Boston Flora

Tag: Architectural Historian

  • Thursday, June 27, 6:00 pm – The Iconic Trees of Newport: Past, Present, & Future

    Since 2022, beech leaf disease has been a deadly threat to some of Newport’s oldest, largest, and most iconic trees. And it’s not the only challenge faced by Newport’s diverse, amazing, but aging arboretum. On June 27 at 6 pm at Rosecliff, the Preservation Society of Newport County will host a gathering of experts to discuss what needs to be done to ensure a healthy future for trees in Newport. The Iconic Trees of Newport: Past, Present, & Future will explore the city’s landscape history, the cause and treatment of beech leaf disease, and strategies for planting to preserve the citywide treescape. Speakers include Joe Verstandig, Living Collections Manager for the Newport Tree Conservancy, John R. Tschirch, Architectural Historian, Jeff Curtis, Director of Gardens and Landscapes for the Preservation Society, and Jim Donahue, Curator of Historic Landscapes and Horticulture. Also speaking will be scientists from Bartlett Tree Experts, a Partner in Preservation working to save beech trees at the Newport Mansions. To attend this free educational forum, please email Events@NewportMansions.org.

  • Wednesdays, June 16 – July 21, 10:00 am – Great Newport Landscapes, 1840 – 1940

    The Preservation Society of Newport County and Rhode Island School of Design Continuing Education present a six-week landscape course, led by John R. Tschirch, Architectural Historian of the Preservation Society, beginning June 16 through July 21.  Each session will begin at 10:00 am at 424 Bellevue Avenue in Newport.

    This course will examine the landmark landscapes of Newport, created during the 19th and early 20th centuries, when the city was one of the most fashionable summer resorts in the nation. Known as the “Eden of America,” Newport and its environs have a rich garden design and horticultural heritage. Lectures and site visits will consider Newport landscapes by leading figures in American design and planning, horticulture, the history of plant and tree collection and propagation, species identification, garden architecture and sculpture, preservation practices, and stylistic elements of Victorian and Gilded Age period landscapes.

    June 16: The Picturesque 19th Century Landscape in Newport
    June 23: Kingscote: A Victorian Landscape in Newport
    June 30: Frederick Law Olmsted and Sons: Masters of American Landscape Architecture
    July 7: The Breakers Cutting Garden: Caring for the Gilded Age Landscape
    July 14: The Elms: A Classical Revival Garden
    July 21: Green Animals: An American Original

    Admission for each lecture: Preservation Society members $10, general admission $15.  Advance registration is required.  You may register on-line at www.newportmansions.org, or call 401-847-1000, ext. 154.  If you wish to register for the entire lecture series as part of a RISD Continuing Education course, please contact RISD at 401-454-6209.

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  • Wednesday, October 7, 11 am – Ocean Drive Revisited: A Re-Evaluation of its National Importance

    Join the Preservation Society of Newport County on Wednesday, October 7 at 11 a.m. at Rosecliff, 548 Bellevue Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island for a lecture by Mack Woodward, Senior Architectural Historian of the Rhode Island  Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission.

    Ocean Drive is one of the most significant picturesque landscapes in America.  Recent research has revealed just how important this historic place is in our nation’s landscape history.  This lecture will focus on the layout of the Drive itself, the masterful development of the entire district in the late 19th century, its comparison with similar picturesque sites, and how critics of the time responded to the planning of the area.

    Admission free to Preservation Society members, general admission $5.  Advance registration requested.
    Register online, or call (401) 847-1000 ext. 154.

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