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Halloween: Ghosts Haunt the Historic Merchant's House
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Merchant's House Museum
There are those who believe Gertrude Tredwell’s ghost still walks the wide board floors of the old Merchant’s House. And there are those who don’t.
What is certain is that in1933 Gertrude died there in the historic, Federal-style brick townhouse at 29 East 4th Street, after a long and sometimes troubled life. She was 93 years old, a recluse and—what they called in those days—a spinster. When she was young, her over-protective father, Seabury Tredwell, had forbidden her to marry the man she loved. Some say she still returns, forever disconsolate about her fate.
Merchant's House has since become a museum, open to the public. It is the only 19th century New York City home that has been preserved both inside and out. The Tredwell family's furniture and possesions, including claret federal sofas, bronze gasoliers and taffeta gowns, remain almost as they were left.
On Halloween, storyteller Anthony Bellov will recount Gertrude’s tale and talk about his ongoing research into the strange and—possibly—supernatural events at the old house. According to legend, at least nine people have died on the premises. Paranormal investigators and ghost-hunters have made pilgrimages there. So have antique-lovers and history buffs.
For the Halloween season, the museum’s front and back parlors will be decorated in black crepe, as if for a 19th century funeral. On Halloween and the days surrounding it, Merchant’s House will be offering a series of hair-raising events:
October 29-30, from 6 to 10 p.m., tours every 30 minutes – Ghost Tours of “Manhattan’s Most Haunted House.” You’ll hear spooky stories in the candle-lit rooms. Price: $25, $13 for members. Reservations required.
October 31, at 7 & 9 p.m. – Spine Tingling & True: Ghost Stories of the Merchant’s House Museum, told by Anthony Bellov. Price: $20, $15 for students and seniors, $10 for members. Reservations required.
November 2, from 3 to 5 p.m. – Mid-19th Century Funeral Reenactment and Cemetery Tour. Begins at Merchants House, then follows the casket to New York City Marble Cemetery. 19th-century mourning dress is encouraged. Price $15, $10 for students and seniors, $5 for members. Reservations required.
Merchant's House Museum
29 East Fourth Street (between Lafayette & Bowery)
Telephone 212-777-1089
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