Good for Whom? Olmsted, Parks, and Public Good
Adding Contexts of Settler Colonialism and Systemic Racism
Off the Pedestal
What could a more truthful legacy look like?
Critical Inquiry: Is Olmsted's legacy one of a progressive social reformer, an abolitionist, a democratic designer, an environmentally conscious landscaper?
Is his legacy one of displacement, dispossession, gentrification, white conservationism, and white supremacy?
The answer could include all of the above, but perhaps the more important question is what do we lose when we put forth solely celebratory narratives of historical figures and neglect to examine the full scope of impact of their life-the good, the bad, the ugly, and the gray?
How do you feel about his legacy after engaging with this counter exhibit?
Image of a manuscript from Subject File, 1857-1952 via The Library of Congress
Examining primary sources can also reveal new information about Olmsted's work, vision, and ideas.
The Library of Congress is currently transcribing Olmsted's papers. Find out how you can participate:
The Frederick Law Olmsted Papers Subject File series contains correspondence, maps, drawings, reports, newspaper clippings, and printed matter arranged alphabetically by subject and chronologically therein, spanning primarily from 1857 to the 1890s. Stemming from Berkeley to Brookline, Atlanta to Albany, New York, Washington, D.C., and Boston, or from Niagara Falls to the World’s Columbian Exposition, the subject file includes documentation and ideas about buildings and grounds, cemeteries, city and regional planning, community design, clubs and hotels, fairs, hospitals, parks, private estates and public buildings related to a myriad of small towns, cities, and sites around the country.
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