'Women Who Inspired HBO’s The Gilded Age, Part 1: Alva Vanderbilt' Webinar

The American Gilded Age is often remembered for its titans of industry — the men who built railroads, banking empires, and fortunes that reshaped America. But just as influential were the women who operated behind the scenes and in the spotlight — steering society, challenging norms, and leaving legacies of their own. It's time to uncover the identities of these women and how their real stories stack up against the glamorous, high-stakes world depicted in HBO’s The Gilded Age.

Join New York Adventure Club for a three-part series exploring the real historical women who inspired Julian Fellowes’ The Gilded Age, and how their lives fueled the show’s iconic characters, social rivalries, and dramatic plotlines. In Part One: Alva Vanderbilt, we’ll dive into the extraordinary life of the Southern-born heiress whose iron will and daring moves forever altered New York’s high society — and the course of the women's suffrage movement.

Led by NYC tour guide Ginny Poleman, this historical deep dive into the life of Alva Vanderbilt Belmont — the real-life inspiration behind the formidable Bertha Russell — will include:

• Alva's early path to power, from her Alabama childhood and Parisian education to her calculated rise in Manhattan’s elite circles
• The social coup that forced Mrs. Astor’s hand, as Alva orchestrated an opulent ball that secured the Vanderbilt name a place among New York’s Social 400
• A behind-the-scenes look at the “Opera House Wars,” and Alva’s instrumental role in establishing the Metropolitan Opera
• A transatlantic marriage fit for fiction, as her daughter Consuelo’s union with the Duke of Marlborough mirrored the Russells' ambitious matchmaking
• From scandal to suffrage, following Alva’s public divorce, second marriage, and influential role as a leader and funder of the women’s rights movement

Afterward, we'll have a Q&A with Ginny — any and all questions are welcomed and encouraged!

Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay through one week after the entire series concludes.

See you there, virtually!

*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

***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week after the series finale

****If the event has already passed, but it's been less than a week since the series finale, you can still register for it on our website's active replay section!

Women Who Inspired HBO’s The Gilded Age Series

Part 1: Alva Vanderbilt (Wednesday, December 3 @ 5:30pm ET)

Part 2: Mrs. Astor (Wednesday, December 10 @ 5:30pm ET)

Part 3: The Black Elite (Wednesday, December 17 @ 5:30pm ET)

About Ginny

Ginny Poleman is a graduate of Cornell University, a licensed NYC tour guide, docent for the Municipal Art Society, as well as an educational and costume collection guide for New York’s largest art museum. Additionally, she offers private tours for her own company, NYC Encounters, covering New York City Art, Architecture, and History. You can follow her on Instagram and Facebook at @Art_Encounters and @NYC.Encounters.

Disclaimer

By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.

This event is a Gilded Age-themed educational webinar organized by New York Adventure Club. It is not affiliated with HBO, Warner Bros. Discovery, Julian Fellowes, or any related entities. Our event is a fan-inspired experience, celebrating the cultural impact and historical themes explored in The Gilded Age series. Any references to The Gilded Age are purely for educational and entertainment purposes, and no official endorsement or sponsorship is implied. The Gilded Age and related trademarks are the property of their respective owners, and this event is an independent initiative by New York Adventure Club.

Categories: Virtual, Gilded Age