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!

 

SEPTEMBER

Expanded Hours! Now open Wednesdays!
Open 12 to 5 p.m., last entry 4:30. Guided tour at 12 p.m. Tickets & Information.

 

Sunday, September 24, 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 tickets. Walking Tours are 90 minutes and meet outside the Merchant’s House.

 

OCTOBER

Wednesday, October 4, 6 p.m.
How Lincoln’s Funeral Changed Everything: The Rise of Embalming the Dead in America
Virtual Talk with Thanatologist Matilda Garrido
Although the art and science of preserving human remains has existed since the times of the Pharaohs in Egypt, four years of Civil War and Abraham Lincoln’s funeral, in 1865, transformed the practice of embalming. Families of the dead on the battlefield wanted their loved ones returned home for local burial, which necessitated lengthy transport. And it was embalming that made possible the long 1,700 mile cross-country passage of Lincoln’s body home for burial, bringing the potential of embalming to a national audience. Our very own Tredwells may have participated in a public viewing of Lincoln’s body. The funeral procession in New York lasted four hours and included an estimated 120,000 marchers.

Join thanatologist Matilda Garrido as we explore the rise of embalming, the implications of extended viewing times, and what embalming has meant for both the funeral industry and for grieving families. Free (suggested donation $13). Register for “The Rise of Embalming the Dead in America.”

 

Friday, October 6, 6:30 p.m.
In the Spirit of Science: Exorcisms
Live Video Podcast
The history of exorcism is long, but can a person really be possessed? Be taken over by a demonic, evil power? (Think spinning head and green projectile vomit.) What’s the scientific evidence? Join us as we explore this centuries old question just in time for Friday the 13th (next week!) and the opening of The Exorcist: Believer, a direct sequel to the movie that started it all in 1973, 50 years ago. 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 video podcasts 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, October 8 & 22, 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 tickets. Walking Tours are 90 minutes and meet outside the Merchant’s House.

 

Open Wednesday, October 11, to Sunday, November 5
Exhibition – “Truly We Live in a Dying World:” A 19th Century Home in Mourning
Including 19th century mourning attire and accessories from the Tredwell Collection.
In March 1865, family patriarch Seabury Tredwell died in his upstairs bedroom; his wake and funeral were held in the double parlor, shrouded in black crepe. Poignant scenes throughout the house explore 19th century customs surrounding death, a time, unlike today, when death and mourning were pervasive and integral parts of life; dying and funerals took place at home; and rituals of mourning helped the bereaved cope with the ever-present anguish of death. Included with regular admission; reservations not required.

 

Open Wednesday, October 11, to Sunday, November 5
Exhibition – Forget-me-not: Victorian Mourning Jewelry from the Elissa Talamo and Tara Meagher Collection
The Merchant’s House Museum is pleased to be showcasing a never-before-seen private collection of Victorian-era mourning jewelry. When Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, died in 1861, Victoria went into mourning for the next 40 years. As an icon of style, she made mourning items, especially jewelry, essential accessories for the well-to-do and aspirational classes on both sides of the Atlantic. With pieces spanning the 19th century, the Elissa Talamo and Tara Meagher Collection includes a variety of styles that were worn at the peak of mourning jewelry’s popularity, including bespoke hairwork mementos. Visitors will also be able to compare these pieces with the museum’s own Tredwell mourning jewelry.  Included with regular admission; reservations not required.

Thursday, November 9, 3 p.m.
MEMBERS ONLY: Victorian Mourning Jewelry
As a special event just for members, join curator Camille Czerkowicz for an up-close look at the objects from this exhibition. Space is strictly limited. Free; Register for the Members Only event.
Not a member? Join today!

 

Wednesday, October 18, 6 p.m.
‘Death Cannot Make Our Souls Afraid’: 19th Century Mourning Customs
A Virtual Talk with Museum Historian Ann Haddad
Grief was more than just an emotion for Americans during the 19th century — it was a way of life. The moment Seabury Tredwell drew his last breath, in March 1865, his family put into motion an elaborate system of mourning customs that both announced their grief to the community and provided some measure of release from their suffering.

Join Museum Historian Ann Haddad to explore the origins and significance of these somber yet comforting rituals, from widows’ weeds and crepe-draped mirrors to corpse coolers and funeral biscuits. Free (suggested donation $13). Register for “Death Cannot Make Our Souls Afraid.”

 

Friday, October 13; Friday & Saturday, October 20 & 21; Friday & Saturday, October 27 & 28
Candlelight Ghost Tours of “Manhattan’s Most Haunted House”
50 minute tours run every half hour, 6:30 to 9 p.m. 

Doors slam, floorboards creak, voices call into the dead of night. Venture into “Manhattan’s Most Haunted House” by flickering candlelight to hear chilling – and true – tales of decades of otherworldly activity in the house, the results of years of paranormal investigations – and the latest stunning scientific findings.

The Tredwell family lived at 29 East 4th Street for nearly 100 years, and at least eight people died in the house. Reports of strange and inexplicable occurrences have been widespread since Gertrude, the last surviving Tredwell, died in 1933. Is it Gertrude who is watching over her family home? Join us on a Candlelight Tour and decide for yourself. $45; $35 MHM Members. Purchase tickets.

Doors open 10 minutes before each tour. Once the tour begins, there is no late entry. Latecomers will only be moved to a different time slot if there is room. There are no refunds for latecomers. Not recommended for children under 12. Large bags (including briefcases, suitcases, backpacks, and shopping bags) and coats may not be carried and must be checked in the coat room. The tour covers four floors; participants must be able to stand for 50 minutes and be able to climb stairs. Senior/Student Members and Good Neighbor Members may purchase up to TWO discounted tickets; Family/Household Members and above may purchase a maximum of FOUR discounted tickets. Members, please email programs@merchantshouse.org to receive the discount code.

 

Friday, October 13; Friday & Saturday, October 20 & 21; Friday & Saturday, October 27 & 28, 9:30 p.m.
SUPER SPOOKY Candlelight Ghost Tour with Paranormal Investigator Dan Sturges
In 2020, the museum closed due to COVID-19, leaving the house empty of staff and visitors. Dan Sturges, who has undertaken paranormal investigations at the Merchant’s House since 2007, teamed up with neuroscientist Dr. Lee to conduct scientific research using specialized equipment custom-built for the house. Mounting fact-based evidence points to the very likely reality of paranormal activity at the Merchant’s House.

Join paranormal investigator Dan Sturges on a 90-minute Super Spooky Candlelight Ghost Tour for an in-depth look at the latest research and findings. $65; $55 MHM Members. Purchase tickets.

Doors open at 9:20 p.m. Once the tour begins, there is no late entry. There are no refunds for latecomers. Not recommended for children under 12. Large bags (including briefcases, suitcases, backpacks, and shopping bags) and coats may not be carried and must be checked in the coat room. The tour covers four floors; participants must be able to stand for 90 minutes and be able to climb stairs. Senior/Student Members and Good Neighbor Members may purchase up to TWO discounted tickets; Family/Household Members and above may purchase a maximum of FOUR discounted tickets. Members, please email programs@merchantshouse.org to receive the discount code.

 

Saturday, October 28, 1:30 p.m.
Walking Tour: Reinventing the Bond Street Neighborhood, 1865-1900
Co-Sponsored by Village Preservation

In the first half of the 19th century, the “Bond Street” area was a fashionable exclave for wealthy merchant families like the Tredwells. As commercial interests encroached, these families began moving uptown, transforming the neighborhood. Many homes evolved into boarding houses and business establishments; some were torn down and replaced with manufacturing and commercial buildings. By 1900, the once-fashionable “Bond Street” neighborhood was primarily a commercial area known for printing and manufacturing.

During our walk, we will see some of the grand buildings that defined the era, including the imposing DeVinne Press Building (1886), where several leading American magazines were printed, including Scribner’s Monthly. In 1888, William C Schermerhorn demolished his family mansion on Lafayette Street and constructed a stunning factory building designed by Henry J. Hardenbergh, which he then rented out to a manufacturer of boys’ clothing.

$20, FREE for MHM & VP Members. Reservations strongly recommended; register here.

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

 

American Gothic: Spine-tingling Tales to Raise Your Spirits
On YouTube
Enjoy storytelling of 19th-century American Gothic literature read by actor Dayle Vander Sande in the authentic period parlor of the Merchant’s House Museum. These tales by Washington Irving, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Mark Twain and Louisa May Alcott make your blood run cold with scenes of terror and woe. Dayle is a longtime museum volunteer and Director of the Bond Street Euterpean Singing Society, the vocal arts group-in-residence at the Merchant’s House. Watch on YouTube.

Tales include:
“The Devil and Tom Walker” from Tales of a Traveller (1824), by Washington Irving
“The White Old Maid” from Twice-Told Tales (1837), by Nathaniel Hawthorne
“A Ghost Story” (1870), by Mark Twain
“Lost in a Pyramid, or The Mummy’s Curse” (1869), by Louisa May Alcott

 

Current Exhibitions

Exhibitions are included with regular museum admission.

See You at the Ball! Objects from New York’s 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: objects that were worn to or brought to the ball by Miss Anne Punnett.

 

Tredwell Costume Collection
Paisley Shawl, ca. 1872 (MHM 2002. 0879)
Shawls featuring a paisley pattern were all the rage in Europe and America for close to 100 years, from the late-18th century to the 1870s. The original shawls, hand-woven from the soft fleece of the Kashmir goat, began to be imported to Britain from India around 1780. The pattern became so popular that the imported shawls could not keep up with the demand. European mills began to imitate the design, weaving the textile entirely by machine – and at a better price. At the time, the largest manufacturers were in Paisley, Scotland, hence the adoption of the name over time. On display, a paisley shawl from the Tredwell collection.

 

A 19th Century Influencer: Sarah Josepha Hale and Godey’s Lady’s Book 
As editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book, the most widely read magazine of the 19th century, Sarah Josepha Hale was one of America’s most influential voices. With no significant competitors, Godey’s had a reach unimaginable for any single publication in today’s world, boasting over 150,000 subscribers in 1858. Godey’s – and Hale – informed readers on a dizzying array of topics. Each issue contained poetry and short stories, sheet music, illustrations, needlework patterns, architectural house plans, scientific articles, fashion plates, and more. On display, a selection of Godey’s issues from the collection, 1839-1879.

 

VIRTUAL EXHIBITIONS | ONLINE OFFERINGS