Immersive 18^th Century Tavern Experience

Outside the church, the tavern was the most important institution in most towns.  Taverns were used as meeting places for political assemblies (like the militia or the courts).   When people needed to conduct business meetings or hold markets, their choices were generally the church or the tavern.  Since the Colonial Legislatures often offered inducements to tavern owners, they saw these businesses as “operating for the common good,” which ultimately meant that tavern meeting rooms could be appropriated for government business like courts, polls, and meetings of the militia. People relied on taverns as the primary means of spreading news and ideas.  Newspapers and stories were often shared by travelers in taverns.  As conflicts erupted between the Crown and her colonies in the 1760’s, it was in the taverns that men discussed their responses and ultimate aims.  It was in the colonial tavern that the revolutionary spirit launched our nation.  Without taverns, it is likely that the various colonies would have remained separate and subjugated to the greater British Empire.

“To drink at a table without drinking to the health of someone special, should be considered drinking on the Sly, and as an act of incivility.”   – Poor Richard

Patrons are invited to an evening of storytelling and merriment during which they can enjoy and 18^th Century tavern experience complete with period beer, cocktails, competitive toasts, various entertainments, and maybe even a rousting political debate.  We will not serve food nor will be perform music but can assist the site in contracting of musicians, food, and other aspects of the tavern experience which will complete the evening.