Our Mission

The Gadsby’s Tavern Museum Society (GTMS) was formed in 1992 as a private citizens' group designed to provide on-going support for the preservation, development and interpretation of Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, one of Alexandria's 18th Century gems. Our support of the Museum has taken many forms, including:
  • Giving annual gifts which have become increasingly substantial including:
    • Reproduction items for the Museum when period tavern pieces are not available (bed hangings, window treatments)
    • Improvements to help operations of the Museum (shelving for the Shop, items for the Docent Lounge)
    • Funding for advertising Museum events and facilities
  • Advocating on behalf of Gadsby’s Museum in Alexandria City budget or other debates
  • Providing financial support to Museum programs
    • Ceramic Exhibits  
    • Pre-Visit Education Packages  
    • Historic Hauntings  
    • 18th Century Fair
  • Promoting the Museum and its activities by
    • Marching in 18th century attire in the George Washington's Birthday, Scottish Christmas Walk and St. Patrick’s Day parades  
    • Providing speakers for a Speakers’ Bureau to tell the Gadsby's story
  • Organizing fundraising campaigns to help the Museum with major purchases and improvements
    • 1993: the Get Hooked on Gadsby’s campaign helped the Museum buy authentic 60 brass coat hooks for the ballroom
    • 1994-1998: a development campaign raised over $35,000 for new Curtains for the Ballroom  
    • 2007 - present: major renovation campaign to restore the Tavern's unique urban Ice Well.

Our Bylaws are the official documentation for the Gadsby's Tavern Museum Society.