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The museum’s collection reflects tavern life and material culture
in Alexandria during the 18th and early 19th centuries, as well as the
20th century. While the buildings themselves are the most important
"artifacts" in the collection of Gadsby’s Tavern Museum,
they cannot tell the complete story of the role that the tavern played
in Alexandria’s early history. The museum collection contains
over 1,000 items. These items illustrate many tavern themes including
travel, lodging, food, furnishings, public building vs. private
homes, social-economic clientele, trade, architecture, archaeology,
and entertainment. Objects are included in the collection because of
their relevance to the history of the buildings based on two surviving
inventories dated 1777 and 1802.
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The largest class of objects in the collection are related to food. This
includes tools and equipment for food processing (primarily bottles).
Furniture is the second largest category. Also in the collection are
artifacts associated with gaming, bedding, lighting devices, temperature
control devices, window coverings, household accessories, and personal
gear. The Museum also has a collection of reproductions and costumes
for special programs and hands-on activities.
Want to know more about the collection and resources available
at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum? Follow the links below.
Collection Highlights | Collection Policy | Photographic Collection
Tavern Archives | Tavern Library
