Afternoon Tea Talk at the Salmagundi: Esther Crain

Join Esther Crain,  author and creator of "Ephemeral New York,"  in conversation with Carl Raymond, host of The Gilded Gentleman history podcast for a look at the social seasons of the Gilded Age and the most anticipated of events, the grand balls.  Esther and Carl will discuss what the social season was like, how a ball was organized and how even getting invited secured your social standing.  In addition, you'll hear the inside story of several of the Gilded Age's most outrageous and expensive balls such as Alva Vanderbilt's costume ball of 1883, the Bradley-Martin ball at the Waldorf in 1897 and, of course, Mrs. Astor's annual opera ball.

Carl and Esther will share details and images including actual photographs of some of the costumes and guests and copies of the menus from the midnight buffets.  Don't miss this celebration of the Gilded Age social season!

Host or Publisher Salmagundi