Calendar of Events

All Virtual Events are recorded
and posted to the Museum’s YouTube page.

Most of our virtual programs are offered free of charge.
Please consider making a donation to support future programming —
and help us fight the proposed development next door!

MARCH

Friday, March 29, 6:30 p.m. (Rescheduled from February)
In the Spirit of Science
Paranormal Investigation of the Edgar Allan Poe Cottage: The Results Are In!
Co-sponsored by the Bronx Historical Society/Poe Cottage
Poe, his ailing wife, Virginia, and mother-in-law Maria Clemm moved into the c. 1812 cottage in the Bronx during the spring of 1846. It was Poe’s last home. Virginia died in the house in 1847. Dan, Dr. Lee, and Matilda will report on the paranormal investigation undertaken on January 30, the anniversary of Virginia Poe’s death, in the room in which she died. Tune in for the results! Free (suggested donation $10); register for “In the Spirit of Science.”

In the Spirit of Science is a monthly video podcast on topics related to ongoing paranormal research at the Merchant’s House. Using the scientific method, with unbiased observation and systematic experimentation, this research is building a better understanding of the strange and fascinating phenomena experienced by staff, volunteers, and visitors at “Manhattan’s Most Haunted House” (The New York Times).

The research project and monthly virtual programs are led by neuroscientist Dr. Lee, thanatologist and MHM volunteer Matilda Garrido, and Dan Sturges, founder of Sturges Paranormal, who appears on the Travel Channel’s weekly series, Paranormal Caught on Camera.

 

APRIL

Thursday, April 4, 6 p.m.
Early Mansions of Lower Fifth Avenue: Illustrated Talk with Anthony Bellov
Co-Sponsored by Salmagundi Club, Village Preservation, the Coffee House Club, and the Victorian Society
Opened in 1823, Fifth Avenue originally vied with several other locations for social supremacy, including St. John’s Park, Lafayette Place, and Second Avenue. By the Civil War, Fifth had become “The Avenue” superseding all other addresses in which to flaunt you had arrived.

In this talk, we’ll explore some of the early mansions constructed on Fifth Avenue below 14th Street in the years prior to achieving social victory. Only one of these early mansions – the Hawley Residence at 47 Fifth – still survives today in anything resembling original condition. It’s now the Salmagundi Club, in which this talk will take place. This talk is presented both in-person (47 Fifth Avenue, at 12th Street) and virtually, via Zoom. Free; register for “Early Mansions of Lower Fifth Avenue.”

 

Thursday, April 11, 6 p.m.
Ask An … Embalmer: Monica Torres
The 19th century brought embalming into the mainstream, but Jessica Mitford’s 1963 book The American Way of Death cast the field in a tarnished light for many. Matilda will speak with Monica Torres about how she entered the field and her recent book, Embalming Tips Revealed. We’ll discuss how embalming is evolving in the 21st century and whether it might be an appropriate choice for your family.  Join us for this fascinating discussion! Free (suggested donation $10); Register for “Ask An … Embalmer.”

“ASK A…” is a recurring virtual program in which thanatologist Matilda Garrido interviews those working today in the field of death and dying. Death and mourning were pervasive and integral parts of life in the 19th century. In the 20th century, with advances in medical care and changes in the industry around death and dying, the end of life moved from the home to hospitals, causing many customs of dying and bereavement to disappear. Today, many of these 19th century customs are making a resurgence.

Monica H. Torres is a LE, LFD, LC, Reconstruction Specialist, Desairologist and internationally recognized public speaker and technical trainer. Monica is also the owner and founder of NXT Generation Mortuary Support, a trail blazing trade service company which not only offers traditional embalming services and staff support, but also develops untraditional modern online death education programs for professionals and families. She is a first-generation Funeral Director and Embalmer and has worked in the beautification of human bodies since the age of 16.

Monica was honored in 2016 by Vernie Fountain with the FNA Distinguished Professional Service Medallion for her contribution to funeral service. Her company was featured on the cover of American Funeral Director Magazine in 2018 and recognized as one of the funeral industries most innovative companies helping to shape the future of funeral service. Find her online at www.nxtgenmortuarysupport.com and @ColdHandsHosts.

 

Sunday, April 14 & April 28, 1:30 p.m.
Walking Tour: The Tredwells’ World of 19th Century Noho
Co-Sponsored by Village Preservation
With the 1825 opening of the Erie Canal, the city’s economy boomed and wealthy merchant families escaped the increasing noise, congestion, and commercialization of the seaport area to move “uptown,” to what is now modern day NoHo, then an exclusive residential enclave. Join us as we explore the Tredwells’ elite neighborhood and discover what life was like for the wealthy merchant class in the mid-19th century. $20; MHM Members & VP Members Free; purchase Walking Tour tickets.

Walking tours are 90 minutes and meet outside the Merchant’s House.

 

Saturday, April 20, 1:30 p.m.
Walking Tour: Reinventing the Bond Street Neighborhood, 1865-1900
Created and led by MHM docent Michelle Barshay
Co-Sponsored by Village Preservation
Join us for a captivating journey to discover the pivotal changes that shaped the “Bond Street area,” once a residential neighborhood for wealthy merchant families like the Tredwells. On this 90-minute tour, we’ll witness the dramatic changes that unfolded as commercial interests began to encroach, compelling these families to move uptown and triggering a metamorphosis of the entire neighborhood. Homes evolved into boarding houses, business establishments, or were demolished. By 1900, the once-fashionable neighborhood was primarily a commercial area, known for printing and manufacturing. Our walking tour will lead you to the majestic landmarks – from the imposing De Vinne Press to the Schermerhorn factory, Robbins & Appleton, and the historic Fire Engine #33. $20; MHM Members & VP Members Free; purchase Walking Tour tickets.

Walking tours are 90 minutes and meet outside the Merchant’s House.

 

MAY

Friday, May 3, 3 p.m.
At the Tredwells’ Table: A Culinary Tour of the Merchant’s House
This unique tour focuses on the culinary customs of mid-19th century New York, including favorite foods, cooking methods, dining etiquette, and entertaining. What did the Tredwell family eat on a daily basis? How did the cook manage meals for a large family without the modern kitchen amenities we take for granted today? What was it like to attend a dinner party in 1850? From grocery shopping, to elaborate parties and receptions, to the Irish servants’ experiences with food, this tour provides an unparalleled look at the Tredwells’ culinary world. 90 minutes. $25 general admission, $20 MHM Members; purchase Culinary Tour tickets.

 

Sunday, May 12 & 26, 1:30 p.m.
Walking Tour: The Tredwells’ World of 19th Century Noho
(Second & Fourth Sunday of each month)
With the 1825 opening of the Erie Canal, the city’s economy boomed and wealthy merchant families escaped the increasing noise, congestion, and commercialization of the seaport area to move “uptown,” to what is now modern day NoHo, then an exclusive residential enclave. Join us as we explore the Tredwells’ elite neighborhood and discover what life was like for the wealthy merchant class in the mid-19th century. $20; MHM Members Free; purchase Walking Tour tickets.

Walking tours are 90 minutes and meet outside the Merchant’s House.

 

Saturday, May 18, 1:30 p.m.
Walking Tour: Reinventing the Bond Street Neighborhood, 1865-1900
Created and led by museum docent Michelle Barshay
Join us for a captivating journey to discover the pivotal changes that shaped the “Bond Street area,” once a residential neighborhood for wealthy merchant families like the Tredwells. On this 90-minute tour, we’ll witness the dramatic changes that unfolded as commercial interests began to encroach, compelling these families to move uptown and triggering a metamorphosis of the entire neighborhood. Homes evolved into boarding houses, business establishments, or were demolished. By 1900, the once-fashionable neighborhood was primarily a commercial area, known for printing and manufacturing. Our walking tour will lead you to the majestic landmarks – from the imposing De Vinne Press to the Schermerhorn factory, Robbins & Appleton, and the historic Fire Engine #33. $20; MHM Members Free; purchase Walking Tour tickets.

Walking tours are 90 minutes and meet outside the Merchant’s House.

 

Current Exhibitions

Exhibitions are included with regular museum admission.

Through May 26
Tiny Beautiful Things: Baby and Children’s Clothing from the Tredwell Collection
Seabury and Eliza Tredwell had eight children and six grandchildren. On display, a selection of baby and children’s garments and accessories spanning the 19th century – including dresses, coats, bonnets, gloves, and three never-before-seen embroidered baptismal gowns. During the 19th century, Victorian ideals transformed childhood into a time of innocence, play, and purity, a view often limited, in practice, to middle-and upper-class families. The Tredwell children’s clothing offers a unique window into their lives here at the Merchant’s House.

Ongoing
The Tredwell Costume Collection:
Feathered Cape, 1890-1900 (MHM 2002.1014)

On view, a feathered cape from the Tredwell collection. As the bustle disappeared from women’s fashion and voluminous sleeves gained popularity, capes became the favored form of outerwear. Capes accommodated large sleeves easily, laying gracefully over the top of the puffed leg-of-mutton sleeve. Often featuring an elegant high neckline, capes could be ornately trimmed with fur, beads, and, as with the Tredwell cape, feathers.

Ongoing
See You at the Ball! Objects from New York’s 1860 Prince of Wales Ball
In October 1860, Albert Edward, the 19-year old Prince of Wales, arrived in New York as part of his four-month tour of North America. The visit was the first of its kind by a British Monarch, and his arrival was eagerly anticipated by New York society. As part of the four-day visit, a grand ball was held in the Prince’s honor at the Academy of Music, just a few blocks from the Tredwells’ home. With thousands in attendance, it was the highlight of the social season. On display, items worn or brought to the ball by Miss Anne Punnett. This collection has recently been donated to the Merchant’s House by an anonymous donor.

 


 

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