Morven Museum & Garden Presents Grand Homes & Gardens Distinguished Speakers Series

PRINCETON, N.J. - Jan. 20, 2019 - PRLog -- - Grand Homes & Gardens Distinguished Speakers Series, to be held in Morven's new Stockton Education Center for four weeknights in February and March 2019, expands on Morven's history as a grand home with centuries of impressive gardens and "transports us from the bleak, grey winter to the promise of spring, with virtual travel to these exquisite properties," Morven's Executive Director Jill Barry shared recently. "We are thrilled to be able to offer four exciting evenings highlighting distinctive grand homes and gardens at Morven."

The series launches on Thursday, February 21, 6:30 p.m. with a presentation and book signing featuring Kate Markert, Executive Director of Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens.  Ms. Markert reveals how Marjorie Merriweather Post, one of the wealthiest women in America in 1914, lived an "artful life" in her three spectacular homes: Hillwood, TopRidge, and Mar-a-Lago, with world-class collections and exquisite gardens. Living Artfully: Marjorie Merriweather Post's Hillwood will be available for sale and signing following the lecture.

Next, The Art of Gardening At Chanticleer, will be held on Tuesday, February 26 at 6:30 p.m. and provides  a visual tour and behind-the-scenes look at Chanticleer with Executive Director and Head Gardener R. William "Bill" Thomas.  Once the home of the Rosengarten family, and what the Washington Post calls "one of the most interesting and edgy public gardens in America," Chanticleer, is known for its residential-scale plant combinations featuring foliage textures and colors, its wide variety of containers, and its imaginative homemade furniture.  The Art of Gardening: Design Inspiration and Innovative Planting Techniques from Chanticleer will be available for sale and signing following the lecture. Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP are sponsors of Morven's Chanticleer Lecture.

On Tuesday, March 5 at 6:30 p.m., Morven's own site and gardens are spotlighted. In Reimagining Morven & Its Historic Gardens, Morven Museum & Garden's Curator of Collections & Exhibitions Elizabeth Allan and Horticulturist Pam Ruch, share how the house and gardens evolved under each family that resided at Morven.   Beginning with Annis Boudinot Stockton (18th century), Harriet Potter Stockton (19th century), and Helen Hamilton Stockton (20th century), based upon writings and journals of these women, followed by Robert Wood Johnson II and Governor Walter Edge, the house and garden evolved to reflect the taste of the time.

The Series finale focuses on acclaimed Architect, Author, and Historian Gary Lawrance who provides an illustrated journey and brief history of the great summer resort homes that made the Hamptons one of the premier resorts of glamour, luxury, and architectural achievement.  In Hamptons Houses & Gardens Of The Gilded Age on Tuesday March 12 at 6:30 p.m., houses to be discussed include Wooldon Manor, the home of Jesse Woolworth Donahue; Black Point, the H. H. Rogers mansion; Bayberry Land, the du Ponts' Chestertown House; and The Orchard, one of architect Stanford White's last great commissions. Copies of Mr. Lawrance's book will be available for sale and signing following the lecture.

Light refreshments served at all events. Series tickets available: $45 for Friends of Morven; $60 for Public. To order click here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/grand-homes-gardens-distinguished-speakers-series-2019-tickets-53998813906
Additional information available at www.morven.org or email dlampertrudman@morven.org. Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ,  is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.