2019 Landmark Lectures.

The Landmarks lectures focus on the origin, development, and restoration of New York City’s built environment, and celebrate the art and architecture of the City. Lisa Easton, a partner in the New York City based architecture and historic preservation firm, Easton Architects, curates the series.

• Tuesday, March 19th at 6.30 p.m. –  Janet W. Foster, Architectural Historian and Historic Preservation Consultant,Pattern Books and 19^thCentury American Building

During her lecture,  Architectural Historian & Preservation Consultant, Janet W. Fosterwill discuss how published books of designs, or pattern books, had a significant role in changing the appearance of buildings, and the techniques of their construction, in 19^thcentury America.  The role of pattern books in shaping the developing suburban landscape, their impact on a changing construction labor market, and the rise of several New York City publishing houses that promoted these books of architectural design all combine to tell both a very New York story and a broader look at national trends in building. Advance registration is required, please click here to reserve your place.

•  Tuesday April 16th at 6:30 p.m.– Michael Devonshire, Director of Conservation, Jan Hird Pokorny Associates, Through the Glass: The Evolution of the Window in Historic Buildings

 Michael Devonshire, Principal and Director of Conservation, JHPA, Inc. at  is an architectural conservator with forty year’s experience in the field of historic preservation. For his presentation he will describe a history of windows, the perception of windows in art, and examine how windows have functioned in history.  Mr. Devonshire will review the stylistic and technological changes to the window as an architectural element, as it evolved from hand-made components to machine-made. He will detail how windows are essential and character-defining components of historic buildings. Advance Registration is required, please click here to reserve your place.

• Tuesday, May 21^stat 6:30 p.m.– Jean-Francois D. Furieri, Founder of Iconoplast,The Restoration, Preservation and Conservation of Architectural Ornamental Plaster

 Jean-Francois D. Furieri, a third generation master plasterer, founded Iconoplast  one of the few companies still specializing in restoration, preservation and conservation of  architectural ornamental plaster. The company’s studious techniques and generations-old skills are integrated with modern technologies to create a hands-on approach to this traditional craft. During his talk, Mr. Furieri will outline the history of plaster, new technologies in plaster, and describe a theatre restoration on 42nd street, recently completed by Iconoplast.  Advance Registration is required, please click here to reserve your place.

• Tuesday, June 18th at 6:30 p.m.  – Christopher P. Pinto, Associate Principal,  Thornton Tomasetti, The Preservation of Cast Iron ConstructionChristopher Pinto, Associate Principal, Thornton Tomasetti, has considerable experience in structural analysis and design with a specialization in investigative projects and the restoration of historic structures. His notable projects include the recently completed rehabilitation of the cast iron dome of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. At his lecture, he will discuss cast iron detailing and construction with an emphasis on methods of repair, including a discussion of repair detailing at the Capitol Dome and at the Harlem Fire Watchtower.  Advance Registration is required, please click here to reserve your place.

The Lectures start at 6:30 pm in The General Society Library, 20 West 44th Street, New York City.  Reception to follow.  

Advance registration is required: $15 General admission; $10 General Society members, NY Landmarks Conservancy Members & Senior Citizens; $5 Students.

1.0 AIA LU credit is available for qualifying participants.

This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council.  We would also like to acknowledge the support of New York Landmarks Conservancy.