2025 Past Programs
JANUARY
On YouTube!
Celebrating New Year’s Day 2025 with the Tredwells
Paying social calls on friends and family on the first day of the new year was one of Old New York’s most cherished customs. Join us – virtually – for good cheer to toast the New Year and learn how New Yorkers like the Tredwells celebrated the day.
In this immersive video experience, we’ll go back in time to the mid-19th century to meet the Tredwells and hear how they’ve been decking the house for New Year’s Day and preparing their lists of social calls. Join us as we continue the 19th century tradition of renewing, reviving, and reaffirming friendships that last the whole year through. Watch on YouTube.
Wednesday, January 22, 6:30 p.m.
Beyond Vanity: The History and Power of Hairdressing
Book Talk with Elizabeth L. Brock
Co-Sponsored by Salmagundi Club, Coffee House Club, Village Preservation, and Victorian Society NY
In the 19th century, the complex cultural meaning of hair was not only significant – it could affect one’s place in society. After the Civil War, hairdressing was a growing profession and the hair industry a mainstay of local, national, and international commerce. In Beyond Vanity, Elizabeth L. Block expands the nascent field of hair studies by restoring women’s hair as a cultural site of meaning in the early United States. With a special focus on the places and spaces in which the industry operated, Block argues that the importance of hair has been overlooked due to its ephemerality as well as its misguided association with frivolity and triviality. As Block clarifies, hairdressing was anything but frivolous. Free, registration required. Event Location: Salmagundi Club, 47 5th Avenue.
FEBRUARY
Saturday, February 1, 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.)
Friday, February 7, 6:30 p.m.
In the Spirit of Science: New Year, New Investigations
Virtual Program
Dan, Lee, and Matilda will present and discuss new paranormal detection equipment to be installed at the Merchant’s House, that will continue our investigation of after hours activity while the House is empty (or is it?). Then, the gang discusses the new podcast The Telepathy Tapes, which focuses on non-speaking children who communicate telepathically with their parents, teachers, and each other. Free (suggested donation $10).
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.
Wednesday, February 12, 6 p.m.
Ask A … Hospice Social Worker
Virtual Program
Join thanatologist Matilda Garrido and former hospice social worker (now in private practice) Carolyn Garnter, LCSW,FT, to discuss the spiritual and emotional care offered to those in hospice. Matilda and Carolyn will discuss the benefits of hospice and how this model of whole patient care changes the experience of the patient and family in the last days and weeks. Matilda and Carolyn will also discuss some of the common end of life experiences, including dreams and visions, shared by those approaching end of life. A Q&A will follow the program. Free (suggested donation $10).
From Mark Twain’s ghost haunting the “House of Death” on West 10th Street to the multiple cemeteries underneath Washington Square Park, Greenwich Village has a long association with death and the afterlife. In keeping with its neighborhood’s theme, the Merchant’s House Museum seeks to lift the veil around death and dying as we move into the 21st century.
In our second year of the popular “Ask A…” series, thanatologist Matilda Garrido interviews those working in the fields of end of life and beyond. Join us for historical perspective, emerging ideas, and open discussion around topics usually hidden.
Carolyn Gartner, LCSW, FT is the founder of The Center For Integrated Grief, a group therapy practice. She is a licensed clinical social worker and a Fellow in Thanatology (the study of dying, death and bereavement). Prior to this she worked in hospice for 9 years. Her book, Death, Brooklyn, and the Gritty Side of Grace, is about her experiences. She hosts a podcast on YouTube with the same name. She has been interviewed by HuPost, Parade Magazine and American Tributaries Podcast.
MARCH
Saturday, March 1, 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.) SOLD OUT!
Saturday, March 8, 3 p.m.
A Tredwell Tour with Museum Historian Ann Haddad
Join Museum Historian Ann Haddad, who has been researching the Tredwell family for over 10 years, as she shares stories (both fact and family lore) of the occupants of East Fourth Street, as well as their ancestors and descendants, from the outspoken Loyalist who butted heads with Alexander Hamilton, to the renowned Bishop of New York who became embroiled in a shocking scandal, to the young man whose pleas for a daughter’s hand fell on deaf ears. Ann Haddad opens the Tredwell closet to reveal all the skeletons! $20, MHM Members Free.
Wednesday, March 12, 6 p.m.
Ask A … Cemetarian
Virtual Program
Co-sponsored by Village Preservation
Join thanatologist Matilda Garrido and Gabrielle Gotto, Director of Public Programs at Green-Wood Cemetery, for a deep dive into the day to day life of a cemeterian. Gabrielle will share how working around the dead shapes her philosophies and life practices, as well as how she aims to bring the beauty of Green-Wood to the public. She may even reveal some secrets! Free (suggested donation $10).
About the “Ask A …” Series. From Mark Twain’s ghost haunting the “House of Death” on West 10th Street to the multiple cemeteries underneath Washington Square Park, Greenwich Village has a long association with death and the afterlife. In keeping with its neighborhood’s theme, the Merchant’s House Museum seeks to lift the veil around death and dying as we move into the 21st century. In the “Ask A…” series, thanatologist Matilda Garrido interviews those working in the fields of end of life and beyond. Join us for historical perspective, emerging ideas, and open discussion around topics usually hidden.
Gabrielle R. Gatto is the Manager of Public Programs at The Green-Wood Cemetery. She holds a certificate in Thanatology, is a graduate of the Going with Grace End of Life Training program, and supports the community in end-of-life guidance as a death doula; she believes she’s found her life’s work in death. She’s proud to be an alumna of Loyola University New Orleans, an Italian-American daughter to a plumber and a living saint, and someone who values seeing things from new perspectives.
Saturday, March 15, 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.) SOLD OUT!
Sunday, March 16, 1 & 3 p.m.
A Tribute to the Tredwells’ Irish Servants: In-Person House Tour
The 1855 New York State Census gives us the names of the Irish women who worked in the Tredwell home: Mary James, Mary Smith, and Bridget Murphy, who was just 19 years old. To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, join us for a “back-stairs” tour of the Merchant’s House to experience what daily life was really like for Bridget, and for the thousands of women like her who worked in domestic service in 19th century New York City. We’ll visit four floors of period rooms, from the ground floor kitchen to the 4th floor servants’ quarters, “arguably the oldest intact site of Irish habitation in New York City” (Time Out New York). $20, MHM & VP Members Free.
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.
