New Exhibit Opening March 26 Explores the Legacy of Women in Business; Special Conversational Tour Planned for April 17

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, located at 134 N. Royal Street, Alexandria, will open a new exhibit, “Women in Business: We Were Always Here,” on Thursday, March 26, at 11 a.m. 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.

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.

Please note the events include ascending and descending stairs in the historic tavern. Seating is available throughout.

For more information about Women's History Month events, visit Alexandriava.gov/WomensHistoryMonth.

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Nicole Quinn at historicalexandria@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.4554, Virginia Relay 711.

If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you, please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703-746-3960.

About the Office of Historic Alexandria:

The Office of Historic Alexandria preserves and shares the history of the City of Alexandria with eight museums, historic sites, archives, archaeology, tours, exhibits and public programs. Through powerful storytelling and confronting the City’s past, Historic Alexandria enriches the present and inspires the future. We enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors and serves as a partner in the City’s equity and inclusion initiatives. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/Historic.