On January 10, 1776 an English-born philosopher named Thomas Paine published a 47-page pamphlet that helped change the world. The pamphlet, titled “Common Sense,” passionately laid out the case for why the American colonists, then under the control the Great Britain, should strive for independence and a democratic, egalitarian government distinct from the British monarchy. The pamphlet was wildly popular at the time of its publication early on in the American Revolution and is credited with inspiring the Declaration of Independence, which was written by founding father Thomas Jefferson the following summer and whose signing heralded the beginning of the United States of America.
“Common Sense” is now 250 years old and to celebrate, the Fraunces Tavern Museum (54 Pearl St.) will be holding a special commemorative event in conjunction with the New York City Bar Association Legal History Committee on January 10 starting at 12:30 p.m. The event will include selected readings from the pamphlet in the museum’s Davis Flag Gallery, and tickets are free for members of Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York, Inc., Fraunces Tavern Museum and the New York City Bar. (If you’re not a member of any of those groups, you can attend by paying the museum’s admission fee on site.)
Note that the location is particularly meaningful for this event, as “Common Sense” was frequently passed around colonial taverns, including Fraunces Tavern, by inspired and excited revolutionaries. Paine himself visited Fraunces Tavern at least once, for George Washington’s farewell to his troops in 1783.
You can reserve your spot for the commemoration here, and stay tuned for more events like this as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday this year.
