Maymont Lecture: Private Spectacle to Public Escape, Transforming a Vanderbilt Landscape

As Maymont celebrates its centennial year, discover how some of America's most celebrated Gilded Age estates evolved from private homes into beloved public destinations at this lecture on Thursday, September 24 at 6pm. 🗣️
Presented by Jim Donahue (pictured in header photo), Curator of Landscapes for the Newport Mansions, this engaging lecture explores how the Vanderbilt family's magnificent Newport estates — including The Breakers — transitioned from private summer residences into public museums and gardens. Drawing parallels to Maymont's own transformation in 1926, the program places the Dooleys' extraordinary gift within the broader story of preserving America's Gilded Age landscapes. 🪻🏡🪻
Following the lecture, guests are invited to enjoy a reception and continue the conversation.
📍 Program Details
- Lecture happening inside Maymont’s wheelchair accessible Westover Building at 1000 Westover Road, Richmond, Virginia
- Capacity is limited to 75 guests. Advance registration is recommended at https://bit.ly/9-24maymontlecture
🚗 Parking is available in the Maymont Farm Parking Lot at 1001 Spottswood Road, Richmond, Virginia