DEARLY BELOVED To Be Presented At Merchant's House Museum

The Merchant's House Museum cordially invites you back in time to 1845 to attend the nuptials of Elizabeth Tredwell and Effingham Nichols, June 9, 6:30 p.m. An abundance of white flowers will fill the Tredwells' Greek Revival double parlor in 19th century fashion. Nineteenth century attire is encouraged and guests may even opt to be a participant as a bridesmaid or groomsman. The museum is located at 29 East 4th Streetin New York City, 212 777-1089. Tickets are $25-$55, with discounts for museum members, available at merchantshouse.org.

Over the course of the 19th century, American weddings gradually transformed from private, informal celebrations to elaborate and expensive spectacles. In mid-19th century New York City, many marriages took place at home. The reenactment of the 1845 wedding of Elizabeth, the oldest daughter of Seabury and Eliza Tredwell, is based on extensive research about 19th century ?weddings, as well as information in the museum's archives. The museum's blog takes an in-depth look at the weddings customs of the period.

This special event is the centerpiece of the museum's current exhibition, Tredwell Brides: Changing Wedding Traditions in the 19th Century,which explores the changes in wedding customs as the 19th century progressed, including the trousseau, printed invitations, and the giving of gifts. Highlights include Eliza Tredwell's 1820 empire-style embroidered cotton wedding dress and Sarah Ann Tredwell's 1872 silk bridal dress made in Paris, the highest fashion of the post-Civil War bustle period. Accessories include silk wedding boots, and earrings, corsage, and headpiece of wax orange blossoms. The exhibit is free with museum admission. Guests to "Dearly Beloved" may tour the exhibition at 6 p.m. before the ceremony.

The Merchant's House is New York City's only home preserved intact from the 19th century with the family's original furniture, decorative and household objects - even their clothing and personal items. It offers visitors an intimate and authentic glimpse of the domestic life of a wealthy merchant family and their Irish servants from 1835-1865, when New York transformed from a mercantile seaport into a thriving metropolis.

www.merchantshouse.org

29 East 4th Street, New York, NY 10003

212-777-1089

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