Gilded Age NYC: A Walking Tour & Networking Experience
Step back in time and explore the echoes of the Gilded Age in New York City—an era of towering ambition, shifting fortunes, and lasting influence. On July 20th at 11:00 AM, join us for a unique walking tour through the heart of Manhattan’s historic Fifth Avenue, guided by historian Kevin Draper. Together, we’ll trace the rise of business magnates like John Jacob Astor, Cornelius Vanderbilt, John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, and J.P. Morgan, and consider how their vision, wealth, and rivalries helped shape the physical and financial landscape of the city.
Winding past the preserved facades of once-private mansions, quiet clubs, and cultural institutions, we’ll reflect on what has endured and what has faded—from carved stone to long-contested ideals. This is more than a history lesson; it’s a chance to consider legacy, reinvention, and the bricks and stories that remain.
Just as important, this experience is designed to foster connection. Whether your interest lies in history, architecture, law, business, medicine, science, or culture, you’ll be walking alongside fellow Columbia Club members—curious, thoughtful individuals open to reflection and conversation. After the tour, we’ll gather nearby for optional bites and drinks, continuing the discussion in a relaxed, social setting.
Details about the starting location and post-tour gathering will be shared by email after registration.