WE THE PEOPLE
Designing the Past
MONTPELIER DESIGN CONGRESS CREATES NEW MODEL FOR THE DESIGN OF AMERICAN HISTORIC SITES
The Montpelier landscape contains rich archaeological sites , scenic pastures , integrated trail systems , and protected woodlands that embody the rich historical and ecological narrative of the Virginia Piedmont . As a highly-visited destination of historic tourism and a cultural institution that offers a wide variety of programs to the public , the site ’ s use poses a range of possibilities and challenges .
Ensuring that Montpelier ’ s landscape is used in the most inspiring way was the motivation for the first Montpelier Design Congress , held from October 10-12 and made possible by a generous gift from Michael Bills and Sonjia Smith .
The three day event brought together experts in a range of fields , including Founding Gardeners author Andrea Wulf , SUNY-ESF professor of conservation biology Dr . James Gibbs , and president , CEO and founder of The Cultural Landscape Foundation ( TCLF ) Charles A . Birnbaum , FASLA , FAAR . The future-focused discussion was moderated by renowned landscape architect Thomas Woltz . We asked Woltz about the vision for what , we believe , will be a far-reaching discussion for many years .
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