On February 4 th, the Friends of the Public Garden presented "Searching for the Histories of Boston's Public Garden," a lecture by Boston University Professor Keith N. Morgan. The event, attended by 75 people at Suffolk University Law School, explored the origin, early designs, and evolution of America's first public botanical garden.
Morgan traced the Public Garden's development from its original submersion under tidal marshland through the highly embellished Garden of the Victorian era to the design we know today. He explored the historical significance of the Garden's most famous statues and shared images of art that was inspired by the Garden, such as Maurice Prendergast's "Large Boston Public Garden Sketchbook" and Robert McCloskey's children's book "Make Way for Ducklings."
More than a dozen audience members were attending the lecture as part of a training program. In spring, Friends of the Public Garden volunteers will be leading tours in the Public Garden and sharing highlights on its history, horticulture, sculpture, and other significant elements. Tours will provide community members with an opportunity to learn about the rich history of one of Boston's most cherished greenspaces from other members of the community.
Morgan teaches History of Art and Architecture at Boston University where he has taught for over 30 years. He has been published numerous works over the past few decades, including his most recent co-authored book: " Community by Design: the Olmsted Office and the Development of Brookline, Massachusetts, 1880-1936."
For more information on upcoming Friends of the Public Garden events and the launch of the Public Garden Tour Program, stay tuned to www.friendsofthepublicgarden.org.
