The Vanderbilts: One of Gilded Age America’s Most Powerful Families

The Vanderbilt Family was perhaps the most fascinating of New York’s Gilded Age families of the 19th century — after all, their vast wealth; penchant for erecting monumental town houses and country estates; and early struggle to become accepted in the highest levels of Manhattan and Newport societies combine to tell a captivating saga of a social dynasty. This is the story of one of the most powerful and iconic families in American history, and the incredible Gilded Age estates built in their name.

Join New York Adventure Club for a deep dive into the Vanderbilt family, one of the most prominent families of 18th- and 19th-century America that originally made their fortune in the shipping and railroad industries.

Led by historian Tom Miller, our virtual exploration of the Vanderbilts and their magnificent properties will include:

  • An overview of the family’s early history, and how a penniless Cornelius Vanderbilt I would eventually earn unimaginable wealth
  • close look at the architectural masterpieces built by Cornelius’ grandchildren, including the Biltmore Estate, Newport estates (such as Marble House and The Breakers), and Fifth Avenue mansions
  • Stories surrounding Vanderbilt feuds, social triumphs, and public scandals
  • Rare historic and modern photographs of many of these iconic Gilded Age estates throughout the country, inside and out

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Tom — any and all questions about the mansions of midtown 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.

*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 YorkSeeking 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.











When: Fri., Dec. 11, 2020 at 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

The Vanderbilt Family was perhaps the most fascinating of New York’s Gilded Age families of the 19th century — after all, their vast wealth; penchant for erecting monumental town houses and country estates; and early struggle to become accepted in the highest levels of Manhattan and Newport societies combine to tell a captivating saga of a social dynasty. This is the story of one of the most powerful and iconic families in American history, and the incredible Gilded Age estates built in their name.

Join New York Adventure Club for a deep dive into the Vanderbilt family, one of the most prominent families of 18th- and 19th-century America that originally made their fortune in the shipping and railroad industries.

Led by historian Tom Miller, our virtual exploration of the Vanderbilts and their magnificent properties will include:

  • An overview of the family’s early history, and how a penniless Cornelius Vanderbilt I would eventually earn unimaginable wealth
  • close look at the architectural masterpieces built by Cornelius’ grandchildren, including the Biltmore Estate, Newport estates (such as Marble House and The Breakers), and Fifth Avenue mansions
  • Stories surrounding Vanderbilt feuds, social triumphs, and public scandals
  • Rare historic and modern photographs of many of these iconic Gilded Age estates throughout the country, inside and out

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Tom — any and all questions about the mansions of midtown 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.

*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 YorkSeeking 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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