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On this special occasion, we will honor extraordinary champions for their invaluable contributions to the field of preservation and longstanding support of vibrant communities. The 75th Anniversary Gala represents an important opportunity for us to reflect on 75 years of preserving the power of place and to recognize those leaders, partners, and supporters who have contributed to that history, while exploring how we can build on its impact to best serve the public—now and into the future.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is thrilled to honor Peter L. and Isabel Malkin for their lifelong commitment to preserving some of the most iconic structures and landscapes in the United States; VERANDA for their commitment to sharing the important stories of preservation; African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund for its visionary and transformational investments to revitalize local economies and enrich the lives of all Americans by connecting us to our shared histories.

Chesterwood, the newly restored residence of American Renaissance sculptor Daniel Chester French reopens after four-year renovation project, presenting Modeling Women: Female Models and Artists at Chesterwood in three newly renovated exhibition rooms. Modeling Women celebrates the important role of French’s female models, alongside the works of two female artists active at Chesterwood: Evelyn Beatrice Longman and Margaret French Cresson.

Modeling Women brings together over 25 sculptures and paintings—many never before exhibited—to explore themes of collaboration and mentorship. The exhibition highlights women who modeled for some of Daniel Chester French’s most celebrated monuments.

The Culpeper Summer Performance Series brings the best of New York City arts and culture to Westchester. Hosted annually at The Pocantico Center, the series presents music, dance, and theater supported by the Rockefeller Brothers Fund Culpeper Arts & Culture program. One-night-only performances by dancers Omari Wiles and Marie Basse-Wiles, jazz legend Ken Peplowski, and actor/director Samora la Perdida take place at the David Rockefeller Creative Arts Center—housed in John D. Rockefeller’s 1908 orangerie—and a special three-performance engagement by Site-Specific Dances activates the landscapes around Kykuit, the historic home of the Rockefeller family.

Shadows-on-the-Teche is partnering with the Historic Artists’ Homes and Studios (HAHS), a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, to continue its celebration of Louisiana art. Join us for Clementine Hunter and Louisiana Folk Art, a conversation with Tom Whitehead, leading expert on Clementine Hunter, and featuring Valerie Balint, Director of Historic Artists’ Homes and Studios.

The former home and workplace of self-taught artist Clementine Hunter, Melrose on the Cane (Natchitoches, LA) is a longtime member of Historic Artists’ Homes and Studios and was designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust in 2015. African House, a building on property, houses an epic mural cycle by Hunter and in 2015 and 2016, the National Trust’s HOPE Crew rehabilitated and restored this building to safely display these murals. This program advances dialogue about the artistic connections at Shadows-on-the-Teche related to the ongoing endeavors of resident, William Weeks Hall, a promising artist who created an artistic hub at the site. Funding for this program has been provided by the State of Louisiana and administered by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities (LEH).

This event is virtual and free to attend.