Who is Gifford?

Gifford Dalley was the Doorkeeper for the first three US Congresses, in both New York and Philadelphia, and also an operator of taverns, hotels, and coffee houses that catered to and often hosted congressional events and parties.

As an observer and helper of the earliest US Congresses, Gifford serves as the inspiration and voice of the original spirit of the original intentions of US Congress.

Gallery Report posts are "authored" by a fictional, 21st century tribute to his contributions to Congress.

"Gifford Dalley appears to have been born around 1742 in Middlesex County, New Jersey. During the Revolutionary War he served as a quartermaster in the New Jersey militia and was selected as the doorman for Congress in 1789, a job he would hold during the First, Second and Third Congress from 1789 to 1795. The doorkeeper was elected at the beginning of each Congressional session and was responsible for managing the chambers and maintaining order. When the First Congress relocated from New York to Philadelphia in 1790 Gifford moved with the federal government. Gifford likely played a logistical role, having operated City Tavern after the British departure from Philadelphia."

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