The Sons of the Revolution is an organization devoted to educating the public about the struggle to achieve American liberty. Members are descendants of someone who fought in the Revolutionary War or otherwise placed themselves at risk for the American cause. The Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York owns and operates Fraunces Tavern Museum, and also leases space for a first-class restaurant in the building.

For 125 years, the society has been involved in preserving the memory of the Revolutionary Patriots. Major projects have included erecting the statue of Nathan Hale in City Hall Park, purchasing, restoring and preserving Fraunces Tavern, purchasing and restoring Nathan Hale's Schoolhouse in Connecticut and placing plaques and memorials at important Revolutionary War sites in New York City.

The collections of the Sons of the Revolution and Fraunces Tavern Museum include more than 200 replicas of Revolutionary War flags, more than 50 valued paintings of the era, an extensive selection of weapons and equipment of the period, a substantial collection of 18th century furniture and furnishings, and personal effects of George Washington and his compatriots. The Library holds many significant documents, including orders signed by Washington, letters written by Hale and the orderly book of Washington's spymaster Benjamin Tallmadge.

The Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York is the oldest society formed as a genealogical organization to promote the memory of the wartime sacrifices. Similar organizations were formed in other states and the New York Society and the Pennsylvania group, along with a newly created chapter in Washington, D.C., formed a General Society in 1890.