On October 23, 2024, Fraunces Tavern Museum will unveil our vastly enlarged permanent exhibition "The Birch Trials at Fraunces Tavern", highlighting the role of Fraunces Tavern in the emancipation of thousands of Black Loyalists at the end of the Revolutionary War enabling them to leave New York City and the creation of the Book of Negroes. The exhibition expands upon one opened at the Museum in June 2023. Recognition is also given to the thousands of Black Patriots who fought to further the cause of American Independence.
During the reception, which will include wine, beer, and hors d'oeuvres, the Birch Trials exhibition's curators will be available to answer questions from attendees. We will also be opening another new exhibition and screening our new film on the history of Fraunces Tavern in a new space within the Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Educational Center for American History. Brief remarks will be made around 7:25PM.
During the optional dinner program, which will begin around 8pm, special guests will include Elizabeth Cooke-Sumbu and Andrea Davis, descendants of individuals listed in the Book of Negroes. Ms. Cooke-Sumbu will give remarks and Ms. Davis, Executive Director of the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre in Nova Scotia, Canada, will give a lecture.
Pricing:
Museum Member/SRNY/Other Society Reception: $40
Non-member Reception: $45
Museum/SRNY/Other Society Member
Reception and Dinner with Lecture: $150
Non-member Reception and Dinner with Lecture: $160
The Museum is deeply grateful to the contributors below for making this exhibition a reality.
Lead Sponsor
Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation
Sponsors
Melinda Hull Allison
Peter C. Hein
Mark & Deborah Kopinski
Sponsorship opportunities are still available. More information can be found here.
