George Washington Birthday Parade Feb. 18, 2019. (Photo by Mary Wadland)
Gadsby's Tavern Museum Society with Karen O'Meara
The George Washington Birthday Parade Feb. 18, 2019. (Photo by Mary Wadland)
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