Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
October 13 and 14
7 – 9 p.m.
$45 per person, or $30 for OHA volunteers and members, Buy tickets here.

Breaking news! Anne Warren, Alexandria socialite has died shortly after childbirth at the City Hotel. As is per custom, portrayal of grief can include black clothing, armbands, and jewelry, which can include the hair of our deceased friend. Join us in 1808 and learn about the unwritten social guidelines of mourning periods and the “proper attire” wealthy, free Alexandrians would have adhered to as well as how others would have had their expressions of grief suppressed due to their social and economic status. As we explore these topics, guests will sip delicious spirits and create their own individualized, wearable mourning pendant (or magnet) using designs inspired by popular death iconography of the time period. 

Cost is $45 per person or $30 for OHA volunteers and members (21 and older) which includes two delicious cocktails (including a spirit-free version), a mournful craft, and conversation. A cash bar will be available for purchase of additional cocktails.

Space is limited, so advance purchase is recommended.  Tickets may be purchased by calling 703.746.4242 or through the online shop at www.alexandriava.gov/shop.

About Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, part of the Office of Historic Alexandria

As America began as a nation during the late 18th century and emerged in the 19th century, Gadsby’s Tavern was the center of social and political life in Alexandria as well as the new Federal City of Washington. The tavern served as the premier gathering place for residents – including George Washington – and visitors to eat, drink, learn, and influence history.  Tavern keepers John Wise and John Gadsby hosted balls, performances, and meetings, and their accommodations were known as the best by travelers near and far. Gadsby’s Tavern Museum is located at 134 North Royal Street in the heart of Old Town Alexandria and is owned and operated by the City of Alexandria. For more information, please call 703.746.4242 or visit www.gadsbystavern.org.

About the Office of Historic Alexandria (OHA): The Office of Historic Alexandria preserves and shares the past to enrich the present and inspire the future. OHA shares these stories through museums and landscapes as well as tours, exhibitions, and a variety of public programs. Museums include the Alexandria Archaeology Museum, Alexandria Black History Museum, Alexandria’s History Museum at the Lyceum, Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site, Freedom House Museum, Friendship Firehouse Museum, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, and the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum. Additional spaces including the African American Heritage Park, Archives and Records Center, Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery, Murray-Dick-Fawcett House, Lloyd House, and Union Station collectively tell the story of the City. Urban archaeology also plays an active role in uncovering and interpreting Alexandria’s history, recovering artifacts before they are lost to construction. OHA enhances the quality of life for City residents and visitors and is a partner in the City’s equity and inclusion initiatives. For more information about the Office of Historic Alexandria, visit alexandriava.gov/Historic.

To request reasonable disability accommodation, e-mail HistoricAlexandria@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.4554, Virginia Relay 711.

For inquiries from the news media only, contact the Office of Communications & Public Information at newsroom@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3969. 

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This release can be found at Alexandriava.gov/go/5004.