Designing America: The Olmsted Legacy in the US and in Portland

The Olmsted family name is recognized across North America for their impact on our landscape. Frederick Law Olmsted Sr. is noted for his design of New York’s Central Park as well as the grounds of the famous Biltmore Estate, and the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Closer to home, Olmsted’s sons Frederick Jr. and John Charles took over where their famous father left off. The Olmsted Brothers designed notable landscapes and drafted plans for park systems and university campuses, many of which were in the Pacific Northwest.

Please join us for this very special program as Laurence Cotton, consulting producer, presents his recent PBS film Frederick Law Olmsted: Designing America. Following the film, Portland architect and Olmsted expert William J. Hawkins III will discuss the impacts of the Olmsted Brothers in Portland. In 1903, the Olmsteds drafted a plan for Portland parks and boulevards that was enormously influential, eventually leading to the development of parks like Mt. Tabor and Sellwood, as well as Terwilliger Boulevard. Our two presenters will then have time for Q & A and copies of the film and Hawkins’ book The Legacy of the Olmsted Brothers in Portland, Oregon will be on sale.

Space is limited. Pre-registration is recommended.