Laurie Heiss, co-author of The Merritt Parkway, The Road That Shaped a Region, will discuss the illustrious roadway that became the gateway to New England, from its complicated beginnings to current opportunities and challenges, at a Spotlight Book Talk on April 30 from 2:00 – 3:00pm. The talk will take place in the Permanent Collections Gallery at the Historical Society, 47 Strickland Rd., Cos Cob. The author signing will be in the Museum Store.
Photo courtesy Laurie Heiss
The talk is hosted in conjunction with Greenwich Historical Society’s new art installation on the other iconic parkway that impacted the region: ‘Rediscover Greenwich / Re- Framing 95’.
Heiss will navigate the hard-fought path of this beloved road which earned the reputation of Queen of American parkways and celebrity status in countless movies, magazines and paintings.
She will introduce bridge artists, landscapers, politicians and the activists whose involvement in its creation were responsible for transforming Fairfield County from a region of farms and country estates to one of the wealthiest in the nation and an economic powerhouse.
To maintain its breathtaking beauty and utility as a major roadway in Connecticut, Heiss will address the need for engaging the next generation in its preservation.
“Thanks to the dedication of preservationists and conservationists led by Greenwich residents Peter Malkin and Dee Winokur, the Merritt remains functional and beautiful, but it will require a concerted effort to educate future generations on how to maintain its sense of place as a defining feature of our County,” Heiss said in a release. “The need to balance aesthetics with utility and safety is critical as the population and number of cars in the region grow, otherwise we risk losing its uniqueness and beauty.”
Hosted by the Museum Store, the talk is the third in a four-part series designed to drive meaningful connections through inspirational and thought-provoking literature. Books may be purchased in advance or on the day of the program for signing by Laurie Heiss.
Admission is free for all talks, but space is limited, and registration is recommended. For more information and to register: https://greenwichhistory.org/
The final Spotlight talk of the season will take place on May 14, featuring Catherine T. Horne who will discuss her timeless children’s story on the changing seasons of New England Taking a Ride on Butterfly Wings.