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
Experience the 18th century like never before on this special day in the fall and spring designed for homeschooling families. Tour the museum and then stay as long as you like to learn more about a variety of topics through activities, presentations, and crafts. Take-home materials are available to continue the fun and learning long after youve left the museum. Reservations required.
Hunt for History
A fun way to explore Gadsby's Tavern Museum the weekend of Easter! The history is easy to find, but where are the eggs? Help find the Tavernkeeper's Easter Eggs and learn about the past at the same time. Don't forget to bring your basket! Reservations recommended.
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, and can be scheduled for any day and time of the week. Many of the activities meet Girl Scout and Cub Scout badge requirements and are perfect for multi-age groups. Cost is $5 per person ages 5 and up, with a minimum of $25. Call today to schedule your group! 50% deposit and activity choice are required at time of reservation.
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. Reservations required.
For Junior Girl Scouts: Activities meet many requirements for the Local Lore Badge. Additional activities are supplied to complete the badge.
For Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts: Learn about the inner working of the tavern, including technology, visitor services, and professional opportunities. Activities meet many of the requirements for the Museum Discovery Interest Project. Additional activities are supplied to complete the IP.
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.
Valentine Tour
This Valentine's Day, include a candle lit tour of Gadsby's Tavern
Museum as part of your romantic evening in Old Town Alexandria. Tour the
museum with a glass of sparkling cider and experience the 18th-century.
Private tours available.
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.
