Eat, Drink, & Start A Revolution! Fairfield’s Taverns Exhibition

During the American Revolution, colonial taverns were more than places to eat and drink—they were vital community hubs, news outlets, recruiting stations, and battle headquarters. Travelers on the King’s Highway–the main route through the colonies–stopped at local taverns like Samuel Penfield’s (known today as Sun Tavern) near the town green. Distinguished visitors to Fairfield included George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abigail Adams.

The revolutionary cause wasn’t just discussed in official buildings—it was negotiated and nurtured in taverns. In Fairfield and across the American colonies, people gathered in taprooms to eat, drink, argue, and share the latest news from Boston, New York, and beyond. While colonial taverns were dominated by men and often excluded women and people of color from debates, the outcome of the Revolution would reshape life for everyone in town. Today, the social space of taverns reminds us that democracy has always been messy, noisy, and fueled by everyday people coming together to talk things out.

Through a rich display of historic artifacts and hands-on interactives, Fairfield Museum’s exhibition will explore the rise of revolution in Fairfield and the important role that taverns played in bringing citizens together to forge an independent democratic nation.

On view through May 31, 2026.