The Society’s Labor, Literature and Landmarks Series continues a tradition of public lectures that started at the Society in 1837. Since then, it has been an important source of education and cultural enlightenment for all New Yorkers. The Series brings people of diverse interests from the entire New York area into our Library space. Now in its 14th season, the Artisan Lecture Series pays tribute to the art of craftsmanship by featuring master artisans who lecture about the intricacies of their specialized crafts. The Artisan Lecture Series promotes the work and art of skilled craftsmen to assist in ensuring their unique knowledge is understood and carried forth for future generations.
If you would like to be on our mailing list for future lectures, please write to info@generalsociety.org.
Fall 2025 Lectures
In this talk, Miriam Ellner will discuss her newly published book, Golden Glass: Verre Églomisé. Ms. Ellner is one of the modern masters of verre églomisé, the ancient process of gilding precious metals on the reverse side of glass, etching in a design, and setting it off with color.
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Tuesday October 7th, 6 P.M. — The Restoration of the Saarinen-Designed Former US Oslo Embassy with architect Jorge Otero-Pailos
Preservation architect and artist, Jorge Otero-Pailos will discuss his work on the restoration and rehabilitation of the former US Embassy in Oslo, designed by world renowned architect Eero Saarinen.
Tuesday, October 14th, 6 P.M — The Renovated, Preserved and Adaptively Reused Waldorf Astoria with Frank Mahan, Principal, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
Lead project architect, Frank Mahan will describe the comprehensive transformation, the methodical work of preservation, and the meticulous restoration of this iconic New York landmark.
Tuesday, October 21st, 6 P.M. – The Historic House Trust of New York City with Giulietta Fiore, Executive Director of HHT
Giulietta Fiore will discuss the invaluable work of the Historic House Trust of New York City, a nonprofit organization working in tandem with NYC Parks to provide essential support for 23 sites of architectural and cultural significance across all five boroughs of New York City.
Tuesday, October 28th, 6 P.M. — Gilded Age Lighting: Transforming The Frick Collection’s Historic Fixtures for the 21st Century
Barbara Livar, Senior Project Manager at Aurora Lampworks, and Jenna Nugent, Head of Curatorial and Exhibition Projects at The Frick Collection, will present on the recent restoration of hundreds of historic light fixtures for the museum. They will discuss the genesis of Aurora’s collaboration with the Frick within the context of the museum’s large-scale renovation project, the different levels of treatment that were undertaken, and how some fixtures were carefully adapted to accept mini LED spotlights, improving the illumination of master artworks without compromising their distinctive Gilded Age character and design.
For more information on our lectures, please contact info@generalsociety.org.