‘Edith Wharton’s New York: Exposing NYC’s Gilded Age Elite Society’ Webinar

While 19th-century social reformers like photographer Jacob Riis helped show the world what life was really like for NYC’s poorest residents, nobody was able to breach the tight-knit circles of New York’s richest, who enjoyed lives of incredible wealth and privilege. Nobody, that is, until one woman inside their ranks decided to shed light on the inner workings of this secretive American aristocracy — this is the story of Edith Wharton and the New York she knew.

Join New York Adventure Club as we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Edith Wharton’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Age of Innocence, with a glimpse into Wharton’s life and the private inner world of the New York Gilded Age.

Led by writer, lecturer, and licensed NYC tour guide Carl Raymond, our digital showcase of the New York life of Edith Wharton will include:

  • historical overview of Edith Wharton, from her privileged upbringing in New York’s 19th-century elite social class, to frequent European travels and residency, to her sensational writings and novels
  • A discussion around where Edith’s most famous characters lived, and stories surrounding key NYC locations — some of which are still standing — in Wharton’s writings including the famed Academy of Music, Tiffany & Co, and Wallack’s Theatre
  • Vintage and contemporary photographs of 19th-century New York locations that were used as settings for her novels and stories, including Union Square, Washington Square Park, and Gramercy Park
  • A brief overview of the New York mentions in her masterpiece novels, The Age of Innocence and The House of Mirth, which provided insider knowledge of the hidden social dynamics amongst New York’s richest and most powerful families

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A session with Carl — any and all questions about Edith Wharton 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! $10.

*Once registered, 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 will be available after the experience for all registered guests

About Carl

Carl Raymond is a licensed New York City tour guide, food historian, writer, and museum educator. He has worked at the Merchant’s House Museum as well as King Manor Museum in education and programming. Carl has lectured for the Royal Oak Foundation, Merchant’s House Museum, National Arts Club, Metropolitan Opera Guild, St. George’s Society, Historic Royal Palaces and the English Speaking Union. He was a contributing writer on SAVORING GOTHAM: A Food Lover’s Companion to New York City, ed. Andrew Smith (Oxford University Press) and is at work on his own book, A Culinary History of the Gilded Age.











When: Tue., Feb. 23, 2021 at 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Where: No Location
Via livestream

Price: $10
Buy tickets/get more info now
See other events in these categories:

While 19th-century social reformers like photographer Jacob Riis helped show the world what life was really like for NYC’s poorest residents, nobody was able to breach the tight-knit circles of New York’s richest, who enjoyed lives of incredible wealth and privilege. Nobody, that is, until one woman inside their ranks decided to shed light on the inner workings of this secretive American aristocracy — this is the story of Edith Wharton and the New York she knew.

Join New York Adventure Club as we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Edith Wharton’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Age of Innocence, with a glimpse into Wharton’s life and the private inner world of the New York Gilded Age.

Led by writer, lecturer, and licensed NYC tour guide Carl Raymond, our digital showcase of the New York life of Edith Wharton will include:

  • historical overview of Edith Wharton, from her privileged upbringing in New York’s 19th-century elite social class, to frequent European travels and residency, to her sensational writings and novels
  • A discussion around where Edith’s most famous characters lived, and stories surrounding key NYC locations — some of which are still standing — in Wharton’s writings including the famed Academy of Music, Tiffany & Co, and Wallack’s Theatre
  • Vintage and contemporary photographs of 19th-century New York locations that were used as settings for her novels and stories, including Union Square, Washington Square Park, and Gramercy Park
  • A brief overview of the New York mentions in her masterpiece novels, The Age of Innocence and The House of Mirth, which provided insider knowledge of the hidden social dynamics amongst New York’s richest and most powerful families

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A session with Carl — any and all questions about Edith Wharton 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! $10.

*Once registered, 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 will be available after the experience for all registered guests

About Carl

Carl Raymond is a licensed New York City tour guide, food historian, writer, and museum educator. He has worked at the Merchant’s House Museum as well as King Manor Museum in education and programming. Carl has lectured for the Royal Oak Foundation, Merchant’s House Museum, National Arts Club, Metropolitan Opera Guild, St. George’s Society, Historic Royal Palaces and the English Speaking Union. He was a contributing writer on SAVORING GOTHAM: A Food Lover’s Companion to New York City, ed. Andrew Smith (Oxford University Press) and is at work on his own book, A Culinary History of the Gilded Age.

Buy tickets/get more info now