Editorial Review
Besides momentous events of the Revolutionary Era and New York City history, Fraunces Tavern's collection represents daily life of 18th-century Americans. Objects that were once common are now the most rare. Utilitarian items were often broken or used until they were worn out and then tossed away. Cooking pots, bottles, pipes, and other such items are now treasured at Fraunces Tavern Museum.
An important part of daily life in the 18th century was the local tavern. These meeting places served both local populations and travelers making them major communication hubs and places of business. When Samuel Fraunces opened his first tavern, The Mason's Arms on Broadway, in 1759, his was one of 218 licensed taverns in New York City. The Long Room where Washington bid his officer's farewell on December 4, 1783 has been recreated with period furnishings typical to a tavern, and the Museum collection includes images of New York taverns and an 18th-century tavern license signed by Mayor Richard Varick.
