This Land Was Saved for You and Me

Maine debut

The Portland Parks Conservancy and Mechanics’ Hall are pleased to present an evening with Maine author Jeffrey Ryan. The Portland native will be speaking about Frederick Law Olmsted’s enduring contribution to Portland’s landscape to wrap up the Portland Parks Conservancy’s celebration of Olmsted’s 200th birthday.

Three of Portland’s showcase parks — Back Cove, the Eastern Promenade, and the Western Promenade — were all benefactors of Olmsted’s design sensibility, places where residents and visitors can enjoy sweeping vistas, find solitude, and reconnect with the natural world. We will explore how Olmsted came to realize that the grandest design of all was nature itself and how his urgings for restraint are the hallmarks of some of our country’s most celebrated public spaces.  

The event will also be the first book signing event for Ryan’s newest book, This Land Was Saved for You and Me, which reveals Olmsted’s leadership in creating federally protected lands such as Yosemite Valley and Niagara Falls, in creating forestry as a profession and in recognizing the value of creating parks where manmade structures would be minimized to allow scenery to take the stage.

Free event — ticket required

Please note that while the event is free to attend, advance tickets will be required. Details to come as the event date nears.