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 16, historian Jonathan Conlin presents The MET: A History of a Museum and its People (Columbia University Press, 2024), a groundbreaking bottom-up history of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the world’s greatest cultural institutions. Its holdings encompass a vast range—including paintings, sculptures, costumes, instruments, and arms and armor—and span millennia, from ancient Egypt and Greece to Islamic art to European Old Masters and modern artists. How did the Met amass this trove, and what do the experiences of the people who bought, restored, catalogued, visited, and watched over these works tell us about the museum? In The MET, Jonathan Conlin tells the stories of the people who have shaped the museum—from curators and artists to museumgoers and security guards—and the communities that have made it their own. For this talk at The Mount, Conlin will explore the foundations of the Museum, highlighting the connections to the Jones family and the broader cultural context in which Edith Wharton came of age. 

Jonathan Conlin is Professor of Modern History at the University of Southampton. His books include Tales of Two Cities: Paris, London, and the Birth of the Modern City (2014) and Mr. Five Per Cent: The Many Lives of Calouste Gulbenkian, the World’s Richest Man (2019).

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.

This program has reached full capacity!

$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.