‘Caroline Schermerhorn Astor: Triumph & Tragedy in NY High Society’ Webinar
Where: No Location
Via livestream
Price: $10
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Looking back at Belle Epoque New York with its gilded drawing rooms and diamond flashing socialites, one cannot ignore its greatest presence: Caroline Webster Schermerhorn Astor, the queen of New York Society who dominated its every aspect. But while today she’s viewed in a single lens as a domineering, self-absorbed grande dame who ruled New York’s Gilded Age social scene, she was so much more. This is the story of New York’s most influential socialite of all time, who would devolve from the ultimate high society gatekeeper of 19th-century New York to a recluse who was sidelined by the 20th-century “new money” families.
Join New York Adventure Club as we delve into the personal life of Caroline Webster Schermerhorn Astor, a wealthy socialite in 19th-century New York who at her peak, had the power to singlehandedly determine who got into — or was expelled from — high society.
Led by historian Tom Miller, our virtual exploration of the Gilded Age triumphs and tragedies of Carolina Astor will include:
- Mrs. Astor’s rise to the unchallenged position of queen of New York high society
- A glimpse at the real Mrs. Astor behind closed doors, who was anything but the pretentious prima donna she portrayed herself as in public
- Why she was incapable of being a satisfying spouse
- How Mrs. Astor was manipulated not only by social expectations of birth and status, but by one man — Ward McAllister
- Her insecurities and self-perceived failures, from her fear of being unseated as queen bee to being seen in the glare of daylight
- Her tragic fall from society’s summit, and how the once-powerful figure died a fragile shell of her former self — confused and withdrawn from the society over which she once reigned
Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Tom — any and all questions about Caroline Schermerhorn Astor are welcomed and encouraged!
Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!
See you there, virtually!
*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar
**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you’re using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.
***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week
About Tom
Architectural and social historian Tom Miller is the author of Seeking New York, Seeking Chicago, as well as the popular blog “Daytonian in Manhattan.” Since 2009 Tom has published a blog post on a different Manhattan location every day — now totaling more than 3,000.
His research and reporting focus as much on the social histories of the buildings — the tragedies and sorrows, triumphs and scandals of the people who built and lived in the houses — as on their architecture and styles.
Tom Miller’s retelling of these stories make the buildings come alive; and suddenly they are more than brick, marble, and limestone, but the histories of real people.
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