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.
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Fall Lectures 2024
Newport Cottages 1835–1890: The Summer Villas Before the Vanderbilt Era with Michael C. Kathrens, Thursday September 12th at 6pm
In his latest contribution to America’s architectural record, Michael C. Kathrens gives house enthusiasts a superb and visually compelling account of the incredibly rich period of Newport’s luxurious nineteenth-century summer “cottages,” presented comprehensively for the first time. In a talk related to his book on Newport Cottages, Mr. Kathrens will present archival and newly commissioned photography, architectural renderings, and floor plans to aid in fully conveying the remarkable legacy of these majestic residences built in Newport before 1890.
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Preserving Heritage, Connecting Cultures: An Evening with Edinburgh World Heritage, with Christina Sinclair, Director of Edinburgh World Heritage, Tuesday September 24th at 6pm
Join Christina Sinclair, Director of Edinburgh World Heritage (EWH), as she delves into the fascinating world of preservation in the UNESCO Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site, sharing the crucial work EWH undertakes to preserve this historic treasure. In this talk, learn about the initiatives that protect the unique character of Edinburgh, a city celebrated for its rich history and architectural splendor. Presented in partnership with The American Scottish Foundation.
Fifth Avenue: Architecture and Society – A History of America’s Street of Dreams with Professor Mosette Broderick, Tuesday October 1st at 6pm
New York’s Fifth Avenue, America’s ‘Street of Dreams’ is one of the most remarkable thoroughfares in the world. Shown on the Commissioners’ map of 1807 emerging from a country road, Fifth Avenue by the end of the century was synonymous with a lavish fashionable life, grand mansions, and services catering to the wealthy. And then, it was all gone. Swept away in the shadow of tall buildings, the New York house was no longer the ultimate symbol of identity. Professor Broderick in an illustrated lecture with historic archive photographs will describe the iconic Avenue as it grew, flourished and failed. The presentation draws from her new book, Fifth Avenue: Architecture and Society. Presented in Partnership with The New York Landmarks Conservancy.
New Building in Old Cities; Writings by Gustavo Giovannoni on Architectural and Urban Conservation with Professor Steven W. Semes, Tuesday October 8th at 6pm.
The highly influential writings by an important early advocate for the conservation of historic cities. The Italian architect, historian, and restorer Gustavo Giovannoni (1873–1947) was a key figure in the fields of architecture, urbanism, and conservation during the first half of the twentieth century. A traditionalist largely neglected by the proponents of modernist architecture following World War II, he remains little known internationally. His writings, however, until this recently published book, New Buildings in Old Cities, unavailable in English until now, represent a significant step toward the full appreciation of the historic city and are directly relevant today to the protection of urban historic resources worldwide. One of the editors of his writings, Professor Steven W. Semes will discuss his significant impact. Presented in Partnership with the New York Landmarks Conservancy and The Historic Districts Council.
The Scots Who Built New York & Boroughs with historian and architect, John Kinnear, Tuesday October 22nd at 6pm
Historian Preservation Architect John Kinnear will explain the impact of Scottish American architects and engineers on the development of New York – from the 1600s till today. The Scots Who Built New York is a legacy project of the American Scottish Foundation chronicling the impact of Scots and American Scots on the development of New York, launched in 2016 as part of the Landmarks50 celebrations. Presented in partnership with The American Scottish Foundation and The New York Landmarks Conservancy..
For more information on any of these talks, please contact info@generalsociety.org