Calendar of Events

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

November

Wednesday, November 5, 6 p.m.
Bicentennial of the Erie Canal: From Waterway to World Power
Virtual Talk
Co-Sponsored by Village Preservation

Join us for this illustrated presentation marking the 200th anniversary of the opening of the Erie Canal, one of the most transformative infrastructure projects in American history. We’ll explore how the canal reshaped New York and the nation — linking the Atlantic to the Great Lakes, spurring westward expansion, and cementing New York City’s role as America’s commercial capital.

We’ll look closely at the impact of the canal on the Greenwich Village waterfront as it became the city’s primary waterfront in the decades after the canal’s completion. From bustling markets to thriving shipyards, the Village’s shoreline was forever changed by the flow of commerce the canal unleashed.

This presentation will trace the Erie Canal’s place in New York history — a marvel of engineering that not only accelerated economic growth but also combined with a series of maritime innovations born in the city that unleashed its full commercial power to become the greatest city in the world.

Free; registration required. Register for “Bicentennial of the Erie Canal: From Waterway to World Power.”

 

Friday, November 21, 6 p.m.
The Poe Room Event: Travel Back in Time for a Conversation with Edgar Allan Poe and Charles Dickens

New York University and Lois Rakoff, Community Director of the Poe Room, are proud to present “Travel Back in Time for a Conversation with Edgar Allan Poe and Charles Dickens,” the Fall 2025 Edgar Allan Poe Room Event. Join us for a special evening dedicated to celebrating the life and legacy of Edgar Allan Poe. The event will feature performances by John Kevin Jones, a distinguished actor and director known for his compelling portrayals of classic literature, including A Christmas Carol at the Merchant’s House and , and Campbell Harmon, who has performed as Edgar Allan Poe since 2009. A reception will follow in the Poe Room.
Free; registration required. Register for “The Poe Room Event.”
Location: 245 Sullivan Street, Furman Hall, Room 216 (Between West 3rd Street and Washington Square South)

Friday, November 21, 6:30 p.m.
In the Spirit of Science: Psycho-whaaaat? Psychokinesis!
Virtual Program

Spoons bend … tables flip … objects fly across the room.The concept of psychokinesis has roots that stretch back to ancient times. From tales of mystics moving objects with their minds to modern-day claims, the idea that our thoughts can directly manipulate matter has persisted throughout human history. But is it real? Are our thoughts that powerful? And if so, can it be learned? Tune in as Dan and Lee explain psychokinesis to Matilda, who has lots of questions, as you likely do, too. Free (suggested donation $10); registration required. Register for In the Spirit of Science.

 

November 25 to December 27
A Christmas Carol at the Merchant’s House

This holiday season, Summoners Ensemble Theatre and the Merchant’s House Museum celebrate 13 years of A Christmas Carol at the Merchant’s House. In December 1867, Charles Dickens arrived in New York City for a month of sold-out performances of his beloved holiday classic, A Christmas Carol. As the New York Herald exclaimed, “The Christmas Carol becomes doubly enchanting when one hears it performed by Dickens.” Join Mr. Dickens, portrayed by John Kevin Jones and Vince Gotton (at alternating performances), as he tells his timeless Christmas tale in the elegant intact Greek Revival double parlor of the landmark 1832 Merchant’s House Museum.

Surrounded by 19th century holiday decorations, flickering candles, and richly appointed period furnishings, audiences will be transported back 150 years in this captivating 70 minute performance created from Dickens’ own script.

Tickets $50-$130. Purchase tickets to A Christmas Carol at the Merchant’s House.

 

Current Exhibitions

Exhibitions are included with regular museum admission.

Opens Friday, November 28
A Jolly Holiday: Christmas Traditions from New Amsterdam
While filling their home with holiday cheer, the Tredwells were unlikely to be thinking about where these traditions came from. But in fact, many parts of their Christmas celebration were holdovers from New York’s Dutch founding. To celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Dutch founding of New Amsterdam, we are highlighting some Dutch traditions that persisted into the 19th century, many of which are familiar to us today: from Santa Claus and Christmas cookies, to New Year’s Day calling, these traditions, and more, got their start in colonial New Amsterdam.

On display, holiday gifts from the Tredwell collection, and holiday decorations throughout the house.

 

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