Description
The collection consists of records created by the Olmsted Brothers firm, as well as materials relating to Frederick Law Olmsted,
Sr.
Background
Frederick Law Olmsted (1822-1903), known as the "father of American landscape architecture," designed and planned parks and
park systems throughout the United States. His earliest designs, completed with partner Calvert Vaux, include New York's Central
Park, Brooklyn's Prospect Park, and Chicago's South Parks.
Olmsted's stepson and son, John Charles Olmsted and Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. became landscape architects as well, working
in Olmsted's firm. The two formed the Olmsted Brothers firm in 1898, after the retirement of Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr. and
the death of partner Charles Eliot. The Olmsted Brothers completed numerous large projects, including comprehensive park systems,
universities, exposition grounds, libraries, hospitals, and state capitols. In addition, the two were among the founding members
of the American Society of Landscape Architects.
Restrictions
All requests for permission to publish, reproduce, or quote from materials in the collection should be discussed with the
Curator.