In 1835, after 32 years in the hardware business, Seabury Tredwell retired and bought a house at 29 East Fourth Street. He was 55 years old. When his last child and the only one born in the house, Gertrude Tredwell, died in the upstairs front bedroom at the age of 93, the Tredwell family had occupied the house for almost 100 years. By then, Gertrude was impoverished, yet she left one of the most valuable legacies imaginable: the only family home in New York City to survive intact from the 19th century with original furniture, decorative arts, and personal possessions.

Considered one of the finest surviving examples of architecture from the period, the Merchant’s House has been recognized as a National Historic Landmark (one of only 2,400) and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In New York City, it has been awarded landmark status not only for its 1832 late-Federal brick exterior but also for its Greek revival interior rooms.

Michelle Barshay is proud to be a Docent at the Merchant House Museum. Michelle’s love of New York City History paired with her real estate knowledge has enhanced the museum experience for many visitors that come locally and around the world.

For more information
Merchant’s House Museum
29 East Fourth Street, New York, NY 10003
212.777.1089 | nyc1832@merchantshouse.org