The U.S. Capitol Historical Society has joined the Olmsted200 organization to celebrate the bicentennial of the birth of the man whose design for the U.S. Capitol Grounds is considered a masterpiece. We all know that Frederick Law Olmsted’s plan and development of Central Park in New York City led the concept and development of parks for the people, by the people, and of the people. But why is his legacy being celebrated with a 2022 conference in Korea? Why is there a display about his legacy in Liverpool, England? Why was his travel book about Texas widely purchased in England? How did his work lead to the creation of the American Red Cross, as well as the National Park Service? Why was he recognized as the guiding spirit of the most successful World’s Fair in history?
USCHS Public Historian Steve Livengood, also a Board Member of the National Association for Olmsted Parks, will attempt to survey the landscape of the Olmsted legacy in a single hour at Noon EDT on Tuesday, Sept 14. Like the parks he designed, this program is free and open to the public. Registration is required.