Episode #42: Fighting Poverty with Her Pen: Gilded Age Journalist Zoe Anderson Norris

While the Gilded Age rich and powerful ruled from their mansions on Fifth Avenue far uptown, the poor and immigrant community downtown struggled simply to survive. Arriving in New York in the early years of the 20th century, journalist and novelist Zoe Anderson Norris passionately devoted her time and her talent to uncovering the world of the Lower East… Continue reading Episode #42: Fighting Poverty with Her Pen: Gilded Age Journalist Zoe Anderson Norris

Episode #38: Isabella Stewart Gardner and Her Museum: A Curated Life

The great courtyard of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

In celebration of a new biography of Isabella Stewart Gardner, this show focuses on the life of one of the Gilded Age’s most passionate art collectors and the creation of one of the most extraordinary American museums.  Isabella Stewart Gardner (1840-1924) was a member of Boston’s Brahmin society during the Gilded Age. A philanthropist and passionate art collector,… Continue reading Episode #38: Isabella Stewart Gardner and Her Museum: A Curated Life

Episode #37: The Bradley Martin Ball 1897: The Gilded Age’s Greatest Party

Of all the balls and parties thrown during the Gilded Age, the extravagant evening hosted by Bradley and Cornelia Martin at the Waldorf in 1897 was perhaps the most legendary, but also perhaps the most filled with misconceptions. This episode shares the story of the Bradley Martins and explains the fascinating background of the ball that makes this… Continue reading Episode #37: The Bradley Martin Ball 1897: The Gilded Age’s Greatest Party

Episode #30: Lillian Nordica Part 2: A Conversation with international mezzo-soprano Kate Aldrich

As a special bonus, listeners can enjoy an extra episode featuring Carl’s interview with international opera star Kate Aldrich as they discuss a modern perspective on Lillian Nordica’s career as well as Kate’s own career as one of today’s incredibly busy opera stars.  International mezzo-soprano Kate Aldrich has a career that included performances around the world from New York’s Metropolitan… Continue reading Episode #30: Lillian Nordica Part 2: A Conversation with international mezzo-soprano Kate Aldrich

Episode #27: 100 Years of Emily Post’s Etiquette: The Simple Art of Getting Along

In July of 1922, an unassuming book with a rich blue cover landed on bookstore shelves. Titled simply “Etiquette” by a moderately successful writer named Emily Post, the book went on to become a cornerstone of America’s social fabric and a true cultural cornerstone. Now, 100 years later, Emily’s original book has been entirely rewritten by her great-great-grandchildren for… Continue reading Episode #27: 100 Years of Emily Post’s Etiquette: The Simple Art of Getting Along

Episode #26: A Forgotten Real-Life Gilded Gentleman: The World of Effingham Nichols

The Merchant’s House Museum is one of New York City’s most important and cherished historic house museums. Built in 1832 and still intact to this day, the house was home to patriarch Seabury Tredwell and his family for just about 100 years before opening to the public as a museum in 1936. Nowhere can one see the… Continue reading Episode #26: A Forgotten Real-Life Gilded Gentleman: The World of Effingham Nichols