Museum Administration
MISSION & SIGNIFICANCE
An Authentic and Intimate Glimpse of Domestic Life in Mid- 19th-Century New York City
The Merchant’s House Museum’s mission is to educate the public about the domestic life of a wealthy merchant family life in mid-19th century New York when the city became the preeminent commercial port of the nation and a "world city" on a par with London and Paris.
This mission is fulfilled through the preservation, exhibition, and interpretation of the Museum's landmarked 1832 building and the original furnishings and personal possessions of the wealthy merchant family that lived in the house for almost 100 years. To learn more about the house, its history and collections, click here.
Architectural significance. The red-brick and white-marble row house is considered one of the finest surviving examples of the architecture of the period. It is one of only 2,000 National Historic Landmarks and has been given landmark status in New York City, not only for its 1832 late-Federal brick exterior but also for its Greek revival interior rooms. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Public Education Programs. The Merchant's House fulfills its mission through public education programs for adults, including tours, exhibitions, walking tours, lectures, readings, performances, concerts, and other events throughout the year. Click on our Exhibits & Events for current listings. It also offers a unique program that brings elementary school children to the Museum for their first lessons on 19th-century New York City life and in historic preservation – what it means, and why it is important.
ADMINISTRATION
The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and has been open to the public since 1936. The building is owned by the City of New York; the museum is operated by the Old Merchants House of New York, Inc. and it is a member of the Historic House Trust
Staff
Margaret Halsey Gardiner, Executive Director ...pi@merchantshouse.org
Caroline Drabik, Collections Manager ... caroline@merchantshouse.org
Eva Ulz, Education Coordinator ... eva@merchantshouse.org
Cat Lukaszewksi, Museum Administrator ... cat@merchantshouse.org
Mary Knapp, Museum Historian ... nyc1832@merchantshouse.org
John Rommel, Head Gardener ... nyc1832@merchantshouse.org
Roberta Belulovich, Visitor Services ... nyc1832@merchantshouse.org
Newsletter Archive
2008 Spring No. 54
2008 Winter No. 53
2007 Fall No. 52
2007 Spring No. 51
2007 Winter No. 50
2006 Holiday No. 49
2006 Fall No. 48
2006 Spring No. 47
2005 Holiday No. 46
2005 Fall No. 45
2005 Spring No. 44
2004 Holiday No. 43
2004 Fall No. 42
2004 Summer No. 41
2004 Spring No. 40
2003 Holiday No. 39