Central Nova News

Washington’s birthday will be commemorated with a special event at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum in Alexandria. The museum, where George Washington celebrated his Birthnight in 1798 and 1799, will host a four-course dinner on Saturday, February 17 at 6 p.m. The evening will feature a variety of 18th-century entertainments that were typical in taverns during Washington’s time. Guests can look forward to live musicians, a dance demonstration, toasts, theater, and even some magic and mind reading.

According to the organizers, the event called "Washington’s Entertainments" is a new program for Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. It aims to recreate the magic and entertainment that Washington himself witnessed during his birthday celebrations at the Birthnight Ball. The organizers promise to share the stories behind these historic performances, making it a unique tradition not to be missed.

Tickets for the event are priced at $150 per person and include the four-course dinner with wine and live performances. The dress code for the evening is cocktail attire. Interested attendees can purchase tickets at AlexandriaVA.gov/Shop under the "Events" section.

In addition to the birthday event, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum is offering a specialty tour called "Mind Your Manners! Balls in Early America" on February 9 from 6-7 p.m. and February 10 from 10-11 a.m. The tour will provide insights into the political intrigue and power structures associated with balls in early America. Tickets for this tour are priced at $15 per person and can also be purchased at AlexandriaVA.gov/Shop under "Events."

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, consisting of the ca. 1785 tavern and the 1792 City Tavern and Hotel, played a significant role in Alexandria’s port-based economy during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The taverns, operated by John Gadsby, offered spaces for dining, lodging, and various forms of entertainment such as games, performances, music, and dance.

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum has been a central gathering place for residents and visitors to Alexandria and the Federal City of Washington. Notably, George Washington himself frequented the tavern, and it served as a venue for balls, performances, and meetings. The accommodations provided by tavern keepers John Wise and John Gadsby were renowned for their quality and attracted travelers from near and far.

Located at 134 North Royal Street in Old Town Alexandria, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum is owned and operated by the City of Alexandria. For more information about the museum, including ticket purchases and inquiries, interested individuals can call 703.746.4242 or visit alexandriava.gov/gadsbystavern.

The Office of Historic Alexandria, which oversees Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, aims to preserve and share the history of the City of Alexandria through various means such as museums, historic sites, archives, archaeology, tours, exhibits, and public programs. By telling compelling stories and addressing the city's past, the Office of Historic Alexandria enriches the present and inspires the future. The office also works towards enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors, while actively participating in the city's equity and inclusion initiatives. Those interested in learning more about the Office of Historic Alexandria can visit alexandriava.gov/Historic.

For individuals requiring reasonable accommodation or an alternative format, they can contact gadsbys.tavern@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.4242. Virginia Relay 711 is available for those who require it.

Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of Communications & Public Information at newsroom@alexandriava.gov or by calling 703.746.3969. For more information, the full press release is available at alexandriava.gov/go/5489.