Ghosts and Gore: History Goes Halloween

While better known as a scholarly Museum of mid-19th century domestic culture, the Merchant’s House has also been called “Manhattan’s Most Haunted House.” This October, the Museum’s spirited reputation will again attract scores of visitors to its annual series of entertaining (and educational) programs about death and mourning in the 19th century.
The House will be draped in black crepe, as if for a 19th-century funeral, and visitors will experience the eeriness of authentically recreated deathbed and funeral scenes, complete with corpse and coffin. Special events include five nights of Candlelight Tours (called “resonant theater” by The New York Times) and a mid-19th century funeral. See calendar below.
Last October, nationwide web and print coverage drew crowds to the Museum and thousands to its website. Many may have come just to see the ghosts, but we’re proud to say they left with a deeper appreciation of life – and death – in 19th-century New York City.