History

The Birthnight Ball originated in Britain to commemorate the birthday of the monarch. Following the American Revolution, the birthday of George Washington was celebrated in the same fashion. The first public celebration of Washington’s birthday was at Valley Forge during the winter of 1778 on February 22. The Virginia Gazette reported a ball for Washington’s birthday on February 26, 1780.

The first Birthnight Ball in Alexandria is documented in 1787.

The first Birthnight Ball given by John Gadsby was on February 10, 1797. Washington did not attend because he was still serving as President in Philadelphia. In 1798, Washington attended the Birthnight Ball held in his honor. Washington attended the Birthnight Ball again in 1799 and noted in his diary, “Went up to Alexandria to the celebration of my birth day. Many maneuvers were performed by the Uniform Corps. And an elegant Ball & Supper at Night.”

Dance Classes

Prepare for the George Washington Birthnight Ball with instruction from Dance Master Corky Palmer. Learn the basic steps of English Country Dancing.

Thursday, February 5 & 12, 2009
7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
$12 per class or $30 for the series

Saturday, February 13, 2010

5:30 p.m.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
134 North Royal Street
$100 per person

(Ball only Tickets are $50 starting at 9 p.m.)

The Banquet
Salad of Seasonal Mixed Greens
Watercress Viloute and Sally Lunn Bread
Chesapeake Oyster Loaves in Brioche
Roasted breast of Chicken, Smithfield
Ham, and Gruyere Cheese
finished with Madeira Wine
Pickled Vegetables, Roasted Beetroots,
Baked Gratin of Macaroni in Bechamel
Served with a glass of wine

The Ball
18th-Century English Country Dancing with dance instruction, live music, tavern games, and a period dessert collation will follow the banquet. Suitable for beginners as well as experienced dancers, the ball begins at 9:00 p.m. Tavern beverages will be available for purchase. 

Additional Support

Consider supporting the preservation and education programs of Gadsby’s Tavern Museum with an additional donation to George Washington’s Birthnight Banquet & Ball.

$200 Sponsor
Two tickets to the Banquet and Ball
Listing in the Event Program
Recognition during the Banquet

$300 Patron
Two tickets to the Banquet and Ball
Listing in the Event Program
Recognition during the Banquet
Patron Basket