Get to know more about Olmsted, the man behind the beauty at Bok Tower | Things to do
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LAKE WALES — The Olmsted Network, a national organization dedicated to championing Olmsted parks, places and principles through advocacy, education and stewardship, is commemorating Frederick Law Olmsted’s 202nd birthday with a virtual trip to Fairsted in Brookline, Massachusetts, the Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site.
That commemoration continues with Bok Tower Garden’s “Live from Fairsted: Celebrating Olmsted’s 202nd Birthday.” The virtual tour is from 3 to 4 p.m. Thursday, April 25, in the Visitor Center Theater, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales.
Olmsted (1822-1903) is recognized as the founder of American landscape architecture and the nation's most noted park planner of the 19th century. In 1883, Olmsted moved his home to suburban Boston and established "Fairsted," the world's first full-scale professional office for the practice of landscape design.
In 2022, Bok Tower commemorated Olmsted for his 200th birthday, according to Erica Smith, Bok’s director of marketing, “Now he’s turning 202, we wanted to make sure we’re still celebrating.”
Bok’s gardens were designed by Olmsted’s son, Frederick Olmsted Jr. (1870-1957), making the gardens part of the Olmsted legacy, which includes Central Park in New York City and The Mall in Washington, D.C. Like those areas, Bok is part of American Public Gardens Association.
The virtual film will be shown in the Garden’s Visitor Center theatre, which can hold up to 80 guests.
“What we are encouraging people to do is to learn about the connections our tower has to many of the other Olmsted properties, as well as showing a historical look at Frederick Olmsted Sr.’s home,” Smith said.
“As the father of American landscape design, Frederick Olmstead really created the art of American landscape design. We are an Olmsted garden, so we share in that legacy,” she said. “That’s what brings us to continue to celebrate the legacy of Olmstead.”
The cost for the virtual tour is free for Bok members, $20 for non-members and includes admission to the gardens. Registration is required at www.835.blackbaudhosting.com/1835/Live-from-Fairsted-Celebrating-Olmsteds-202nd-Birthday. Call 863-734-1222 for information.
Ellis Island: If Walls Could Talk
From 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, join the Polk County History Center for an online genealogical perspective of New York City’s Ellis Island. The virtual tour will be given by Tamara Hallo, who holds a certificate of genealogical research from Boston University. This is a hybrid virtual program. The presenter will appear virtually, but guests are invited to go to the History Center, 100 E. Main St., Bartow, to participate in the Zoom. For details, call 863-534-4386 or email ShannonGraham@polk-county.net.
Mike Monts De Oca
Mike Monts De Oca is a solo musician who takes inspiration from musicians like Mumford & Sons, Damian Rice, John Mayer and Ray LaMantagne. The results are songs written about love and struggles with a pop-folk feel. He’ll be bringing his tunes to Winter Haven’s Grove Roots Brewing Co., 302 3rd St. S.W., on Sunday, April 28, from 2 to 5 p.m. For information, see www.groveroots.com or call 863-291-0700.
Underbelly Sessions: Adam Cotton Music
Jacksonville singer-songwriter Adam Cotton brings his music in his debut at Lakeland’s Pink Piano, 1015 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland, Thursday, April 25, at 9 p.m. as part of the beer-and-wine pub’s weekly “Underbelly Sessions” highlighting original music. $6. For information, see www.facebook.com/events/1861271231010861 or call 863-937-8885.
At the Polk Theatre
Sunday, April 28, 4 p.m., movie: "Life of Pi." PG. $5.
Monday, April 29, 6:30 p.m., movie: "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl." PG-13. $5
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Tour the Olmsted National Historic Site from Bok Tower | Things to do
