New York & The Hamptons

Greenwich Historical Society is one organization that grasps the import of the Roman philosopher and historian Seneca’s advice to “combine all times.”  Its library and archives – containing more than 40,000 items, including personal papers, manuscripts, genealogies and maps – are a rich repository of Greenwich’s past that also helps today’s homeowners connect to property records. Its exhibits and events like its Juneteenth celebration focus visitors on the past and present. And its eye is ever on the future through its support of Greenwich’s business community and newcomers to the town. Or as the historical society’s website says: “We preserve and interpret Greenwich history to strengthen the community’s connection to our past, to each other, and to our future.” Founded in 1931 on two acres overlooking the Mianus River in the Cos Cob section of Greenwich, the historical society has four key structures – the Bush-Holley House, the 1732 saltbox-style residence of the mercantile Bush family that in the late-19th and early-20th centuries became the summer home of a group of American Impressionist painters known as the Cos Cob Art Colony; the Bush Storehouse (1805), now the historical society’s offices; the Barn, now the Vanderbilt Education Center; and a 10,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Museum & Library Building (2018), whose store and café lie in the connected former Toby’s Tavern, a 19th-century railroad hotel, said Debra L. Mecky, the historical society’s CEO and executive director. Colorful, informally arranged flower, herb and vegetable gardens recreate those planted by Constant Holley MacRae and her artist-husband, Elmer Livingston MacRae, who ultimately ran the summer boardinghouse for the art colony, which included Childe Hassam, Ernest Lawson, Theodore Robinson, J. Alden Weir and John Henry Twatchman. (The Twatchman catalog raisonné of more than 750 works began debuting on the historical society’s website in 2021, with his “Front Porch,” an 1896-99 oil on canvas of the front porch of the artist’s Greenwich home being a recent acquisition.) In keeping with the historical society’s mission to tell the fuller story of Greenwich for a broader audience, Bush-Holley House tours also include the chamber where some of the Bush family’s 16 enslaved servants may have slept, with a record of their names – a departure from many of the slave records kept in the South. (Emancipation laws in Connecticut required the recording of all enslaved children born after 1784, Mecky said.) That colonial period comes alive with the exhibit “Greenwich During the Revolutionary War: A Frontier Town on the Front Lines.” “We were on the New York/Connecticut border,” she said of Greenwich’s strategic role in the American Revolution. “The exhibit considers the complexities of that time, the pressure to announce your loyalties and what that meant.” The exhibit accompanied by talk by Joseph Ellis, author of “The Cause: The American Revolution and its Discontents,” and related TimeTravelers KidStudio programs. But the historical society – which has a full-time staff of 24 and an operating budget of $2 million funded by members, its board, and the larger community – is also very much focused on the present and the future. Its Oct. 24th gala at the Round Hill Club honored Scott Mitchell, who with Tyler Mitchell leads the luxury Mitchell Stores, a multigenerational family business that includes Richards on Greenwich Avenue in Greenwich. “Honoring Scott and the Mitchell family at this year’s ‘History in the Making’ event triggered an idea to promote Greenwich Avenue,” a spokeswoman said. “While details are not finalized, the historical society in 2025 is planning to offer various tours, possibly guided and self-guided, that will provide context on the history of the avenue’s dynamic and evolving retail sector and the structures housing it. This initiative will be an extension of the ‘Discover Greenwich’ series of interactive programs that promotes a sense of place and belonging, sparks dialogue and inspires meaningful connections across our diverse community.” It’s one more way, added Dianne Niklaus, the historical society’s director of marketing and communications, in which the society explores “how the past informs the present and the future.” For more, visit greenwichhistory.org.

Explore KHAITE's new Madison Avenue boutique, bringing designer Cate Holstein's modern femininity and sculptural sophistication to the Upper East Side. Discover the brand's elevated retail experience in NYC.

The Delamar Hotel Collection is thrilled to unveil its exclusive partnership with MacKenzie-Childs to launch the stunning Plum Check collection. Inspired by Delamar’s signature plum hue and the refined charm of its boutique hotels, this collection beautifully blends luxury with the distinctive artistry for which MacKenzie-Childs is celebrated. Guests are invited to indulge in the Plum Check collection through the Mackenzie-Childs x Delamar afternoon tea experience, availabl at Delamar’s acclaimed restaurants—l’escale in Greenwich, Artisan Southport, and Artisan West Hartford. This elegant tea service features an array of delicate finger sandwiches, exquisite pastries, artisanal jams, and premium teas, all presented on Plum Check pieces, complemented by a glass of private-label brut champagne to set the tone for a truly sophisticated experience. Don’t miss the exclusive limited-edition Plum Check keepsake—a timeless memento of the Delamar’s unparalleled elegance.

San Vicente- Los Angeles private members club debuts next door to the Jane Hotel in the West Village. Adjacent to the Jane Hotel, a renowned party venue from the early 2000s, the upscale San Vicente recently opened its doors in the West Village. The club essentially lacks the secrecy of, for instance, the Century Club, which is the chosen club of the old-school media elite, and instead has the “see-and-be-seen” intensity factor. 

Harold Moore’s Cafe Commerce heads to the Upper East Side. Downtown restaurants are nothing new to Harold Moore. In addition to Bistro Pierre Lapin and Harold’s in the Arlo Hotel in Hudson Square, the former student of Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Daniel Boulud had his own popular restaurant, Commerce, in the West Village from 2008 to 2015.  After the closures and a period serving as chef for Charlie Palmer’s empire from 2015 until 2023, Moore has made the decision to go at it once more, this time on the Upper East Side.

Fifth Avenue: 200 Years of Stories and Legends is a masterful blend of evocative storytelling and rich historical insight, chronicling the remarkable transformation of Fifth Avenue from a serene residential street to a global symbol of culture, wealth, and style.This exquisite volume celebrates the vibrant history and timeless allure of one of the world’s most iconic thoroughfares. Featuring a breathtaking collection of images, the visually stunning edition bridges past and present, offering readers a captivating journey through two centuries of evolution.The book provides a panoramic exploration of Fifth Avenue’s transformation, from black-and-white photographs of horse-drawn carriages passing grand mansions to vibrant modern-day scenes alive with energy and sophistication. Archival images juxtaposed with contemporary photography illuminate the Avenue’s enduring cultural, architectural, and social significance, capturing its legacy in every detail.More than a tribute, Fifth Avenue: 200 Years of Stories and Legendsis an immersive experience for history enthusiasts, architecture aficionados, and photography lovers alike. This edition is a must-have for collectors, offering a rare and unparalleled glimpse into the street that has been a cornerstone of New York City’s legacy for two centuries.

While the Hamptons are often synonymous with summer escapes, winter unveils a quieter, more serene side to this iconic destination. Away from the bustling beaches and social soirées, in February and March, the Hamptons become a haven for self-care and rejuvenation. Two standout retreats, Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa and Shou Sugi Ban House, offer the perfect antidote to winter fatigue. 

Daniel Boulud's French-Infused Steakhouse Arrives in Manhattan

Celebrating Legacy and Future, Raised Essential Funds for East End Healthcare