Free guided tours are available to the public Monday through Friday at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM. The schedule is subject to staff availability.
Schools can make reservations for special programs by completing the and faxing it to (212) 668-2899. Reservations are available any time between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Groups must be scheduled at least 2 weeks in advance.
Children (under the age of 18) must be accompanied by a chaperone. Federal Hall National Memorial requires one chaperone for every ten children. Students are required to remain with their chaperones at all times.
TOURS – 30 to 45 minutes (recommended for Grade 3 and up)
Welcome to Federal Hall
Interpretive program discussing the history of the site, the construction of the Customs House, and the establishment of the National Memorial.
Greek Revival in the New World
The construction of this building was intended to not only summon images of ancient Greece and Rome but to impress visitors with the power of the Federal government. Join a Park Ranger for a tour of the architectural highlights of the 1842 Customs House.
Printing Press: Weapon of Revolution
Discussion of the role that the printed word played in fanning the flames of the American Revolution. Covers the John Peter Zenger Trial of 1735, which laid the foundation for Freedom of the Press in the United States.
TALKS – 1 to 1 ½ hours (recommended for Grade 6 and up)
George Washington as a Leader
Traces the 1st President’s evolution as a military and political leader from the French and Indian War through the American Revolution and the Presidency.
The Battle for New York: 1776-1783
In-depth program concerning the New York Campaign, as well as the subsequent occupation of New York City by the British for the remainder of the Revolutionary War.
The Critical Years: 1783-1789
Discusses the period from the British withdrawal from New York to the establishment of the present form of government at Federal Hall. During this time, everything won during the Revolution could have been lost. Emphasis is placed on several Founding Fathers, including George Washington and Alexander Hamilton. Also discussed is the question of whether to have a strong or less controlling central government. The Bill of Rights and the Constitution are also covered.
18th-Century Military Arts
Either British, French, American, Hessian, or Spanish; all armies of the 18th century had similarities. Meet a soldier of the Age of Enlightenment, and learn about life and death in the infantry.
God Save the King: The British View of the American Revolution
The Revolutionary War from the British perspective.
The Good Americans: The Loyalists
Discussion of why 60,000 Americans remained loyal to King George III. Includes viewpoints of those of European and African descent, as well as American Indians.
Rule Brittania: The Royal Navy
Britain’s rise to world power began in the 18th century through the Royal Navy (built with American wood!). Meet a Royal Nacy Officer to learn how Brittania ruled the waves through the greatest technological achievement of the age; the Man-of-War.
Defend Wall Street: The Draft Riots of 1863
During the Draft Riots, Federal Hall was occupied by the Metropolitan Police Department, as well as the US Army, Navy, and Marines. The program covers not only the riots themselves but also life in New York City during the Civil War.
Finance, Commerce, & Defense
In-depth discussion of the interrelationship between all three. Emphasis is placed on Wall Street and the Port of New York, including its fortifications
