Join us for a captivating series of talks delving into the history and legacy of some of New York City’s most iconic institutions, spaces, and landmarks. From the architecture of the Gilded Age to the preservation of historic neighborhoods in the twentieth century, this series invites art and architectural historians to present the stories behind New York’s distinctive urban and cultural landscape, highlighting the vision, innovation, and determination that built Old New York. 

On July 9, Anthony C. Wood presents Servant of Beauty: Landmarks, Secret Love, and the Unimagined Life of an Unsung New York Hero  (Rowman & Littlefield, 2025). This conversation with journalist and author Michelle Young delves into Wood’s recently published biography of Albert Sprague Bard (1866-1963), an attorney, civic activist, and energetic participant in urban affairs and historic preservation. Bard’s passion for protecting the beauty of the urban landscape propelled him into a David versus Goliath-like combat with Robert Moses and, after four decades of advocacy, paved the way for New York City’s Landmark Law of 1965—a law that protects 37,000 buildings today. According to author Anthony Wood, Bard is an uncelebrated Renaissance man and civic hero whose story will inspire and inform generations of citizens who continue his battle to preserve the beauty of the places they love. This conversation with architectural historian and author Michelle Young will explore Bard’s life and continued legacy—in New York City and beyond. 

Anthony C. Wood is a nationally recognized preservationist who started as a preservation advocate in New York City and has gone on to work for, found, serve on the board of, and chair preservation organizations including Friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts, the Preservation League of New York State, and Partners for Sacred Places, winning awards such as the 2020 New York Landmarks Conservancy Lucy G. Moses Award for Preservation Leadership. He has served on the adjunct faculty at Columbia University, and he founded the non-profit New York Preservation Archive Project, whose mission is to document, preserve, and celebrate the history of preservation in New York. Wood is also the award-winning author of Preserving New York: Winning the Right to Protect a City’s Landmark (Routledge, 2008) and has been featured in several documentaries. 

Michelle Young is an award-winning journalist, author, and professor whose writing and photography has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, Hyperallergic, The Forward, and Narratively. She is the author of The Art Spy: The Untold Tale of WWII Resistance Hero Rose Valland, Secret New York, and Secret Brooklyn. She is a graduate of Harvard College in the History of Art and Architecture and holds a master’s degree from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, where she is a Professor of Architecture. She is the founder of the publication Untapped New York. She lives in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. 

This event is sponsored by Nedra and Richard Koplin, who wish to thank all of those associated with The Mount as they continue to build its historic legacy.

Photo: Eric Vitale

TICKETS ON SALE MAY 12!
National Committee Members’ pre-sale starts April 29
Members’ pre-sale starts May 5

$10 – Mount Members
$15 – General Admission
Free for Students

Interested in becoming a Member? Join today.

• This one-hour talk takes place in The Mount’s Stable Auditorium, an indoor, climate controlled venue adjacent to the parking lot. Limited accessible parking is available in front of the Stable.
• Seating for all programs at The Mount is first come, first served. If you have seating preferences, we recommend arriving fifteen minutes early.
• Accessible seating is available! Please phone us in advance to discuss arrangements: 413-551-5111; ext. #2
• A book signing will follow this talk. Books can be purchased from The Mount Bookstore at the event or online from Bookshop.org.

Questions? Email: programs@edithwharton.org

What accessibility accommodations does The Mount offer? The Mount is a Massachusetts Cultural Council UP designated organization welcoming participants of all disabilities. Please contact us by phone: 413-551-5100 or by email: info@edithwharton.org to discuss accommodations needed to participate fully in this event. Golf carts will be available to shuttle those with mobility concerns between the parking lot and event venue. View The Mount’s Health and Safety Guidelines.