Fall Events At the Merchant's House Museum
From Merchant’s House Museum
29 East Fourth StreetNew York, NY 10003
212-777-1089
www.merchantshouse.org
Saturday, September 15, 1:30 & 3 p.m.
“Where Pinkies Find Their Purpose”: Afternoon Tea & Tour
Step back in time to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in a true historic setting. You’ll learn about the golden age of tea drinking and indulge in dainty tea sandwiches, real Scottish scones with jam and cream, delectable sweets, and steaming pots of fragrant tea – all served in authentic 19th-century elegance. $35 per person (includes gratuity & admission to the Museum). Pre-payment and reservations required; 48-hour cancellation policy.
Wednesday, September 19, 6:30 p.m.
What to do About the Weather
Andrew McKeon, founder of the Climate Change Foundation, will answer this age-old question when he discusses the surprisingly long history of climate concern and reveals a 21st century strategy for battling the world’s growing weather-related crisis. Free, reservations suggested.
Thursday, September 27, through Monday, November 5
Annual Mourning Exhibition — Behind the Widow’s Veil: Living with Death in the mid-19th century
From starkly macabre to heart-rending, experience the eloquence of 19th-century mourners told exclusively through their own words and artwork. Scenes of mid-19th century mourning, including a deathbed and a parlor funeral, will also be recreated. Included with regular museum admission.
Tuesday, October 23, 6-8 p.m.
Open House & Reception at The Mayer House
The owners, architects, and designers will join us for an open house and reception at The Mayer House, an exquisite 1881 7-story brownstone townhouse on the Upper East Side. Painstakingly restored by its owners, this exceptional example of the Aesthetic Style of architecture and interior design is filled with Herter Brothers furniture, period gas fixtures, antique carpets, faithfully recreated wall papers and stenciling, and period paintings and ceramics. Sponsored by the Historic House Trust to benefit the Historic Furnishings plan. Cocktails & hors d’oeuvres. Tickets $125, $250. Call 212-360-8249.
October 25, 26, 27, 29, 30 (no tours October 28)
Tours start every 30 minutes from 6-10 p.m.
Candlelight Ghost Tours: “Mourning Becomes Eliza”
Eerily recreated scenes of 19th-century death will come to life by flickering candlelight, and ghost storytellers will relate true tales of “Manhattan’s Most Haunted House.”
$25, $15 members. Reservations required – this event sells out!
Sunday, October 28, 3:00 p.m.
Mid-19th Century Funeral & Cemetery Tour
Unlike today, death and funerals in the 19th century took place at home. Join us as we recreate the 1865 funeral of Seabury Tredwell in the Museum’s double parlors and discuss the funerary customs of 19th-century New York City. Then follow the casket to New York City Marble Cemetery where Mr. Tredwell was temporarily interred. 19th-century mourning dress is encouraged. (Black armbands will be provided.) $10, $5 members.
Wednesday, October 31, noon to 5 p.m.
Trick or Treat, Hallowe’en Open House
No tricks this year, just a big treat for anyone interested in NYC history or 19th-century domestic life: the Merchant’s House Museum will be open free of charge from noon to 5 p.m. on Hallowe’en. Free.
Wednesday, October 31, 7:00 & 9:00 pm
Spine-Tingling & True:
Ghost Stories of the Merchant’s House Museum
Join Anthony Bellov, master ghost-storyteller of the Merchant’s House Museum in the double parlors for an evening of terror by candlelight. $15, $5 members. Reservations required.
Saturday & Sunday, November 10 & 11
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’. Special guided tour included with Museum Admission.