On September 13-15, just as the leaves are changing, join the Olmsted Network for an unforgettable experience in New York’s Hudson Valley. Our 2024 conference weekend will include an exclusive pre-trip to Olana State Historic Site, a conference day at Downing Park in Newburgh, a sunset dinner cruise along the Hudson River, a conference day at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, and a presentation of our 2024 awards winners. 12 LA CES credit hours are available. 

Our conference weekend will kick off on Friday, September 13, with A Visit to Stonegate Farm and Frederic Church’s Olana. Limited to 30 lucky participants, this exclusive pre-trip offers intimate visits of two historic Hudson Valley estates, culminating in a sunset cocktail reception on Olana’s piazza.  

On Saturday, we’ll explore Newburgh, NY, where Downing Park– the last great work of Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux— is undergoing a resurgence of interest. Before engaging in a community conversation and embarking on expert-led tours, Frank Kowsky will lecture on Calvert Vaux, whose bicentennial is happening throughout 2024, and Sara Zewde will present on Olmsted’s roots as a social reformer. We’ll end the day with an optional Italian dinner cruise along the majestic Hudson River.  

On Sunday, join us in Poughkeepsie, NY, where the Olmsted firm’s recommendations for Vassar— offered at three different points during the college’s history— are visible on the campus grounds today. The program will include a discussion on parks as vital public health infrastructure and feature panelists, such as Dr. Howard Frumkin and Robert Kirkbride. Later that night, we’ll celebrate five Olmsted advocates from across the country with a special dinner at Vassar’s Alumnae House.   

Tickets are available for both conference days ($350), Saturday only ($200), and Sunday only ($200). Add-on events include the pre-trip to Stonegate Farm and Olana ($275), the Pride of the Hudson dinner cruise ($100), and the awards dinner ($125). Discounted student tickets are available. Secure your spot by September 1.  

Learn more and register now.