Purpose | Acquisitions | Loans

What Is Our Purpose?

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum is a non-profit institution, owned and operated by the City of Alexandria, Virginia. The museum staff has a professional commitment to protect, preserve, and interpret Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, a structure comprised of two 18th-century tavern buildings, in accordance with accepted professional standards. The purpose of the museum is threefold: to preserve and authentically furnish the buildings known as Gadsby’s Tavern Museum; to acquire, preserve, and exhibit artifacts and works-of-art of the mid-to-late 18th century, early 19th-century and 20th-century preservation history appropriate to the Tavern; and to provide enlightening and enjoyable programs of interpretation for the public.

Acquisitions

Objects may be added into the permanent collection by means of gift, bequest, or purchase. Clear title to the object must be held by the Museum. The object must comply with the recommendations set forth in the Historic Furnishing Plan, be relevant to the interpretation and understanding of the stated historical period (1785-1810), or reflect the subsequent history of the two buildings. Adequate history of the object must be established before it is accepted into the permanent collection. The donor must have clear title to the object and convey this title and all rights of ownership to the Museum without restrictions. The director may request that an appraisal of the object’s value be obtained from a professional appraiser, at the donor’s expense. Staff will not knowingly accept any object which has been stolen or obtained in a false or suspicious manner. The Museum reserves the right to refuse any gift or bequest it does not deem appropriate and in the best interest of Gadsby’s Tavern Museum or the City of Alexandria.

Outgoing Loans

All institutions requesting a loan must complete a facilities report issued by the staff of Gadsby’s Tavern Museum which allows the museum staff to evaluate the nature of the loan, insurance coverage (borne by the borrower), and the ability to provide acceptable security and collections care. The museum director reserves the right to refuse any loan request that is not deemed appropriate or does not reflect accepted professional standards of care in the facilities report. A formal request for the loan must be written by the borrowing institution and addressed to the Gadsby’s Tavern Museum director. This request must be submitted two months prior to the anticipated date of shipment. The borrower must acknowledge Gadsby’s Tavern Museum in the exhibit, exhibit catalogue, and any related publicity.