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 August 20, historian Sara Cedar Miller presents Before Central Park (Columbia University Press, 2022), the authoritative account of the place that would become Central Park. With more than eight hundred sprawling green acres in the middle of one of the world’s densest cities, Central Park is an urban masterpiece. Designed in the middle of the nineteenth century by the landscape architects Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, it is a model for city parks worldwide. But before it became Central Park, the land was the site of farms, businesses, churches, wars, and burial grounds―and home to many different kinds of New Yorkers. Join us for an illustrated talk with Sara Cedar Miller, historian emerita of the Central Park Conservancy and author of Before Central Park, the authoritative account of the place that would become Central Park. From the first Dutch family to settle on the land through the political crusade to create America’s first major urban park, Miller chronicles two and a half centuries of history. For this special presentation at The Mount, Miller will delve into the formative connections between Central Park and Edith Wharton, whose ancestors owned a parcel of farmland that would become part of the Park.
A complimentary wine and cheese reception will follow this event to celebrate the conclusion of the Building Old New York series. Join us!
Sara Cedar Miller is the historian emerita of the Central Park Conservancy, which she first joined as a photographer in 1984. Her books include Central Park: An American Masterpiece (2003), Strawberry Fields: Central Park’s Memorial to John Lennon (2011), and Seeing Central Park: The Official Guide (updated and expanded edition, 2020).
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: Hannah Mrakovčić
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$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.
- A complimentary wine and cheese reception will follow this event to celebrate the conclusion of the Building Old New York series, sponsored by Nedra and Richard Koplin.
- 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.
