Calendar of Events

All Virtual Events are recorded.
Ticket-holders for paid events will receive an email with access to the recording.
Free events are 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!

 

JUNE

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


Tuesday, June 6, 3:30 p.m.
Afternoon Tea Talks at the Salmagundi: Carl Raymond in conversation with James Scully
“Burning Gotham: New York 1835 and the Fire that Changed History”
Co-sponsored by the Salmagundi Club and The Gilded Gentleman podcast
Join Carl Raymond, host of The Gilded Gentleman history podcast, in conversation with writer, producer, and actor James Scully for a historical look at New York City in 1835 and the devastating fire that changed the city’s history. James has created an acclaimed (Tribeca Audio 2022 Official Selection) podcast, Burning Gotham, that dramatizes the story and presents the intrigue and the history in a theatrical and compelling way for modern audiences.

James and Carl will discuss the actual history, share how James brings it all to vivid life as audio drama, and explore how the modern world of podcasts can be thought of as a throwback to old-time radio.

A reception follows the interview. Tickets $40; reservations required. Purchase tickets.
Location: Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue. Dress: business casual.


Thursdays, June 8, July 13, August 10, until 8 p.m.
Summer Evenings in the Garden
On select Thursdays this summer, the Museum & Garden are open late, until 8 p.m. Join us for an informal evening to celebrate summer with wine and music in the garden by jazz flutist Cheryl Pyle, starting at 6 p.m. Last entry, 7:30 p.m. Included with regular museum admission, no reservations.

A Thursday evening guided tour is offered at 6 p.m. Guided tour tickets $20; reservations strongly recommended. Purchase Guided Tour tickets.


Sunday, June 11 & 25, 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.


Saturday & Sunday, June 17 & 18
Path Through History Weekend
The Path Through History Weekend showcases New York State’s fascinating history. A wealth of memorable experiences awaits you—from living history museums to forts and military landmarks to the homes of presidents, legendary writers and artists, and activists who fought to end slavery and to give women the right to vote. With an unparalleled network of museums, historic sites, and cultural institutions, Path Through History takes you across the state to discover events of the past and learn how they reverberate today. Learn more.

 

Wednesday, June 21; Thursday, June 22; Friday, June 23; Saturday, June 24, 7 p.m.
Whitman in Love – “Live Oak, with Moss” & Other Poems
Celebrate Pride Week with the timeless poetry of Walt Whitman, presented by John Kevin Jones (A Christmas Carol at the Merchant’s House). Four performances only, in our 19th century “secret” garden. $75; Tickets & Information.


Thursday, June 22, 3 p.m.
MEMBERS ONLY EVENT: Meet the Curator!
As a special event just for members, join our new curator, Camille Czerkowicz, to learn more about our collection of 3,000+ objects, and see, up-close, a selection of objects not normally on view to the public. Space is strictly limited. Free; Register for “Members Only: Meet the Curator.”
Not a member? Join today!

 

Friday, June 23, 6:30 p.m.
In the Spirit of Science: Ghosthunter Hans Holzer
Virtual Program
Hans Holzer is probably the most famous ghost hunter of the 20th century.  Although his work was considered extremely controversial, it was prolific; he authored over 120 books on the paranormal over the course of his career, and developed numerous films, documentaries, and television shows.  In addition to teaching parapsychology at the New York Institute of Technology, he conducted paranormal investigations at some of the most famous haunted locations all over the world, including our very own Merchant’s House Museum. He was one of the leading paranormal researchers who investigated The Amityville Horror.  Lee, Matilda, and Dan will discuss his work and dive into some of his theories, and look closely at how his legacy influences modern day ghost hunting. Free (suggested donation $10); register.

In the Spirit of Science is a monthly virtual program 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.

 

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
Black Lace Bodice, 19th Century, altered ca. 1889-1892 (MHM 2002.0818)
19th century dress ensembles typically comprised two pieces: a full skirt and a separate bodice. The bodice on display, part of a dress ensemble in the Museum’s collection, underwent a major alteration in the early 1890s. Fabric was expensive, so clothing was often remade or refashioned to suit new trends. Even in a wealthy household, clothing might be remade several times over the years. This bodice, featured in a photograph of Gertrude Tredwell from 1870-1875 in its pre-altered state, is one of only a few textiles in the collection documented in a photograph of a Tredwell family member.

 

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

 

 

New York Landmarks Conservancy’s I HEART NY Landmarks Contest
WINNER! “FAVORITE LANDMARK”