Past events

Dig deep into our past for a casual talk with our lunch bunch. Find out all about courtship and romance in the early 19th century. Bring your own lunch, the Museum serves refreshments. Free with admission.

In a story depicted in oil painted animation, a young man comes to the last hometown of painter Vincent Van Gogh to deliver the troubled artist's final letter and ends up investigating his final days there. A beautiful work of Cinematic art. Starring: Douglas Booth, Jerome Flynn. Directed by Dorota Kobiela. Color animation. 2017. 95 mins.

We are celebrating the Year of the Pig by creating a “wishing tree” on Madison Avenue between East 53rd and East 54th Streets.

A con man gets mixed up with a group of thieves who plan to rob an Istanbul museum to retrieve a jeweled dagger. A stylish crime, adventure story with great roles for sexy Melina Mercouri & Peter Ustinov. Directed by Jules Dassin. Color. 1964. 120 mins

Celebrate the birthday of our Nation’s First President in true 19th-century fashion. Costumed dancers will perform and teach traditional country dances. Festivities include toasts to George Washington and historic refreshments. $15 Adults, $10 Members and Students

Travel back in time this winter, and experience life in 19th-century New York City! Adventure awaits– filled with hands-on activities, crafts, and games! The Mount Vernon Hotel Museum building was constructed in 1799 as a carriage house and converted into a day hotel in 1826. The Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden celebrates 19th-century life and transports Winter History Week visitors back to life in the early days of the city as lived by people who visited or worked at the hotel and nearby. Sign up for one day or all four: **** Tuesday, February 19 – Follow Mr. Rikers, music store owner, as he admires the musical instruments at the Mount Vernon Hotel. Hear what they sounded like, and design and play your very own harp! **** Wednesday, February 20 – Accompany Mr. and Mrs. Stuart, travelers from Scotland, on their visit to New York City and the Mount Vernon Hotel. Help them navigate New York with a city directory and collaborate with others to make your own mini 1829 guide book! **** Thursday, February 21 – Meet J. C. Hart, owner of the Hotel, and learn what planets Mr. Hart knew about when he built his solar system model. Then, build one yourself! **** Friday, February 22 – Join the children of the proprietor as they learn from hotel cook, Flora Miller, planting herbs in the winter and making a period recipe! Snacks included! Bring your own lunch! **** Extended sessions available. Please call for more information. $60 per day, or $200 for all four days Members receive 10% discount on registration.

Philip K. Howard, Founder of Common Good, in conversation with Laura Walker, Chairman and CEO of NPR. They will talk about Howard's new book, "TRY COMMON SENSE: Replacing the Failed Ideologies of Right and Left." An event not to be missed!

Shakespeare & Co. will host Vanessa McGrady, author of "ROCK NEEDS RIVER: A Memoir About a Very Open Adoption," one of the ten top books to read in February, according to The Washington Post. A portion of the sales of the book will be donated to Help Us Adopt. Q&A and book signing to follow

Lyndon B. Johnson aligns himself with John F. Kennedy, rises to the Presidency, and deals with the civil rights struggles of the 1960s. An interesting portrait of a controversial Presidency. Starring Woody Harrison. Directed by Rob Reiner. Color. 2016. 100 mins