Merchant's House Museum

The home of the Tredwells tells more than just a story about when people began migrating into Manhattan to escape the growing congestion of Long Island. It was a time when today's section of Manhattan, once known as "The Bond Street Area," was a part of beautiful suburbia, and East 4th Street was a respectable tree-lined neighborhood with pristine row houses.

As a prominent hardware merchant of the 1840's, Seabury Tredwell raised his family in the beautiful Federal-style home. It is because of Gertrude Tredwell, the youngest child - who had lived in the home until her passing in 1933 - that a piece of history has been preserved.

The Greek Revival interiors of the home have undergone few renovations since being built in 1832. During Gertrude's lifetime (1840 - 1933) the interior and exterior architecture have remained largely unchanged. The parlor floor is a perfect example of a Greek Revival interior, and genuine period furnishings and decorations dress the high-ceilinged rooms. Operating as a museum since 1936, the home has been preserved with the original family furnishings, hardware, and possessions, allowing the visitors to experience the history of a wealthy merchant family and how they lived from day-to-day.

The museum has received interior and exterior landmark status from the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. While in some areas of the home the original wall treatments remain flawless, there are other areas in need of a fresh coat of paint. To ensure that the color is matched, samples have been meticulously collected and analyzed, and the museum awaits the formal color restoration process.

Much has changed since the quiet, tree-lined street was alive with culture, but despite the neighborhood's transition, the museum has remained a home. Visitors are granted the opportunity to learn about the pretty young girl born to a wealthy merchant, affording a simple yet privileged lifestyle known to few at the time. There are many interesting details surrounding the Tredwell's family life, and it is up to the individual to visit the Merchant House Museum and discover what a grand life it must have been. The knowledgeable museum staff is kind and enthusiastic, answering whatever questions come to mind.

Throughout the year, the museum presents seasonal performances, presentations, lectures, and exhibits depicting life in the 1800s. Events include period story telling, reenactments and celebrations.

The museum accepts donations, as well as gifts to be sold in the museum gift shop or auctioned off at events. There is a nominal admission fee, and members receive complimentary admittance, invitations to private events, and special pricing on other scheduled events. Those visiting with a group of 10 or more are advised to contact the museum in advance.

Daily tours are self-guided and include a book filled with historical family facts and details. Visitors are asked to remain courteous, turning off cell phones and allotting a generous amount of time for guests to complete their tours.