Bus Tour To Wall Street

FAIRFIELD — Fairfield Historical Society has scheduled a deluxe motorcoach tour to the Wall Street area on Friday, May 21, with visits to the Museum of American Financial History, Fraunces Tavern Museum and the Federal Reserve Bank. This trip was planned with an emphasis on financial history to complement the society’s current exhibit, “For What It’s Worth: Money, Barter & Banks in Early Fairfield.”

The Museum of American Financial History showcases the history of Wall Street and the achievements of American businessmen and women from Alexander Hamilton’s founding designs for a national economy to the rise of today’s entrepreneurs. Inspired by the stock market crash of 1987, the museum was founded the following year to provide access to historical and educational resources and to communicate how a democratic free market economy creates growth and opportunity.

Fraunces Tavern Museum, built in 1719 as an elegant residence, was purchased in 1762 by Samuel Fraunces, who made it one of the most popular taverns of the day. Fraunces Tavern is best known as the site where George Washington gave his farewell address to the officers of the Continental Army. Today, the museum complex includes four 19th Century buildings in addition to the original Fraunces Tavern building.

Lunch will be at The Beekman Restaurant, a popular spot in the downtown area featuring a selection of home-style favorites.

The last stop of the day will be a tour of The Federal Reserve Bank, located in the heart of the financial district. It was in this 14-floor limestone and sandstone building, reminiscent of a 15th Century Italian Renaissance palace, that 20th Century American planners sought to create an expression of strength, stability and security to inspire public confidence in the newly formed Federal Reserve System. Participants will view exhibits and see the vault containing international monetary gold.

Cost of the trip is $100 and includes all entrance fees, lunch, taxes and gratuities. The bus will leave the society’s parking lot, which is at 636 Old Post Road in Fairfield, at 8:30 am and return at approximately 5 pm. For information or to secure a reservation call 203-259-1598.