Podcast Summary: All Of It – "New York's Revolutionary History at the Fraunces Tavern"

Hosted by Alison Stewart, WNYC’s "All Of It" delves into the rich cultural tapestry of New York City. In the May 21, 2025 episode titled "New York's Revolutionary History at the Fraunces Tavern," host Alison Stewart explores the pivotal role of the Fraunces Tavern in the American Revolutionary War. Joining her are Scott Dwyer, Executive Director of the Fraunces Tavern Museum, and Lisa Goulet, the museum's Collections Manager. This detailed summary captures the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from their conversation.

1. Introduction to Fraunces Tavern and Its Historical Significance

[00:29] Alison Stewart introduces the episode by highlighting the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War’s commencement, noting the shift of the war’s focus to New York City. She emphasizes the Fraunces Tavern’s central role, describing it as not just a historical site but also a vibrant restaurant and bar today.

"The Fraunces Tavern is still standing and it's a great spot for dinner and a drink. But did you know the building was once a meeting spot for the Sons of Liberty?" — Alison Stewart [00:29]

2. Samuel Fraunces: The Tavern’s Entrepreneurial Founder

[01:23] Alison Stewart introduces Lisa Goulet to discuss Samuel Fraunces, the tavern’s proprietor.

[01:34] Lisa Goulet provides an insightful biography of Samuel Fraunces:

"He arrives in New York from the West Indies in about 1755... he operates ultimately at least eight taverns and other establishments during his life and career... post-war, he serves as George Washington's presidential household steward..." — Lisa Goulet [01:34]

3. The Tavern as a Hub for Patriots and the Sons of Liberty

[02:36] Alison Stewart inquires about what drew patrons, particularly revolutionaries, to Fraunces Tavern.

[02:40] Scott Dwyer responds by emphasizing Fraunces’ exceptional culinary skills and the tavern’s role as an entertainment venue:

"Samuel Fraunces was kind of a better cook than normally people would expect to receive at a tavern in New York City... he was an entertainer. He had wax figures at his tavern at times..." — Scott Dwyer [02:40]

This combination attracted not only food and drink enthusiasts but also key figures in the revolutionary movement, fostering an environment where grievances against British rule could be openly discussed.

4. Revolutionary Activities and Meetings at the Tavern

[03:34] Alison Stewart asks about the specific discussions among the Sons of Liberty at the tavern.

[03:42] Scott Dwyer explains the challenges in documenting their conversations but affirms that influential revolutionary figures regularly met there:

"You couldn't just advertise that you were meaning to talk about, hey, revolutionary... but we knew the players were meeting at the tavern." — Scott Dwyer [03:42]

[04:21] Lisa Goulet confirms Samuel Fraunces’ patriot stance, noting his support for the Sons of Liberty and their critical role in the revolution:

"He was certainly a patriot... Hercules Mulligan and other leaders of the revolutionary movement were part of his clientele." — Lisa Goulet [04:21]

5. British Occupation and the Tavern’s Survival

[05:14] Alison Stewart shifts the discussion to the British takeover of New York and its impact on Fraunces Tavern.

[05:38] Scott Dwyer narrates the tavern’s tumultuous period during the British occupation:

"The tavern was left in the care of his son when Fraunces had to evacuate... he was brought back as an indentured servant of the British and was forced to work in his own tavern..." — Scott Dwyer [05:38]

Despite the British onslaught, the tavern survived physical damages, including a cannonball strike, and remained a site of significant historical events.

[06:26] Lisa Goulet recounts George Washington’s farewell banquet at Fraunces Tavern:

"When Washington returns to New York City, he holds a banquet for his officers at Fraunces Tavern on December 4th as his official goodbye." — Lisa Goulet [06:26]

6. "Path to the Emergence of a Nation": The Special Exhibit

[07:03] Scott Dwyer introduces the special exhibit commemorating the Revolutionary War's 250th anniversary, detailing plans for ongoing, rotating displays and diverse programming:

"The exhibition is where we'll be highlighting all the events of the revolution on an ongoing rotating basis... we'll also be doing programming to highlight various authors and lectures." — Scott Dwyer [07:11]

[07:53] Alison Stewart prompts Lisa to share discoveries from the museum’s archives.

7. Discoveries and Notable Artifacts

[08:02] Lisa Goulet unveils a rare painting by John Mackie Falconer depicting Independence House, mistakenly believed to be where Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence:

"Falconer is representing a mid-19th century street scene of a very dilapidated 18th-century home with a giant sign plastered on it that says Independence House... it's a really interesting snapshot of the memory of this building at the time." — Lisa Goulet [08:02]

[12:57] Scott Dwyer discusses the exhibit’s inclusion of cannonballs from the Battle of Long Island, which physically impacted Fraunces Tavern:

"The HMS Asia... shot a cannonball into the city and it lands through the roof of Fraunces Tavern." — Scott Dwyer [12:57]

This event symbolizes the war’s direct impact on New York City’s heart.

8. Nathan Hale’s Letter and Martyrdom

[13:43] Scott Dwyer brings up Nathan Hale, featuring a poignant letter in the exhibit.

[13:51] Lisa Goulet elaborates on the significance of Nathan Hale’s final letter:

"This is, as far as we know, the last known letter of Nathan Hale... he concludes on an optimistic note... unfortunately, he is discovered and hanged in late September, becoming a martyr for the movement." — Lisa Goulet [13:56]

9. Artistic Representations and European Perceptions

[16:26] Alison Stewart highlights a European-made depiction of the Battle of Brooklyn featured in the exhibit.

[16:45] Lisa Goulet analyzes the print, noting its inaccuracies and portrayal of British forces:

"The printer... has to imagine the scene... it's a really, really interesting sort of fantastical scene." — Lisa Goulet [16:45]

This artwork reflects European misconceptions and the imaginative lens through which the conflict was viewed abroad.

10. Upcoming Attractions and Permanent Galleries

[19:01] Scott Dwyer outlines the museum’s permanent galleries, including:

• Governoring the Nation: Showcases the tavern’s role as the first executive federal government office.

"Departments of War, Foreign Affairs, and the Board of Treasury were all stationed here while NYC was the capital between 1785 and 1788."

• Birch Trials at Fraunces Tavern: Explores the complex negotiations regarding black Loyalists post-war.

"A commission to evaluate whether black Loyalists could evacuate with the British army based on claims of freedom..." — Scott Dwyer [19:01]

• Flag Gallery: Displays regimental war flags from various U.S. regiments.

• George Washington Portrait Gallery: Features diverse images of Washington throughout his career.

11. Conclusion and Future Programming

[20:17] Scott Dwyer reiterates the exhibit’s title, "Path to the Emergence of a Nation," celebrating the Revolutionary War’s enduring legacy.

[20:31] Alison Stewart and Lisa Goulet conclude the discussion, expressing gratitude for their participation.

Key Takeaways

• Fraunces Tavern’s Multifaceted Role: Beyond being a culinary and social hub, Fraunces Tavern was instrumental in revolutionary activities, hosting the Sons of Liberty and pivotal figures like George Washington.

• Survival Through Turbulence: The tavern withstood British bombardment and occupation, symbolizing resilience amidst conflict.

• Educational and Cultural Preservation: The Fraunces Tavern Museum’s new exhibit, "Path to the Emergence of a Nation," offers a comprehensive look at New York’s pivotal role in the Revolution, featuring rare artifacts and engaging programming.

• Community and Memory: Through artifacts like Nathan Hale’s letter and Falconer’s paintings, the museum preserves and interprets the collective memory and diverse narratives of the Revolutionary period.

• Ongoing Engagement: The museum plans to maintain dynamic exhibits and educational programs, ensuring continuous community involvement and fresh perspectives on historical events.

This episode of "All Of It" provides an in-depth exploration of Fraunces Tavern’s historical significance, the intricate details of the Revolutionary War’s impact on New York City, and the museum’s efforts to commemorate and educate future generations about this critical period in American history.