Boston Flora

Tag: New York Adventure Club

  • Tuesday, January 4, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm – The Cloisters Museum and Gardens: Medieval Europe in Manhattan Webinar

    While New York City is well known for its towering modern skyscrapers, one of its most famous museums contains rooms and art that date back hundreds of years. But how exactly did a collection of old European chapels and structures find their way to New York, and what historic items were acquired to fill the gothic spaces to make it the premier collections of medieval art in America? It’s time to uncover the story behind the incredible art, architecture, and gardens of New York’s very own European medieval monastery.

    Join New York Adventure Club on January 4 as we explore the Cloisters museum and gardens in Manhattan’s Fort Tryon Park — owned and governed by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this museum in the neighborhood of Washington Heights is composed of architectural elements from various historic structures mostly in France and Spain along with prized medieval artworks including paintings and sculptures, stained glass windows, illuminated books, and more.

    Led by Sylvia Laudien-Meo — art historian, museum educator, and NYC tour guide — this virtual journey surrounding the MET Cloisters, which gives great insight into life during medieval times, will include:

    • The history of The Cloisters’ foundation and its general architecture within Fort Tryon Park
    • A virtual slideshow through the museum with its beautiful gardens and vistas
    • A discussion of the museum’s collection of medieval architecture and sculpture, artfully integrated into the modern museum architecture
    • An overview of the enchanting cloister gardens, planted with culinary and medicinal plants, as well as those used for dyeing fabrics like tapestries
    • A close look at many of the masterpieces of the collection, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts
    • A special focus on the Unicorn Tapestries and Robert Campin’s Merode Altarpiece

    Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Sylvia — any and all questions about the Cloisters are welcomed and encouraged!

    Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!

    See you there, virtually! $10. Register HERE.

    *Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

  • Tuesday, July 27, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm – Rural Cemeteries of America: Origins of the City Park, Online

    In the mid 1800s, with disease and overcrowding plaguing urban centers across America, cities throughout the country decided it was time to change how it buried its citizens. The solution: the creation of a new type of burial ground known as the rural cemetery, which consisted of beautifully landscaped grounds outside of city centers filled with wondrous sculptures, stunning vistas, and beautiful architecture. Why did these cemeteries become many cities’ most visited attractions, and what role do they play in modern times? This is the story of the rural cemetery and incredible impact they had on the country.

    Join New York Adventure Club online on July 27 at 5 as we explore the history and lasting legacy of America’s rural cemeteries —19th-century burial grounds located outside major cities that not only became peaceful places to mourn loved ones, but also inspired the city park movement, which led to the development of public green spaces such as Central Park.

    Led by cemetery expert John Semlak, our exploration of rural cemeteries across American cities will include:

    • An overview of urban areas throughout 1800s America and why green space was so hard to come by
    • The early development of the rural cemetery, from why rural cemeteries became incredibly popular leisure destinations to how they can trace their roots to Europe
    • A close look at the most important rural cemeteries throughout the country, from Mount Auburn Cemetery in Massachusetts to Woodlawn Cemetery in New York City
    • A discussion around some of their most famous permanent residents
    • The significance of rural cemeteries, from how they led to the city parks movement to why they continue to draw visitors today

    Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with John — any and all questions about rural cemeteries are welcomed and encouraged! Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week! $10. Register HERE.

  • Thursday, April 22, 10:00 am – 11:30 am – Freshkills Park, World’s Largest Landfill-to-Park Webinar

    For over 50 years, the City of New York sent most of its garbage to a single landfill in Staten Island…so much garbage in fact, that it became the world’s largest landfill and was on track to become the highest point on the East Coast. Today, that former landfill will achieve a much more celebrated global accolade — as the largest landfill-to-park in the world, and NYC’s second-largest park when complete.

    Join New York Adventure Club for a virtual exploration of Freshkills Park — originally a 2,200-acre landfill, Freshkills Park will be almost three times the size of Central Park, and the largest park developed in New York City in over 100 years once fully complete.

    Led by a Freshkills Park Alliance staff member, our digital showcase of this massive landscape will include:

    • An overview of Freshkills, from its days as the world’s largest landfill to the planned three-phase transformation into a public park
    • Rare archival footage of Fresh Kills landfill
    • A behind-the-scenes look at Freshkill’s state-of-the-art landfill engineering system
    • A discussion around the park’s plant and animal ecology that sustains on the grounds
    • Modern photos showcasing the sweeping views of the NYC skyline from the ‘hilltops” that were once garbage mounds

    Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with the Freshkills Park Alliance staff member — any and all questions about Freshkills Park are welcomed and encouraged!

    Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week! $10. Register HERE

  • Tuesday, February 2, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm – The Gardens of Liberty Hall: One of America’s Oldest Gardens Webinar

    What do the gardens of Versailles, Louisiana Purchase, and American Revolution have in common? Answer: they all played a role in the creation of a 250-year-old garden just outside of New York City — one which is not only still around today, but is also accessible to visit in person. It’s time to explore one of America’s oldest private gardens; influenced by a 17th-century King, a man who may have been living under an alias, and a woman with a dream of making it into a public space for all.

    Join New York Adventure Club as we embark on a digital journey through the history of the 250-year-old gardens at Liberty Hall — the home and grounds of the Livingston and Kean families, two of New Jersey’s most affluent and prominent families with direct ties to our nation’s founding fathers.

    Led by Hannah Gaston — Coordinator of School Programs at Liberty Hall Museum and a passionate educator — our virtual experience surrounding this historic garden in Union, New Jersey will include:

    • An overview of the Livingston and Kean families, and importance of the Liberty Hall Museum in American history
    • A discussion of how European ideals influenced Liberty Hall, as well as the design of other gardens and outdoor spaces in America
    • A digital showcase of Liberty Hall’s gardens from historic photographs to images and discussions about some of America’s most famous gardens
    • Rarely seen archival items, including 18th-century letters, receipts, photographs, and hand-drawn maps

    Hannah Gaston is the Coordinator of School Programs at Liberty Hall Museum. She started at Liberty Hall in October of 2017 as an intern, was the inaugural recipient of the May Kean Raynold’s Graduate Museum Studies Fellowship in 2018, and was offered her current position in 2019. Historic house museums hold a special place in her heart. She has presented on the topic of relevant and compelling storytelling in historic house museums at the Small Museum Association conference, and has recently published her graduate thesis on the same topic. She holds a B.A. in History from Elmira College and a M.A. in Museum Professions with a focus in Museum Education from Seton Hall University. In her free time she enjoys singing in her church choir and acting in local community theater productions; she looks forward to being able to continue those hobbies soon.

    Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Hannah — any and all questions about the Liberty Hall gardens are welcomed and encouraged!

    Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week. $10. Register at www.nyadventureclub.com

    *Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar.

  • Friday, January 29, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm – Wolf Conservation Center: Introduction to North American Wolves Webinar

    While wolves in the United States once numbered in the millions, conflicts with humans and federal extermination programs over the past 200 years brought the species to the brink of extinction. Fortunately, those numbers have finally begun to recover, thanks in part to organizations like one just 1.5 hours north of NYC, which has been helping wolves, and educating the public on this misunderstood animal, for nearly 20 years.

    Join New York Adventure Club for a virtual introduction to wolves with the Wolf Conservation Center, an environmental education organization working to protect and preserve red wolves and Mexican gray wolves in North America, two critically endangered wolf species.

    Led by a staff member of the Wolf Conservation Center, our virtual experience will include:

    • The history of the Wolf Conservation Center, from its founding by Hélène Grimaud in 1999 to current management of over 45 wolves qualified for wild-release
    • An overview of wolves, from the history, ecology, and biology of wolves, to the current challenges facing wolf recovery across the United States
    • A live stream of the Endangered Species Facility to see and learn about the red wolves, Mexican gray wolves, and “ambassador wolves” at the Wolf Conservation Center

    Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with the WCC — any and all questions about wolves are welcomed and encouraged! $10. Register online at www.nyadventureclub.com

    Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week.

    *Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

  • Thursday, January 26, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm – The Audubon Mural Project: NYC Street Art for Endangered Birds, Online

    If you walk around the Northern Manhattan neighborhood of Hamilton Heights, you’re bound to stumble upon beautiful artworks on seemingly every corner. But unlike other art collectives around New York City featuring an eclectic range of themes, this one focuses exclusively on birds — and not just any birds, but those North American species that could become extinct if nothing is done to address climate change. From stunning designs on storefront security gates to oversized murals covering an entire side of a building, it’s time to explore one of the country’s most ambitious and environmentally-focused street art initiatives, captivating birders and non-birders alike.

    Join New York Adventure Club for a virtual exploration of the Audubon Mural Project, a collaboration between the National Audubon Society and art gallerist Avi Gitler that aims to create murals of every climate-threatened North American bird — mostly throughout the neighborhood of Hamilton Heights, where famed American ornithologist John James Audubon once lived.

    Led by licensed New York City tour guide Leigh Hallingby, our digital showcase of this incredible collective will include:

    • An introduction to the New York neighborhood of Hamilton Heights and impact of former resident / landowner John James Audubon (1785-1851)
    • The origin story the Audubon Mural Project, which to-date, includes nearly 100 murals depicting over 125 bird species
    • A close look at over 40 murals, along with commentary around the artists and their vision
    • The latest developments in the Audubon Mural Project, from temporary art exhibitions around the city to mural sites in other boroughs and cities

    Stick around afterward for a Q&A with Leigh — any and all questions about the Audubon Mural Project are welcomed and encouraged!

    Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!

    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 — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

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

    About Leigh

    Leigh is a licensed NYC tour guide who specializes in Harlem, Morningside Heights, and the Upper West Side. She is passionate about exploring all five boroughs and beyond on foot, mostly through organized walking tours. Leigh is retired from a 36-year career as a non-profit librarian in New York City. She loves doing research about the neighborhoods in which she gives tours and sharing the information about them with attendees. Leigh is a feminist, collector, genealogist, and lover of arts, culture, and travel. She lives on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

    $10. Register at www.nyadventureclub.com.

  • Tuesday, December 8, 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm – Untermyer Gardens, America’s Greatest Forgotten Garden Webinar

    Tuesday, December 8, 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm – Untermyer Gardens, America’s Greatest Forgotten Garden Webinar

    In 1916, New York City lawyer Samuel Untermyer tasked architect William Bosworth with designing the “finest garden in the world” on his cliffside estate in Yonkers, New York — he succeeded, and for 40 years, this 150-acre formal garden became a horticultural wonder of America, and the world. Though by the 1970s, one of America’s most beautiful green spaces had regressed into one of its most neglected, littered with abandoned buildings and crumbling ruins — any hints of its former greatness could only be found in local folklore.

    While many restoration efforts throughout the years were unsuccessful, the latest initiative has finally bucked the trend, and given the once-great garden a second life — this is the story of America’s greatest forgotten garden.

    Join New York Adventure Club for a virtual exploration of Untermyer Gardens, the formal gardens designed for Samuel Untermyer’s Greystone Estate in 1916, which became one of the most celebrated gardens in America.

    Led by Stephen F. Byrns, President and Founder of the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy, which began restoring Samuel Untermyer’s gardens in 2011, our unique digital showcase of this cliffside Persian “paradise” garden will include:

    • The story of Samuel Untermyer, the prominent New York lawyer and investor who purchased the Greystone Estate in an 1899 auction and transformed the grounds into one of the finest gardens in the world
    • An overview of Untermyer Gardens, from the 1916 design by Beaux-Arts architect Welles Bosworth, to its heyday when 60 full-time gardeners were on staff, to the successful modern restoration efforts after decades of failed revival initiatives
    • A virtual exploration of the stunning grounds including the Walled Garden‘s reflecting pools, mosaic pavements, and marble sphinxes; the Temple of Love‘s round temple on top of a rocky bluff and waterfall; and the jaw-dropping Vista, which features sweeping views of the Hudson River, framed by two 23-foot-tall Roman columns (believed to be the tallest ancient columns made from single stone chunks in the Western Hemisphere)

    Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Steve — any and all questions about Untermyer Gardens are welcomed and encouraged!

    Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!

    See you there, virtually!

    *Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar. $10. Register at https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/untermyer-gardens-americas-greatest-forgotten-garden-webinar-registration-128544509087/

  • Wednesday, August 5, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm – Virtual Exploration of The Planting Fields Estate & Coe Hall Mansion

    If you recently got married and had a nice bit of change to spend, what would you spend it on? For William & Mai Coe in 1913, the answer was simple: purchase a 400-acre estate on Long Island’s “Gold Coast,” have the grounds designed by world-famous landscape architects, fill it with rare species of trees and plants, and then build a 65-room mansion for the cherry-on-top. Fortunately, it’s still all preserved over a century later, and ready to be explored.

    Join New York Adventure Club for a virtual exploration of Planting Fields, a sprawling Gilded Age estate in Oyster Bay built between 1918 and 1924 for insurance magnate William Robertson Coe, and his wife, Standard Oil heiress Mai Rogers Coe.

    Led by ​docent Elizabeth Abrams, our unique experience around the historic 409-acre estate will include:

    • The history and story of the Coe Family, from their accumulation of vast sums of wealth to the ambitious transformation of their grounds into a botanical marvel
    • A discussion around the Planting Fields grounds (designed by Guy Lowell, A. Robeson Sargent, and the Olmsted Brothers Firm), teeming with historic formal gardens, greenhouses, and rare species of trees & plants
    • A digital walkthrough of Coe Hall, a 65-room Tudor Revival mansion featuring evidence of Mai’s patronage of living artists including commissioned murals by American artists Robert Winthrop Chanler and Everett Shinn, ironwork by Samuel Yellin, and interior design by famed tastemaker Elsie De Wolf
    • Rare archival photos by Mattie Edwards Hewitt that reveal the evolution of the buildings and gardens of the estate

    Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Elizabeth — any and all questions about Planting Fields are welcomed and encouraged!

    Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week! $10. Register at www.AdventureClub.com

  • Tuesday, July 28, 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm – The Gilded Age Houses & Gardens of the Hamptons Webinar

    What began as a tiny cluster of settlements established by Puritans who were fleeing the more restrictive towns to the north, had evolved by the late 19th century into one of America’s premier resort communities for New York’s wealthiest. This is the story of the mansions and gardens of the Hamptons between 1880 and 1930, and the dozens of elite families in New York and New England society who made the area their summer playground.

    Join New York Adventure Club on July 28 at 8 pm for a digital exploration of the great summer resort homes that transformed the Hamptons — often referred to as the “American Riviera” — into one of the world’s premier collections of glamour, luxury, and architectural achievement.

    Led by historian Gary Lawrance, our virtual showcase of the incredible properties of the Hamptons during the Gilded Age will include:

    • A historical overview of the Hamptons and why it became the summer destination for some of America’s richest and most prominent families by the late 19th century
    • A glimpse into the families who called the Hamptons their (summer) home at the turn of the century, and their world of leisured, cultured existence — one that has all but vanished from the modern world
    • A deep dive into the Hamptons’ most famous estates, including Wooldon Manor (the home of Jesse Woolworth Donahue), Black Point (the H. H. Rogers mansion), and The Orchard (one of architect Stanford White’s last great commissions)
    • Archival photographs showcasing houses and gardens designed by some of the country’s greatest architectural figures and firms, such as Cross & Cross, John Russell Pope, and Leroy P. Ward

    Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Gary — any and all questions about the Hamptons are welcomed and encouraged!

    See you there, virtually!

    $10. Register at www.nyadventureclub.com. Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar