Home School Programs
Candlelight Tours
The second weekend of December each year, enjoy evening tours of local historic sites decked with natural, seasonal decorations. Visitors are treated to period music, refreshments and a holiday interpretation at participating museums, including Gadsby's. This festive event sets the tone for a holiday season of merriment and good cheer.
Tavern Toddlers
It's never too early for your kids to appreciate history! Gadsby’s Tavern Museum hosts a weekly open play time for toddlers (walkers through 36 months) and their caregivers. It’s the perfect opportunity for caregivers to spend time together while the children develop their motor and social skills through the crafts, free-play, and stories related to Old Town and the world around them. Every week is something different! Pre-registration is not required. Morning ($7 each) and 5-week passes ($30 each) may be purchased at the door. Mom’s groups are welcome! Fall session is Monday mornings from 10:30am to 12:00pm starting September 14 and ending November 16. Winter/spring session is Monday mornings from 10:30am to 12:00pm starting January 4 and ending April 26. Not held on federal holidays and when Alexandria City Public Schools are closed for weather. Please call 703-838-4242 for more information.
Civil War Balls
Experience 19th century Alexandria with this Civil War Ball. Period music, re-enactors and guests clad in appropriate attire (military or civilian), a dessert collation, and candle light combine to make this ball a unique experience. Period clothing is not required, though after five attire is suggested. Reservations recommended.
Dance Classes
Learn 18th Century English Country Dancing, or dances from the Civil War era with a trained dance instructor. Series of dance classes are held prior to almost every ball.
George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee
Join the citywide celebration of George Washington's birth! Enjoy lectures, living history, a 10K race, exhibits, and the largest birthday parade in the county.
George Washington's Birthnight Banquet and Ball
Celebrate the birth of the Father of our Country in an annual tradition at the site that dates back to 1797. The Washingtons themselves danced in the City Hotel ballroom at this ball in 1798 and 1799. Coinciding with the events of George Washington's Birthday weekend in February, join costumed interpreters portraying the Washingtons and other notable figures of the day, partake of a period-inspired meal, then dance in the 18th century style in the historic ballroom. Reservations required.
Great Rum Punch Challenge
Just as guests to the tavern did over 200 years ago, enjoy different rum punch creations from local distilleries, restaurants and caterers and vote for your favorite! Also enjoy food - both period and modern - as well as a silent auction full of great items.
Homeschool Day
On August 21st, 2008 explore the City of Alexandria from the Colonial period to the present! The program begins at Gadsby's Tavern Museum and includes a tour and hands-on activities. Then head out for a short walking tour of Old Town and visit the Friendship Firehouse and the Lyceum, Alexandria’s History Museum. Registration is $5 per child (ages 4 and up) and all parents are FREE! Registration opens July 1st. Call 703-838-4242 to reserve your tour time between 10 am and 3pm.
Easter Tea
Perfect for families and adult groups, come dressed in your Easter finery to enjoy tasting a variety of herbal teas and sweet treats. Costumed interpreters will be serving tea and providing tours of the museum, and everyone will receive a treat to take home. Held the day before Easter with two seatings, 11am and 1pm. Cost is $25 per person, $20 per person for groups of 6 or more. Reservations are required so call 703.838.4242 or visit our online museum shop to reserve your space in advance!
Lecture Series
Gadsby's Tavern Museum offers a spring and fall lecture series on a variety of topics. Scholars in the field give lectures in Gadsby's historic ballroom. Past topics have included George Washington, colonial money, restoring Gadsby's Tavern, interpreting inventories, recognizing colonial architecture and more. Lectures are open to the public. Reservations recommended.
Swordsmen's Rendezvous
During the 18th century traveling sword masters used taverns to give lesson to local townsmen.now you can experience this too. Learn about 18th century swordplay and weaponry from the Living History Foundation's master fencers. Participate in lively discussions, witness breathtaking displays of swordplay, and test your new-found skills of the sword. Reservations recommended.
Tailor Your Tour
Design your own museum experience! This one-hour program includes a tour of the museum and an activity of your choice. Many of the activities meet Girl Scout and Cub Scout badge requirements and are perfect for multi-age groups. Cost is $6 per child (minimum of $30). Up to two troop leaders are admmitted free of charge. Additional adults are $3 each. Please make reservations at least two weeks in advance as program times are subject to availability.
Tavern Day Open House
Want to learn to dance like George Washington? Ever heard of a learned pig?
Then come to Gadsby's Tavern Museum's open house - Tavern Day! Enjoy free admission as you experience Alexandria's five-star hotel of the 18th century through costumed guides, period dancing, refreshments, and much more!
Tavern Overnights
Spend the night at the Tavern and experience life as an 18th century traveler! The program includes hands-on activities, 18th century dancing, the Tale of the Female Stranger, a snack and continental breakfast. For this year's dates and to reserve your space, please visit the Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital program registration page.
For Junior Girl Scouts: Explore Alexandria and how it has changed since it was founded in 1749. Program includes a tour of the tavern, outdoors walking tour, and discussion of old Alexandria maps and photographs. Activities complete the requirements for the Local Lore Badge. .
For Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts: Learn about the inner working of the tavern, including technology, visitor services, and professional opportunities. Activities complete the requirements for the Museum Discovery Interest Project.
Tea with Martha Washington
Tea was the preferred social beverage of the 18th century. Serving it was a sign of politeness and hospitality, and drinking it was a custom characterized by distinctive manners. Children and adults are invited to experience the ritual of tea with special guest Martha Washington. Bring your friends and family to learn about 18th century fashion, deportment and dancing too.
18th Century Balls
Dance in the historic ballroom that was once the setting for the elegant evenings that marked George Washington's birthday and other important social occasions in Alexandria. Period music, re-enactors and guests clad in appropriate attire, a dessert collation, and candle light combine to make Gadsby's balls festive events. Balls are staged several times a year, sometimes with specific themes. Period clothing is not required, though after five attire is suggested.
