The Haunted History of the Merchant’s House
In 2025, Village Preservation hosted the very first Great Village History Hunt, and young families and friends explored and learned about the not-so-secret histories of our neighborhoods. The day began beneath the iconic Washington Square Arch, where visitors received a Village Preservation passport, treasure hunt map, and a tote bag to collect all the upcoming goodies. Now equipped with the right travel documents, participants embarked on a journey to six historic Village landmarks—from Edward Hopper’s former studio to the home of poet Emma Lazarus, from hidden streams to vibrant gardens. Along the way, our friends and families collected stamps, keepsakes, and captivating stories at each stop, piecing together the people and places that shaped our neighborhoods. The day ended with a reception of ice cream, games, and light treats in the Jefferson Market Garden.
The history hunt returns on October 18, 2026, but in a new location with a twist. Similar to 2025, the Great Village History Haunt will guide participants around the East Village, stopping at some of the neighborhood’s spookiest sites. Participants are encouraged to dress in their Halloween best as they trick-or-treat around the East Village.
In 2020, Village Preservation co-hosted a virtual ghost-tour program with the Boroughs of the Dead, the Merchant’s House Museum, and Village Alliance. Ghost expert Andrea Jones led viewers through the neighborhood’s eerie history. Today, we are looking at the haunted past behind one of the sites featured on the tour: the Merchant’s House Museum.
Located at 29 East 4th Street, the Merchant’s House Museum, formerly known as the Old Merchant’s House and as the Seabury Tredwell House, is New York City’s only preserved single-family home, both on the interior and exterior, from the nineteenth century. And Village Preservation has fought tirelessly to prevent construction next door that could potentially endanger the landmark.
Once called Manhattan’s most haunted house, the story behind this home is layered. Built in 1832 by Joseph Brewster (a wealthy hatter), Seabury Treadwell purchased 29 East Fourth Street and lived there with his wife Eliza and eight children. The home is most associated with Seabury’s youngest daughter, Gertrude, who was born in Eliza’s bedroom on September 17, 1840.
Gertrude lived her entire life in this home, dying down the hall in her father’s bed at age 93 in 1933. Somewhat of a stubborn spirit, Gertrude never married or strayed far from home. In her youth, she met Luis Walton, and the two fell into a forbidden love. Gertrude’s father Seabury disapproved of this relationship on several fronts. For one, Walton was the son of an English physician, a profession that carried little social prestige at the time, particularly for physicians trained in England. Seabury’s preference for homeopathy only further complicated matters. Secondly, the Waltons were Roman Catholic, while the Tredwells came from a long line of staunch Episcopalians. And lastly, the nail in the coffin: Walton’s mother was Irish. At this time, Irish immigrants faced intense discrimination. Thus, Gertrude and Luis’ love could never be realized in the way she wished. and she remained unmarried but tethered to nothing but her belongings and house.
Gertrude spent the rest of her days in that house, meticulously keeping it exactly as it was during her childhood, as her father liked it. Soon after Gertrude’s death, her second cousin, George Chapman, visited the home, was immediately captivated by its preserved state, and turned it into a museum.
Since it opened to the public in 1936, visitors and workers of the Merchant’s House Museum have noticed some peculiar things. Immediately after opening, Gertrude’s ghost made her presence known in the home. Guests have seen glimpses of Gertrude, her family, and her family’s servants throughout the house. Several times, guests have heard the piano playing on its own. Bells ring on their own, teacups move around, and lights flicker—the house certainly houses spirits outside the living realm.
The Great Village History Haunt is set for October 18, 2026. Attendees will learn more about the Merchant’s house history as well as the haunted past of several nearby East Village sites. Register for the fun day here. While the tour’s themes and structure are geared toward families with elementary school children, all are welcome to join!
