Merchant's House Museum
Events
Recent Events
Sunday, February 14, 5:30 p.m.
Love in the Parlors: A Valentine in Concert
A 70-minute program of romantic songs and arias by 19th-century composers performed in the Museum’s Greek Revival double parlors by members of the Bond Street Euterpean Singing Society: Anthony Bellov, Rosalind Gnatt, Jane Rady, Dayle Vander Sande. Music by Brahms, Schumann, Faure, Wolf, Tosti, Foster and more. $20, $10 MHM Members.
Two Turns Theatre Co. & Merchant's House Museum Present
February 11, 12, & 13, at 7 p.m. & 9 p.m.
The Turn of the Screw
Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher from Henry James's classic ghost story and performed in the Museum's Greek Revival double parlors.$25, details & tickets at www.smarttix.com.
December 3 through January 11
Holiday Exhibition:
New Year’s Day in Old New York
Learn about the Old New York custom of “calling on New Year’s Day,” with scenes of holiday preparations recreated throughout the House.
Included with Museum admission, reservations not required.
Photograph of holiday exhibition by Bob Estremera
Friday, January 1, 3 to 6 p.m.
Come Calling:
New Year’s Day Open House
Relive the elegance of Old New York’s most important holiday, when gentlemen sallied forth to pay respects to all their neighbors in honor of the New Year. Enjoy guided tours of the House decorated for the holidays, with dramatic readings from the period, and festive holiday refreshments in our cozy 19th-century kitchen. $20, $10 MHM Members.
Wednesday, December 16, 7 to 9 p.m.
“To All, Wassail”:
19th-Century Holiday Concert
The Bond Street Euterpean Singing Society will present a concert of vocal quartets, solos, holiday readings and sing-alongs. A wassail reception to meet the artists will follow. $25, FREE for MHM Members.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009,
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
19th-Century Holiday Party
Enjoy holiday decorations, savor festive delicacies, drink from the ‘Bowl of Bishop’,
and join in the caroling led by the Museum’s own Bond Street Euterpean Singing Society.
A silent auction and holiday gift bazaar will complete the festivities.$25, Free for MHM Members.
Saturday, October 31, 60 minutes Readings at 7 & 9 p.m.
Spine Tingling & True: Ghost Stories of the Merchant’s House Museum
Official Merchant’s House ghost-storyteller Anthony Bellov will read selections from 19th-century horror classics, and recount highlights from his ongoing research into the strange and supernatural occurrences at the Merchant’s House Museum – in a parlor arranged for a mid-19th century funeral!
$25, MHM Members $15.
Saturday, October 31, Noon to 5 p.m. (30 minute tours begin every 20 minutes)
Family Friendly Ghost Tours to Make Your Halloween a Scream
Celebrate Halloween at a ‘real’ haunted house. Tours of the Museum’s exhibition about 19th-century death and mourning are just spooky enough – then come downstairs for hot cider, creep cakes, and lady fingers. Recommended for ages 7-12. Adults & Children $10.
Sunday, October 25, 3 to 5 p.m.
From Parlor to Grave: 1865 Funeral Reenactment
The parlors will be draped in black crape as we recreate the 1865 funeral of Seabury Tredwell. After the service, mourners are invited to follow the coffin to nearby New York City Marble Cemetery – rarely open to the public – for a tour. 19th-century mourning attire encouraged; black crape armbands will be provided. $15, MHM Members $10.
October 23, 24, 29, & 30, 6 to 10 p.m. (45 minute tours begin every half hour)
Candlelight Ghost Tours of “Manhattan’s Most Haunted House”
Come see the house The New York Times called “Manhattan’s Most Haunted” by flickering candlelight – complete with eerie scenes of mid-19th century death and mourning. You’ll find out what paranormal investigations have uncovered and hear about strange and inexplicable occurrences from people who actually experienced them. Not recommended for children. $25, MHM Members $13.
Thursday, September 24, through Monday, November 2
Exhibition: Death & Mourning in a Mid-19th Century Home
Learn how New Yorkers dealt with death and grief in the mid-19th century as you explore poignantly recreated scenes throughout the House, including a death watch in the bedroom and a funeral in the parlor.
Included with regular Museum admission, reservations not required.
Thursday, July 16, to Monday, September 14
Exhibition: Mid-19th Century Underwear
Defy propriety and come take a peek at our hand-embroidered chemise, split-leg drawers, steel-boned corset, voluminous petticoat, silk stockings, and cage crinoline. You’ll be amazed – and amused – when you learn how much a mid-19th century lady had to put on before she got dressed. Included with regular admission.
Thursday, May 7, through Monday, June 29
Exhibition: Sarah Ann Tredwell's 1872 Wedding Dress
In 1872, Sarah Ann Tredwell, a cousin of the Tredwells who lived in the Merchant's House, was married in the parlor of her nearby home. Her complete bridal ensemble, including a peach silk dress straight from Paris; wax orange-blossom head dress, earrings, and corsage; and other accessories will be on display. The invitation — received by our own Tredwells — and marriage certificate will also be shown. Included with regular admission. Reservations not required.
Monday, May 11, 7 p.m.
Reading: Simon Loekle Remembers the Astor Place Riots on the 160th Anniversary
On May 10, 1849, during a performance of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the exclusive Astor Place Opera House (just around the corner from the Merchant’s House Museum) was surrounded by an angry mob. The local hoi polloi were there to support popular American actor Edwin Forrest in a feud with the great British thespian William Charles Macready. Tempers ran higher and higher, until finally the Seventh Regiment Cavalry had to be called in to settle the dispute, marking the first time that the American army fired on its own citizens. 160 years later, literary historian and WBAI radio personality Simon Loekle will examine the whys and wherefores of this historic riot. He’ll also deliver some of the Shakespearean passages implicated in the affair. $15, $10 MHM Members.
Sunday, May 10, Seatings at 1 & 3 p.m.
Mother’s Day Tea in the Garden
Bring your favorite mother for an old-fashioned afternoon tea in the Merchant’s House Museum’s exquisite 19th-century style garden in bloom. Delicacies include dainty sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and tempting sweets. Followed by a tour of the Museum. $40, $30 MHM members.
Friday, May 8, 2 p.m.
Astor Place Walking Tour, with the East Village History Project
Meet at the East Village Visitors Center, 308 Bowery.
Colonnade Row was once one of the most elegant addresses in the country. Today, Astor Place is still home to some of New York's most prestigious 19th-century Landmarks. $15 suggested donation. For information call 917-215-2575.
Sponsored by the Merchant’s House Museum and the East Village History Project.
Through Monday, April 27
Exhibition: Elegance Restored —'Helen's Dress'
In 2001, textile conservator Helen Kapodistrias cleaned, repaired, and rebuilt a badly damaged mid-19th century cotton day dress from the Museum’s collection. See the dress in all its renewed glory, and learn more about how it was conserved. Included with regular admission.
MHM 2002.0800, restored in 2001 by Helen Kapodistrias
Wednesday, April 29,7 p.m.
Reading & Reception: Washington Square with author John Berendt
Join modern New York author and James fan John Berendt for a reading in the Museum’s double parlors. This classic novel, set in the 1850s, which concerns the ill-fated romance of Catherine Sloper, parallels the real life story of our Gertrude Tredwell. A reception will follow. $15, $5 MHM & GVSHP Members.
In collaboration with the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation and the Mercantile Library for The Big Read salute to Henry James’ Washington Square
Wednesday, April 22,12 p.m.
Women Movers and Shakers Walking Tour,
with the East Village History Project
Meet at the East Village Visitors Center, 308 Bowery.
Learn how the women of the Lower East Side – from Susan B Anthony, to Janis Joplin, to Madonna – played an invaluable role in shaping politics and culture in America and around the globe. $15 suggested donation. For information call 917-215-2575.
Sponsored by the Merchant’s House Museum and the East Village History Project.
Tuesday, April 21, 7 to 9 p.m.
Film Screening: The Heiress (1949)
Based on Washington Square, Henry James’s classic novel of mid-19th century New York City, this haunting film tells the story of young love, and a father who doesn’t approve. Our screening will take place in the Museum’s Greek Revival double parlors, whose amazing similarity to the film’s set is no accident — the filmmakers conducted extensive research at the Merchant’s House in the 1940s. Join us before the show for an introduction to the film by noted videographer Anthony Bellov. $10, $5 MHM & GVSHP Members.
In collaboration with the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation and the Mercantile Library for The Big Read salute to Henry James’ Washington Square
Saturday & Sunday, April 18 & 19, 12 to 5 p.m.
Irish Servants’ Quarters Tours –
Part of NYC’s Immigrant Heritage Week
Come climb the narrow staircase to see the fourth floor servants’ quarters (normally off limits to visitors), where the young Irish women who served the family lived and did some of their work. You’ll also hear about the daily chores and general hardship of a life ‘in service’. Included with regular admission, reservations not required.
Sundays, April 5 & 26, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
GVSHP Walking Tour: Henry James’s New York —
A Literary Walking Tour with Joyce Gold
Greenwich Village is renowned for its concentration of novelists, poets, playwrights and writers. Living and working near one another were such notables as Henry James, Walt Whitman, Edith Wharton, Louisa May Alcott, Edgar Allan Poe, Stephen Crane and Edna St. Vincent Millay. We will visit these authors’ homes and hangouts, and examine how the vibrant literary community in New York evolved over time. Meeting place given upon reservation. Free for GVSHP & MHM members; $10 for all others. Call 212-475-9585 ext. 35 or e-mail rsvp@gvshp.org to register.
In collaboration with the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation and the Mercantile Library for The Big Read salute to Henry James’ Washington Square
Tuesday, March 17, 6 to 8 p.m.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Bridget Murphy
Irish cook Bridget Murphy, ca. 1855, invites you for a back-stairs look at the Merchant’s House Museum. Taste food made from 19th-century Irish-American recipes, sample Bridget’s famous ‘Green’ Tea Punch and Jersey Cocktails -- old New York recipes -- and tour the fourth-floor servant quarters (usually off limits to visitors). In true Celtic tradition, a bagpiper will play traditional Irish music, including The Famine Song.
Sponsored by the Merchant’s House Museum, the East Village History Project, and Original Sin Hard Cider.$30, $15 Museum Members. Reservations Suggested; call 212-777-1089.
Read more about the 19th-century recipes that we tasted on St. Patrick's Day at food historian Sarah Lohman's blog, Four Pounds Flour.
Actress Julie Linnard portrays 19th-century Irish servant Bridget Murphy at our recent St. Patrick's Day celebration.
Sunday, March 15, 2009, 2 p.m.
Five-Points Walking Tour with the East Village History Project
Meet at Foley Square, SE corner of Worth and Centre streets.
This tour tells the story of a city socially and politically unprepared for its own diversity. You’ll visit the Five Points of Irish Despair, not to mention a 17th century African burial ground, Chinatown’s Blood Alley (where countless Tong gang members were murdered), as well as the single oldest relic of western civilization on the island of Manhattan. Sponsored by the Merchant’s House Museum and the East Village History Project. $15 suggested donation. For information call the EVHP at 917-215-2575.
Saturday, February 14, 12 to 5 p.m.
19th-Century Love Speak: St. Valentine’s Day Open House
From romantic poetry and lacy valentine cards to tussie-mussies and flirtatious fans -- learn how 19th-century lovers spoke volumes without saying a single word.Included with regular admission, reservations not required.
Thursday, January 1, 2009, 3 to 6 p.m.
Come Calling: New Year’s Day Open House
Relive the elegance of Old New York’s most important holiday, when gentlemen sallied forth to pay respects to all their neighbors in honor of the New Year. Traditional cookies and punch will be served. $20, $10 Members.
Friday, December 19, 7 to 9 p.m.
“To All, Wassail”: A Concert of 19th-Century Holiday Songs & Stories
The Bond Street Euterpean Singing Society will present a concert of vocal quartets, solos, holiday readings and sing-alongs. A wassail reception to meet the artists will follow. $15, FREE for Members.
Wednesday, December 10, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
19th-Century Holiday Party
Enjoy holiday decorations, savor festive delicacies, drink from the ‘Bowl of Bishop’, and join in the caroling. A silent auction and holiday gift bazaar will complete the festivities. $25, FREE for members.
Thursday, December 4, through Monday, January 12
Exhibition: Christmas Trees of Old New York – Roots of Tradition
Christmas trees made their New York debut in the early 1850s. Learn more about the origins of holiday greenery and see an authentic table-top tree in our lavishly decorated parlors.