The Olmsted Network will host its 2024 Annual Conference - Landscapes of Renewal: Olmsted, Vaux and Downing in the Hudson Valley from September 14 to 15. The purpose of this conference is to focus on treasured landscapes in the Hudson Valley region, with the first day in Newburgh.

The Olmsted Network, first established in 1980, went by the name the National Association for Olmsted Parks and “is the first and only national organization dedicated to championing Olmsted parks, places and principles through advocacy, education and stewardship.”

The national organization is named after Frederick Law Olmsted, an American landscape architect, journalist and public administrator. Per the Olmsted Network, Olmsted’s architectural firm has been credited with over 6,000 projects across the United States, in Canada and other countries.

Olmsted’s works include Central Park in New York City, the U.S. Capitol Grounds in Washington, D.C., Jackson Park in Chicago and Emerald Necklace in Boston, Massachusetts. Downing Park in the City of Newburgh is also attributed to Olmsted and to Calvert Vaux, another renowned architect.

The park itself is named after Andrew Jackson Downing of Newburgh, another recognized landscape architect, writer and horticulturist who had died while traveling along the Hudson River on a steamboat. Downing was a mentor to both men prior to his death.

The first day of the conference (Sept. 14) will allow guests to learn more about and visit Downing Park in the city. Guests will also examine how park preservation can be a key to urban renewal. Scholar and author Frank Kowsky and landscape architect Sara Zewde will deliver introductions and keynote speeches on the first day. Historic structures in Newburgh designed by Vaux and Downing will be featured during the first day.

More information on the conference, ticket prices and scheduling can be found at the following link: olmsted.org/events/2024-olmsted-network-annual-conference/.