A New Chapter for Tommy's New York
Announcement · June 7, 2026
Nearly ten years ago I signed an exclusive agreement with the Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral to develop and operate tours and experiences at one of the most extraordinary and least-known places in New York City. What started as a single tour has grown into something I could not have fully anticipated — a portfolio of experiences that take guests behind the walls, beneath the floors, and into the stories of lower Manhattan that most people walk past every day without knowing they exist.
This week marks the launch of a new chapter.
The Website
Tommy's New York has a new home at takeawalk.com. The site has been comprehensively rebuilt — cleaner, faster, and better organized around the tours and experiences we offer. If you haven't visited recently, it's worth a look.
Stories of New York
Alongside the new website, I've launched this blog — Stories of New York — as a dedicated home for the history and context behind everything we do at Tommy's New York.
The first post is live now: a detailed chronology of the Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral from the day it opened to present day. I think it's worth reading whether or not you've ever taken one of our tours.
More posts are coming — on the neighborhood, the people buried beneath and around the Basilica, the history of the streets, and the broader stories of lower Manhattan that my team has been telling on tours for nearly a decade.
This Thursday — Pipes of Splendor: Unveiling -Presented by the Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral - Fundraiser
The newly renovated Henry Erben Organ is one of the most significant pipe organs in American history. Built in 1868, it has undergone a meticulous two-year restoration — and this Thursday evening, it makes its full public return.
Pipes of Splendor: Unveiling Thursday, June 11th | 7pm | 261 Mott Street
During the evening's musical program, the original artwork adorning the organ pipes — discovered during restoration and unseen for more than a century — will be revealed for the first time. Music by Bach, Mendelssohn, Haydn, and the Old Cathedral's 19th-century music directors will be performed by the Basilica Schola and special guests, led by Organist and Music Director Jared Lamenzo.
Three ways to attend:
- Concert Only — $45 per guest. The evening performance.
- Concert & Celebration — $90 per guest. The performance plus a private reception at the Parish House.
- Loft Seating — $250 per guest. Intimate seating in the Basilica loft alongside the Erben Organ, followed by a private reception with food and drinks at the Parish House.
What's Next
Not long after the unveiling of the pipes, we will be launching the long-anticipated Pull Out All the Stops experience — a new immersive encounter with the Henry Erben Organ with Jared Lamenzo that goes beyond the concert hall. Details coming soon.
A new faith-based tour launches next month, and a series of concerts and performances are in the works — all part of the new Basilica Heritage Series, which will be formally announced in the coming weeks.
In the Meantime
Welcome to Stories of New York. There's a lot to tell.
— Tommy Wilkinson Founder
Tommy's New York
The historical content published on Stories of New York is researched, written, and edited solely by Thomas P. Wilkinson of Tommy's New York. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, all information presented reflects independent research and the personal views of the author. The Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral, the Archdiocese of New York, and their respective representatives bear no responsibility for the content, accuracy, or conclusions expressed in these posts. Any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies are entirely the responsibility of Tommy's New York. We are committed to maintaining the integrity of the history we cover and will update posts periodically as new information becomes available or corrections are warranted. If you have information that may improve the accuracy of any post, we welcome your feedback at info@takeawalk.com.
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