August 3, 4:00 pm. With an extensive background in Gilded Age history, author and architect Gary Lawrance will focus on “America’s Riviera: Gilded Age Houses and Gardens of the Hamptons,” the subject of his bestselling book, Houses of the Hamptons 1880 – 1930. A premier resort long known for its glamour, luxury and architectural achievement, the speaker will discuss such estates as Wooldon Manor, a 58-room English Tudor colossus; Red Maples, of Beaux-Arts opulence; Villa Mille Fiore, modeled after Rome’s Villa de Medici; The Orchard, a Stanford White commission; Chestertown House, with a du Pont collection of early American antiques.

Ventfort Hall has a strict no-refund policy and tickets are nontransferable. Please ensure you have a strong internet connection and access to Zoom before purchasing tickets.

Tickets purchased on Eventbrite are for the streamed lecture online. This presentation will be strictly streamed online with no in-person attendance.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated by the Massachusetts Cultural Council as an important partner of the Lenox Cultural District, one of the five such Berkshire County districts, Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum was built in 1893 for George and Sarah Morgan, the sister of legendary financier J. Pierpont Morgan. Tours of the historic mansion are offered daily, as well as Tea & Talks, such exhibitions as the Bellefontaine Collection, concerts, theater and other programs. This elegant Jacobean-Revival Berkshire “cottage” is open to the public year-round and is available for private rental. Ventfort Hall, also an Official Project of Save America’s Treasures program sponsored by The White House, has undergone substantial restoration, which continues.