Events At & For the Merchant's House
From Merchant’s House Museum
29 East Fourth Street
New York, NY 10003
212-777-1089
Sunday, April 1, Noon to 5 pm
No April Foolin’, Admission Today is Free
Be the first to take a tour of our new family-friendly exhibition, “Don’t Be Fooled”: A Mid-19th Century Mix Up. See if you can identify all the “hidden” objects. Then enjoy lemonade and cookies in the historic Garden. Free Admission. Honest.
April 1, through April 15
“Don’t Be Fooled”: A Mid-19th Century Mix Up
Many of the everyday things we take for granted in the year 2007, such as telephones, ball point pens, and scotch tape didn’t exist in the mid-1800s. Just for fun – and to get you thinking – we’ve hidden objects throughout the House could never have been here 150 years ago. Can you spot the things that don’t belong? We’ll award prizes to visitors who correctly identify all our modern additions.
Saturday & Sunday, April 21 & 22, Noon to 5 pm
Called by the Bell: A Rare Opportunity to View the Servants’ Quarters
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’. Part of New York City’s Fourth Annual Immigrant History Week. Special Tour included with Museum Admission. Members Free.
Thursday, April 26
Dinner at Delmonico’s, in Honor of our 175th
Come toast the Merchant’s House as we celebrate its terquasquicentennial (175th) anniversary. You won’t want to miss this unique opportunity to dine in real 19th-century elegance at one of New York’s first and finest restaurants. Diners will enjoy 7 courses masterfully prepared by Delmonico’s chef de cuisine, Clinton McCann. Period evening dress is encouraged. Call 212-777-1089 for an invitation .
May
Sunday, May 6, 10 a.m. to Noon
Spring is Sprung – Annual Plant Sale in the Garden
Plant divisions and seedlings from our historic Garden – astilbes, epimediums, aquilegias, hostas, sedums and sempervivum, ferns, ivies, herbs, and an assortment of shade perennials. Proceeds to benefit the Garden Fund. Free Admission.
Sunday, May 13, Seatings at 1:30 & 3 p.m.
Annual Mother’s Day Tea
Celebrate this memorable day with a traditional afternoon tea in our 19th-century Garden. Scones served with clotted cream and jam, finger sandwiches, frosted confections, and pots of brewed English tea. Join us for a tour of the Museum following the tea. $50 per couple, members $40. One additional guest per couple $20. Reservations and prepayment required. Cancellations up to 48 hours prior. Proceeds to benefit the Garden Fund.
Thursday, May 17, through Monday, June 25
Costumes on Display – From Cradle to Altar: Wearing White in the 19th Century
Two Tredwell family wedding gowns from the Museum’s renowned costume collection, one from 1820 and one from 1872, will be shown together for the first time. Other dresses, related bridal accessories (including lingerie and an invitation to the 1872 ceremony), and delicately embroidered infant christening gowns will also be on view.
Sunday, May 20 & 27, Seatings at 1:30 & 3 p.m.
Tea in the Garden: Where Pinkies Find their Purpose
“The mere chink of cups and saucers turns the mind to happy repose.” Scones served with clotted cream and jam, finger sandwiches, frosted confections, and pots of brewed English tea. Join us for a tour of the Museum following the tea. $50 per couple, members $40. One additional guest per couple $20. Reservations and prepayment required. Cancellations up to 48 hours prior. Proceeds to benefit the Garden Fund.
Saturday, May 26, 4 p.m.
Fashion History Talk – From Cradle to Altar: Wearing White in the 19th Century
White clothing in the 19th century was fraught with symbolism. Especially for women and children, white often implied a subtle message about the wearer, or the occasion. See wedding dresses and christening gowns from the Museum’s collection, then join Museum Educator and costume enthusiast Eva Ulz as she demystifies the 19th-century symbolism of wearing white.
June
Sunday, June 3, 10, & 17, Seatings at 1:30 p.m. & 3:00 p.m.
Tea in the Garden: Where Pinkies Find their Purpose
“The mere chink of cups and saucers turns the mind to happy repose.” Scones served with clotted cream and jam, finger sandwiches, frosted confections, and pots of brewed English tea. Join us for a tour of the Museum following the tea. $50 per couple, Members $40. One additional guest per could $20. Reservations and prepayment required. Cancellations up to 48 hours prior. Proceeds to benefit the Garden Fund.
Sunday, June 10, 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Salon Music Concert – Wedding Bells: Music of Love
Join soloists from the Bond Street Euterpean Singing Society for a program of traditional love songs and classical arias performed in the Museum’s Greek Revival parlors. $10, $5 Students & Seniors, Free for Members.