College Students

The Merchant’s House Museum’s 1832 landmark building and its original in situ 19th-century collection provide a wealth of teaching opportunities. Tours are fully customizable to fit the curriculum and students’ interests.

  • Mid-19th Century Decorative Arts & Greek Revival Architecture
  • Social Customs, Women’s Studies, Irish Studies
  • Mercantile through Early Industrial Economy
  • Historic Preservation & Museum Studies
  • English as a Second Language

Available tours:

Life at Home in Old New York Tour
(General House Tour)

Discover what daily life was really like for a wealthy merchant-class family and their Irish servants in the mid-19th century, when New York City evolved from a seaport to a thriving metropolis.  Complete with the Tredwell family’s original furnishings, household goods, and clothing, the Merchant’s House is a unique survivor of Old New York. And according to The New York Times, Manhattan’s “best-preserved” 19th-century home.

Visit four floors of period rooms and the secret 19th century rear garden (weather permitting) in this landmark late-Federal and Greek revival style rowhouse.
60-90 minutes. $13 per student, instructors free ($130 minimum).

Walking Tour of Historic 19th Century Noho

Join us for a journey back in time to the elite ‘Bond Street area,’ home to Astors, Vanderbilts, Delanos – and the Tredwells, who lived in the Merchant’s House.  You’ll see how the neighborhood surrounding the Tredwells’ home evolved from a refined and tranquil residential enclave into a busy commercial center. Visit important 19th century landmark buildings on this tour through 21st century NoHo.
60 minutes. $13 per student, instructors free ($130 minimum).

In the Footsteps of Bridget Murphy: The Life of an Irish Servant

This unparalleled “back-stairs” tour tells the heroic story of the Irish women who worked in domestic service in 19th century New York, overcoming homesickness, culture shock, and prejudice to cultivate a new home and a new identity on foreign soil – and ultimately altering the face of New York City forever.

You’ll visit four floors of period rooms, from the ground floor kitchen to the 4th floor servants’ quarters, experiencing what daily life was really like for the Tredwells’ Irish servants.
60-90 minutes. $13 per student, instructors free ($130 minimum).

At the Tredwells’ Table: A Culinary Tour of the Merchant’s House
With Professional Chef and Culinary Historian Carl Raymond

This unique 90-minute tour of the Merchant’s House focuses on the culinary customs of mid-19th century New York, including favorite foods, cooking methods, dining etiquette, and entertaining. The tour covers all four floors including the bedroom floor, servants’ quarters, and the rear garden (weather permitting).
90 minutes. $20 per student ($200 minimum).