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.
Consider making a donation to support future programming – and help us SAVE the Merchant’s House!
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MARCH

Friday, March 21, 6:30 p.m.
In the Spirit of Science: How to Get Rid of Ghosts

Whether a demonic spirit or a benign, friendly ghost, most people don’t want to share their homes with otherworldly creatures. Even the sweetest ghost can scare people and drive animals crazy. But how to get them to leave? In the spirit of spring cleaning, Dan, Dr. Lee, and Matilda look at ways to encourage, convince, or force spirits to move on and leave you in peace. Come prepared to take notes! 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.

Sunday, March 23, 1:30 p.m.
Walking Tour: The Tredwells’ World of 19th Century Noho

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, FREE for Members. Reservations strongly recommended. Purchase walking tour tickets.

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

Saturday, March 29, 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, FREE for Members. Reservations strongly recommended. Purchase walking tour tickets.

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

APRIL

Wednesday, April 2, 3 p.m.
MEMBERS ONLY Curator Talk

Join curator Camille Czerkowicz for a behind-the-scenes look at the Tredwell collection. Register for Curator Talk. Not a member? Join today!

Saturday, April 5, 3 p.m.
“Where Shadows Linger:” An Afternoon Ghost Tour

On this afternoon tour, we’ll explore some of the spookiest true tales of ghostly sightings at the Merchant’s House, as well as highlights from our ongoing research into strange and supernatural occurrences at the house. We’ll also test out some newly-built handheld paranormal sensors, and discover why The New York Times calls us “Manhattan’s Most Haunted House.” 60 minutes, strictly limited capacity. $20; $10 MHM Members and children ages 8-12. (Children under 8 are not permitted.) Purchase tickets for Afternoon Ghost Tour.

Saturday, April 19, 1:30 p.m.
Walking Tour: The Tredwells’ World of 19th Century Noho

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, FREE for Members. Reservations strongly recommended. Purchase walking tour tickets.

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

The Merchant’s House will be CLOSED on Sunday, April 20, for Easter.

Sunday, April 27, 1:30 p.m.
Walking Tour: The Tredwells’ World of 19th Century Noho

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, FREE for Members. Reservations strongly recommended. 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.

Ongoing
Manhattan’s First Landmark
This year, New Yorkers celebrate the 60th anniversary of the City’s groundbreaking Landmarks Law signed on April 19, 1965. The Merchant’s House, because of its remarkable state of preservation and importance in the history of New York City, played a significant role in the landmarking movement from its very beginning. Only 20 buildings were designated at the Landmarks Preservation Commission’s initial meeting in September 1965; the Merchant’s House was the first in the borough of Manhattan. Original documents, photographs, correspondence, and press clippings tell the story of how preserving the Merchant’s House was recognized as critical, from its inception as a museum in the 1930s, through the start of the landmarking movement in the 1950s, to the passage of the Landmarks Law in April 1965 and the designation of the House at the first meeting of the Commission in September.


Ongoing
“Finest Surviving:” Ornamental Plasterwork at the Merchant’s House Museum
The 1832 Merchant’s House is one of only 120 buildings in New York City distinguished as an exterior – and interior – landmark. Its intact original ornamental plaster work is considered the “finest surviving” from the period. Learn how the plaster walls, ceilings, and ornamentation in the Merchant’s House were created in the 19th century. On display, original 1832 plaster fragments, as well as molds and plaster casts created by sculptor and ornamental plasterer David Flaharty, who used the same methods as the early 19th century artisans during a house-wide restoration in the 1970s.

 

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