Merchant's House Museum

This Federal-style rowhouse, constructed in 1832 by Joseph Brewster, became the home of wealthy hardware merchant Seabury Tredwell and his family in 1835. The house remained continuously occupied by members of the family for nearly 100 years, preserving a significant collection of 19th-century household items, including original furniture, clothing, decorative arts, and personal memorabilia. Programs and exhibitions at the Merchant's House Museum illustrate aspects of domestic life during New York's transformation from colonial seaport to a national metropolis.

On-site programs: Tours for school groups focus on examining objects to learn about 19th-century life. Students observe items from the museum collection and discuss the role they played in the Tredwells' everyday life. Pre- and postvisit materials for use in the classroom are available, including a worksheet that covers eight collection objects and a list of vocabulary words that the docent may use during the tour. (Grades 4–12; $)

General information: Address: 29 East Fourth Street, New York, NY 10003; Phone: (212) 777-1089; Web: www.merchantshouse.org.

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