The Friends of Fairsted recently announced the recipients of this year’s prestigious Beveridge Research Grant, supporting original research and creative work that deepens public understanding of Frederick Law Olmsted’s legacy.
This year’s primary grant was awarded to Bernardo de Magalhães e Menezes, whose research explores the enduring influence of Olmsted’s design vision on the academic development of landscape architecture—both in Boston, where Olmsted lived and worked, and internationally. His project offers fresh insight into how Olmsted’s ideas helped shape the discipline as it evolved through the 20th century and beyond.
In addition to the primary award, the Friends of Fairsted also recognized Joseph James, a landscape architect, with a special grant for his creative endeavor: a graphic novel that brings the story of Franklin Park to life. Through illustration and narrative, James aims to engage new audiences with the cultural and ecological significance of one of Olmsted’s most ambitious urban park projects.
These awards underscore the continuing relevance of Olmsted’s work and its power to inspire scholars, practitioners, and the public alike.