Fraunces Tavern stands out as a treasure trove of American history. As both a restaurant and museum, the building provides visitors a window into the country’s past. Purchased by Samuel Fraunces in 1762, the Tavern was host to many momentous events throughout the American Revolution.
In 1776, a large banquet was thrown in Commander in Chief George Washington’s honor. In 1783, the general gave his final farewells to his officers in the Long Room of the Tavern. Other revolutionary figures such as Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and Henry Knox were frequent guests. However, one of the most impactful events to have ever occurred within the walls of Fraunces Tavern was the 1783 Birch Trials.
Following the surrender at Yorktown, a commission of British and American delegates met weekly at Fraunces Tavern to determine the eligibility of selected Black Loyalists to exit the county as free men or women. There, the testimonies of hundreds of individuals were seen in person or read from papers and documents. The Birch Trials exhibit demonstrates the history of the largest emancipation of enslaved peoples before the Civil War, with around 3,000 Black Loyalists relocating to Canada or Britain as free citizens.
Earlier this year, Fraunces Tavern opened their exhibition on the Birch Trials. After its astounding success, the exhibit recently expanded and became permanent. “The Birch Trials exhibit was very well received, and schoolchildren especially loved the space, but it was quite crowded,” said Peter C. Hein, the President of Sons of the Revolution of New York. “Now a teacher can bring a class of school children in, and there will be enough space for them to enjoy the exhibit.”
The renovated exhibition now showcases excerpts from the ‘The Book of Negroes,’ a document that noted former slaves who fought in the British army to ensure that they were freed after the war. Although the British lost the war, they were able to ensure that thousands of surviving former slaves evacuated to Canada and Britain during the Paris negotiations. On the other hand, the victorious Americans sent most of the Black men who fought in the army back to their plantations, going back on any promise of freedom.
Now present in the renovated exhibit are the testimonies of Dinah Archey and Judith Jackson, women listed in the ‘Book of Negroes’ who were also reviewed by the Birch Trials commission. Although the 1783 Commission at Fraunces Tavern lists them as having an “undecided” fate, they are recorded to have evacuated New York City in the ‘Book of Negroes.’
Although The Birch Trials mainly details the exodus of Black Loyalists, the exhibit also celebrates Black Patriots who fought in the Continental Army. For example, Crispus Attucks, who was the first person killed in the Boston Massacre and is credited as being the first casualty of the American Revolution. As well as this, Privates Peter Salem, Barzillai Lew, and Salem Poor – who fought valiantly at the Battle of Bunker Hill – are featured.
While these men were included in the old exhibit, the new, larger room includes information on James Armistead (later James Lafayette), a double agent who was invaluable to the victory at Yorktown. In 1781, Armistead gained access to the camp of General Charles Cornwallis and provided Washington with the critical information that the British army was fortifying at Yorktown. Although vital to the Continental Army’s victory, James Lafayette had to petition congress for years before winning his freedom in 1787.
In addition to these biographies, the renovated exhibit also includes petitions from former enslaved people, letters from commissioners, and a set up of desks and chairs mimicking the setup of the Birch Trials.
During the opening of the enhanced exhibition, which I attended, the joint American and British effort of the Birch Trials was greatly stressed. Invited to give a speech, the current British Deputy Consul General in New York, Melanie Hopkins said, “As we come together to recognize and to celebrate a joint American and British mission, I am honored to represent the British government. Today we are reminded of this partnership that has been impactful and continues to be impactful today.”
Representing the American government was New York State Senator Brian Kavanagh. “We are proud of the very long and critical relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom,” said Kavanagh.
Compiling the research and materials for the exhibit was also an international endeavor. “The exhibition reflects several years of exhaustive research on both sides of the Atlantic in thousands of pages of existing original documents,” note the curators on the Fraunces Tavern website.
The descendants of two different people listed in “The Book of Negroes” were also present at the opening to represent those affected by the deliberations between the two countries. Coming all the way from Nova Scotia, an area that many Black loyalists relocated to, their presence enhances the importance of the exhibit. Often throughout history, the voices of the people that governments oppressed and deliberated upon are lacking from the historical record or from modern discourse.
“I love the exhibit,” said Andrea Davis, a descendant of Black colonists who left with the British and executive director of the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre. “It is so great to see reflections of Black Loyalists in New York.” Combined, the testimonies of British and American delegates along with the letters and biographies of Black soldiers allow people to learn about the American Revolution from many different and important perspectives.
The exhibition celebrates both Black men and women who decided to remain in the British empire and those who chose to be part of the struggle for independence. “We are here to commemorate these extraordinary events where early in the country’s history Black Americans were engaging in the great struggle of the time,” said Kavanagh. “We know that, like all Americans, some chose to remain with the British Empire, and others chose to be part of the revolutionary struggle.”
The renovated Birch Trials exhibit creates an environment that generates wonder and education. “You may have seen the exhibit before the renovation, and it was a dark, sad place,” said Scott Dwyerm, the Executive Director of Fraunces Tavern. “Now we’ve opened it up and created a brighter space for education.”
“Eighty percent of the exhibit is the same, and twenty percent is new and enhanced,” said Mr. Hein. The new and elevated features are especially breathtaking. The walls are covered with prints of historical documents, even plastering the air conditioner with wallpaper in order to represent an original gazette article. The room is much larger, and it’s now one of the first things visitors see when climbing the stairs into the museum. Instead of being buried in a corner of the museum like before, the Birch Trials exhibit is front and center, demonstrating its importance to history.
The exhibit is now in the very room where the Birch Trials actually occurred. Viewers can read about historical events in the walls where they place, enhancing the overall experience. “Coming here, it makes me proud to be part of my ancestors’ history,” said Davis. “I didn’t know much of this history growing up so I am excited to enhance my understanding and to bring this history to Nova Scotia.”
With this renovated exhibit, the history of Black colonists is taking center stage. Some served in the Continental Army, bravely fighting for their ideals at the Battle of Bunker Hill or Yorktown. Others were avid loyalists with thousands managing to win their freedom while the British fought to retain their empire. All were engaged in a struggle that transcended both sides of the American Revolution: the deeper fight for human rights and freedom from servitude.
“Coming here, it makes me proud to be part of my ancestors’ history,” said Andrea Davis, a descendant of Black colonists who left with the British and executive director of the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre.