Date: October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, November 6
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted has been called the most important historical figure that Americans know the least about. This course aims to change that by introducing the multifaceted life, career, and legacy of Olmsted. Five experts will lead the class in an examination of the work of Olmsted and his firm that literally designed the American landscape. From Olmsted’s birth in 1822 to his death in 1903, the class will travel to England with Olmsted on his influential visit to Birkenhead Park, learn about his groundbreaking work as an undercover reporter for The New York Times, examine his design philosophy, and zero in on specific work at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. The class will also learn about the Olmsted firm which was operated by Olmsted’s sons, John Charles Olmsted and Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. to carry on the work of their father. 2024 marks the 125th birthday of the American Society of Landscape Architects which they founded.

About Dede Petri, JD
Dede Petri has served as the president and CEO of the Olmsted Network since 2020. For over 30 years, she has been a leader and innovator in a wide range of nonprofit organizations. She was the 42nd president of The Garden Club of America, cofounded the American Council of Trustees and Alumni, serving as president from 2003 to 2016, and served as general counsel and congressional liaison for the National Endowment for the Humanities. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa and magna cum laude from Harvard College with an AB in American history and literature, and she received her JD from Harvard Law School.