Description

Event Description: 

The British Revolutionary War Spymaster Major George Beckwith claimed that, "Washington didn't really outfight the British, he simply out-spied us." The General's master-spies operated out of Lower Manhattan. On this walking tour full of ciphers and secrets, we'll make our way between The Battery and Wall Street, retracing their steps. Along the way, we'll find out who first peddled fake news, meet the tailor who saved George Washington's life not once but twice, and discover what Eagles, Turtles, and Vultures have to do with turncoats and saboteurs.

Event Itinerary: 

1. The tour begins in front of the Alexander Hamilton Customs House. We will greet everyone there, and begin learning the secrets of the site.
2. Next, we'll see a canon from the Revolutionary period - hidden in plain sight, and find out why New York City was so strategically important to that war effort.
3. Then, we'll make our way to Fraunces Tavern, which is celebrating its 300th birthday this year! We'll find out how it became the center of official business, and a hotbed of clandestine affairs.
4. From there, we'll head to Hanover Square, and meet our first fake news man, as well as our first Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.
5. Next, we'll greet George Washington at Federal Hall.
6. And pay respects to Alexander Hamilton at Trinity Church (and stop at a grave around the corner to learn about the best dressed spy in the Revolution.
7. Then we'll round the whole thing off back at the Customs House as we learn about the ultimate showdown between a traitor and a spy catcher. In the end, we'll let George Washington himself bid us a fond farewell.

What You Will Make / Go Home With: 

Each guest will go home with:

• A thorough knowledge of little known Revolutionary War historical facts

About the Instructor: 

Historian and tour guide Lucie Levine founded Archive on Parade, a historical tour and event company that takes New York's history out of the archives and into the streets. She has collaborated with institutions including The Municipal Art Society, The Historic Districts Council, The New York Public Library, The 92nd Street Y, The St. Regis Hotel, Village Preservation, The American Institute of Architects, The NYC Department of Transportation, and Landmarks West to offer exciting tours, lectures and community events all over town. She is also the Public Programs Consultant at FRIENDS of the Upper East Side Historic Districts, and Contributing History Writer at 6sqft.