December 9, 2023
2:00 – 6:00 pm

Public houses and taverns played an integral role in the commercial life of the American Colonies.  They weren’t simply places to drink. They were a place to meet like-minded individuals, meeting places at which to conduct business, and clearinghouses for news about both local and global events.  The local tavern quite likely was the test bed for revolutionary ideas like independence.

All along the newly cut roads and canals, and literally anywhere people had to rest while moving from one location to another in the colonies, taverns sprang up.  These taverns quickly became central locations for several aspects of colonial life. In taverns people drank and read the news of the day aloud to their fellow travelers.  Also, in an era when mass production of books and newspapers was limited and other forms of public entertainment were quite rare, people would gather in taverns to share a story, sing, and debate ideas of the time. 

It was in Boston’s Green Dragon Tavern that the Sons of Liberty discussed, then planned the Boston Tea Party, and in Philadelphia’s Tun Tavern US Marine Corps recruited its first enlistees.  Tradition has it that the delegates of both the first and second Continental Congress conducted a large part of their negotiations and planning in the City Tavern.  Taverns are, as Noah Webster would remark, the “birthplace of the American Revolution.” 

With that in mind, take yourself to December 1777. The British have occupied the city but all hope is not yet lost. You can still find solace, and maybe a little insurrection, in a tavern. We are setting up the Admiral of the Blue Apron at Elfreth’s Alley (off 2nd Street in Center City Philadelphia) as part of the Deck the Alley Program for 2023.

This popular holiday open house fundraiser is a unique opportunity to start the holiday season by seeing inside the homes of Elfreth’s Alley while the sounds and smells and tastes of the holiday surround you. There will be a Makers Market, Elfreth’s Alley Holiday Elves, and loads of food and drink. The Regimental Brewmeister in his guise as the Admiral of the Blue Apron will be holding court in the museum courtyard with Spruce Beer, Punch, and various 18th Century cocktails for you to warm yourself over during the event. We will have all manner of libations, good conversation (maybe even a few spies), tavern games, and great JOLLIFICATION! Come visit us on December 9th, from 2-6pm. This is a rain or shine (or even snow!) event.

BUY TICKETS HERE