Frederick Law Olmsted, recognized as one of the greatest landscape architects from the U.S., is perhaps best known for contributing to the design of New York City's Central Park. He was also a Connecticut native, and was raised in Hartford's North End -- where he is also interred, in Old North Cemetery.
A new PBS documentary film, "Frederick Law Olmsted: Designing America," chronicles Olmsted's life and work.
Olmsted was hugely influential on the design of our nations' parks and outdoor spaces, including across Connecticut. He designed Walnut Hill Park in New Britain, Seaside Park and Beardsley Park in Bridgeport, and The Institute of Living grounds in Hartford, and his firm designed and landscaped Elizabeth Park in Hartford. He also led a campaign to protect Niagara Falls, bringing the preservation of public space to the fore.
The documentary about Olmsted will air on CPTV4U on Monday, July 7 at 9:00 pm, with a repeat airing on Tuesday, July 8 at noon.
An advance screening is taking place on Friday, June 27 at 7:00 pm, at UConn's Torrington campus, hosted by the Torrington Historical Society. The event will feature guest speaker Lawrence Hott, the film's director, who has produced films for PBS for over 35 years. Tickets: (860) 482-8260.
Watch a preview of the documentary below:
