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Gadsby's Tavern Museum
School Tours

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Built in ca. 1785 and 1792, the two tavern buildings that now make up Gadsby's Tavern Museum were an important community center in Alexandria frequented by farmers, merchants and tradesmen as well as by prominent individuals like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Today, student tour the original tavern rooms and learn about early American daily-life, travel, food, politics, and entertainment.

School Programs:

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A Tavern at Work (Grades 2 and up)
From the establishment of Alexandria on the Potomac River to the types of food people ate at taverns, topics on this tour are sure to capture the imagination of your students. Program includes primary source documents, hands-on objects and a dress-up activity. (SOL: VS.1 a, e, i; VS.2 c; US1.1 a, b, e, f)

Candas, the Tavern Slave (Grades 3 and up)
Students learn about slavery in Virginia and get a glimpse into the lives of the enslaved African Americans who worked at the tavern. Program includes interactive discussion, tavern tour and a game of charades with "hands-on" objects from the 18th century. (SOL: VS.1 a, e, f, i; VS.2 c; VS.4 c; US1.5 c; US1.8 d)

Traveling Tom (Grades K - 2 only)
Students discover what it was like to travel in the 18th century and to spend the night at a tavern. They examine the contents of a traveler's haversack, interpret period maps, tour the tavern and participate in a dress-up activity. (SOL: K.1 a, b; K.2; K.4 a, b, c; K.5 a, b, c; K.7 b)

Programs can be adapted to all grade levels upon request.

Reservations are required. The minimum group size is five students over the age of four years. Students are $2 each and up to five adults are admitted free. Alexandria City Public Schools are admitted free of charge. The museum is not wheelchair accessible above the first floor. Free pre-visit materials are available upon request.

To schedule a visit, call the Curator of Education at 703-838-4242 or download the Tour Request Form and fax or mail the completed form to Gadsby's Tavern Museum."

Visit multiple Alexandria sites while you're in town

We can arrange visits to other sites within walking distance to Gadsby's Tavern Museum. Popular choices include the Alexandria Archaeology Museu, Carlyle House, and The Lyceum. Each site offers one-hour programs. This is perfect for groups who wish to see more of Old Town or who would like to bring more than 20-30 students on the field trip. Please call 703-838-4242 for more information.