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In May 1889, Edwin Booth, the most renowned American actor of the 19th century, along with fifteen friends and colleagues including Mark Twain and General William Tecumseh Sherman, established a home for The Players in the Gothic-Revival mansion at 16 Gramercy Park South.  Edwin had his friend, famed architect Stanford White, redesign the facade and interiors.  This lovely building stands today, an historic and atmospheric private social club that was home to generations of actors, artists, writers and arts aficionados.

 

The Players Foundation for Theatre Education was established to foster an understanding and appreciation of American Theatre, utilizing the history of The Players and its illustrious members who have contributed to that legacy. It is a nonprofit organization whose mission includes the preservation of its fine art holdings, costumes and theatrical ephemera, and rare book, manuscript, and playbill collections. The Foundation acts as a resource for scholars interested in researching theatre history and the history of nineteenth century New York. An active docent tour program and the sponsorship of lectures and play readings round out the activities of the Foundation.