[Archived] Braddock Day Ball-Saturday, April 5

Saturday, April 5 8-11 PM 

Step back in time to the spring of 1755 in the historic Gadsby’s Tavern ballroom at the Braddock Day Ball on Saturday, April 5, 2014, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Major General Edward Braddock, Commander-in-Chief of His Majesty’s Forces in North America, has convened a meeting of five colonial governors at John Carlyle’s Alexandria home to prepare for the impending French & Indian War. Carlyle will call the meeting “the Grandest Congress...ever known on the Continent.” Experience this momentous event at Carlyle House from 12 noon to 4 p.m., then dance the night away to live music at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. A cash bar will be available. 1750s attire requested; cocktail attire welcome. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

In preparation for the ball, English Country Dance classes will be offered at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursdays, March 20, March 27, and April 3. The cost for lessons is $30 for the series or $12 per class.

Reservations for both the lessons and the ball are strongly recommended and can be made by calling 703.746.4242 or though the online shop at http://shop.alexandriava.gov.

In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Gadsby’s Tavern was the center of social and political life in Alexandria and 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. Gadsby’s Tavern Museum is located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. For more information, please visit the online shop.