The millwork for all of the different elements was done off-site. Careful field measurements of the windows and cornices have been taken by the Smoot Lumber Company so that the exact sizes and shapes of the 200 year-old woodwork could be reproduced. In some cases, the present windows were replaced earlier in this century and are not in the original style of the building. Where possible, Smoot used an original window design and installed a copy of a period window, achieving a more accurate look. All of the wood replacement was done using 100 year old re-sawn heart pine.
Heart pine is a durable wood and was used in the original construction of the tavern buildings.
An opportunity to educate While the window restoration was in progress, the staff and volunteers of Gadsby's Tavern Museum used this opportunity to promote the 20th century history of historic preservation efforts at Gadsby's Tavern and Alexandria. Architecture and engineering firms, classes from local universities, and history buffs from all over the metropolitan area took the specialized tour to learn about construction technology in the 18th century, how technology changes from 1770 to 1792 are reflected in the differences between the construction of the tavern buildings, and how Gadsby's Tavern was preserved in the 20th century. The restoration of the windows has provided the museum with a wonderful opportunity to share the building's extensive and interesting preservation history with visitors.