The Merchant’s House was home to a prosperous merchant family and their Irish servants for almost 100 years. Complete with the family’s original furnishings and personal possessions, the house offers a rare and intimate glimpse of domestic life in New York City from 1835-1865.
The Tredwell family – Seabury and Eliza and their eight children – lived in the House for almost 100 years, from 1835 to 1933, when Gertrude, the youngest daughter and last family member, died. It hasn’t change its late-Federal brick exterior and its Greek revival interior rooms since 1832. A remarkable number of their possessions were retained in the house when it was turned into a museum in 1936.
The Museum’s collection of the Tredwells’ original possessions comprise almost 4,500 objects. There are furnishings, decorations, lighting devices, household, personal and sewing accessories, family photographs, books, ephemera, works of art, costumes, and textiles.
The facts
Located at 29 East Fourth Street between Lafayette Street and Bowery the museum is in historic NoHo. I recommend to enjoy the museum and visit the hot spots of the bordering neighborhoods Greenwich Village, the East Village, and SoHo afterwards.
You can visit five floors of periods rooms as well as the rear garden with a tour guide (English only, ca. 60-75 min, $20) or at your own pace ($15, with self-guided tour booklet).
There are also wonderful events and walkings tours through the neighborhood.
Plan your trip in advance online.
My personal tip for the Christmas Season
Don’t miss the 10th anniversary of “A Christmas Carol at the Merchant’s House: Charles Dickens in New York, 1867”.
This unique event runs from November 23rd to December, 29th.
Tickets and information…