Visit Alexandria VA
Gadsby's Tavern Museum
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, located at 134 N. Royal St., in Alexandria, debuted a new exhibit, “Women in Business: We Were Always Here,” Thursday, March 26. The exhibit explores the stories of women entrepreneurs in Alexandria’s past and present, highlighting how women have long played a vital role in the city’s economic and social life.
Gadsby's Tavern Museum
The museum, which includes a 1785 and a 1792 tavern building, was named after John Gadsby, a male tavernkeeper during the early years of our nation’s founding. But while he was operating the 1792 tavern, Hannah Griffith was operating the 1785 tavern. Female tavern keepers were common, and Griffith’s story reminds us that the idea of female entrepreneurs isn’t a new one. Her story also highlights how the American Revolution continued to shape lives in personal and sometimes surprising ways even years later.
Visitors are invited to see primary sources up close to explore how women appear (and don’t) in the historical record in the 18th century. In addition to Hannah’s story, visitors will learn about the female business owners on the block around City Hall today highlighting how women continue to be an important part of Alexandria’s business community.
The exhibit “Women in Business: We Were Always Here” will remain on view through March 30, 2027.
Admission:
Adults: $5
Children (ages 5–12): $3
Children four and under are free with a paying adult.
Admission is free for City of Alexandria residents.
Building on the themes introduced in the new exhibit, the museum will host a Conversational Tour: Women Were Always Here on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Led by a member of the team for the new exhibit “Women in Business: We Were Always Here,” the tour will highlight the many women over the centuries associated with Gadsby's Tavern Museum and, through their stories, spark conversations about political, economic, and social conditions for women both past and present.
The ticketed program includes the tour, facilitated conversations, and access to the recently opened exhibit “Women in Business: We Were Always Here.” Guests may also purchase water, soda, or locally crafted beer or hard cider upon arrival.
Tickets for the Conversational Tour are $15 per person and $12 for Historic Alexandria members and can be purchased online through the Historic Alexandria Shop.
