'The Gilded Age Mansions of Alva Vanderbilt Belmont' Webinar

If there is one woman who symbolizes the Gilded Age more than any other, it's the former Mrs. William Kissam Vanderbilt, Alva Belmont. While she grew up in a prominent upper-class family from Mobile, Alabama, Alva's first marriage to the ultra-wealthy William Kissam Vanderbilt would help her quickly become a leader of New York Society, the highest level of social recognition and fame throughout the country. But equally impressive were the whimsical homes she had built, which epitomized the era's unbridled extravagance. It's time to explore Alva's incredible estates and homes throughout the United States and France, and the stories of power found within their walls.

Join New York Adventure Club for a virtual exploration of the many luxurious homes built during the Gilded Age by Alva Belmont (1853-1933) through rare archival images, floor plans, and colorized postcards.

Led by historian Gary Lawrance, our virtual showcase of Alva's incredible estates — some of which are still standing — will include:

• Idle Hour in Oakdale, New York — in 1878, Alva and her husband William Kissam commissioned architect Richard Morris Hunt to design a sprawling 110 mansion on a 900-acre country estate for her, her children, and first husband, William Kissam Vanderbilt
• The Petite Chateau in New York City — designed by famed Gilded Age architect Richard Morris Hunt and completed in 1882, this French style chateau forever broke the mold when it came to living in grandeur
• Marble House in Newport, Rhode Island — Alva had Richard Morris Hunt design a marble palace in 1892 to outshine the mostly wooden shingle style summer cottages of old Newport, which once again dazzled New York Society and helped define Newport Society in the summer months
• A look at many more mansions, castles, and chateaux; including Beacon Towers in Sands Point, New York; Belcourt Castle in Newport, Rhode Island; Brookholt in Hempstead, New York; and her final homes in France on the Riviera, Paris, and in the countryside

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Gary — any and all questions are welcomed and encouraged!

Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

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***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

****If the event has already passed, but it's been less than a week, you can still register for it on our website's active replay section!

About Gary

Architect, Author, and Historian Gary Lawrance is an architect from Stony Brook, New York. His firm, Lawrance Architectural Presentations, provides design presentations, architectural models, digital renderings, and design development services to architects, landscape architects and interior designers.

Mr. Lawrance has an extensive background in the history of Gilded Age architecture, landscapes, and society, and co-authored the bestselling book, “Houses of the Hamptons 1880-1930” with Anne Surchin (Acanthus Press 2007, Revised 3rd Printing 2013).

Mr. Lawrance’s work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Hamptons Cottages & Gardens, Newsday, New York Social Diary, Southampton Press, and more. Mr. Lawrance has written for Architectural Digest, Dan’s Papers, Quest magazine, and his two blogs, Mansions of the Gilded Age and Houses of the Hamptons in addition to founding and contributing to the two very successful Facebook and Instagram social media accounts, Mansions of the Gilded Age & The Gilded Age Society with over 600,000 followers combined.

Testimonials

"1st time viewer. I'll be back" -JP

"Love the Gilded Age and Mt Lawrence is very knowledgeable." -Linda

"I just love anything guilded age." -Ellen

"Gary has such an incredible knowledge. I love any webinar that Gary puts on. I’ll attend them all!" -Cara H." -Cara

"The detail and the old photos especially of the demolished homes." -David

"The presenter was awesome!" -William

"Speakers subject knowledge and the pictures. I did not think it was too long....we got our money's worth!" -Christine

"Photos and a good amount of historical details. Your webinars are great sources of historical facts. Thank you!" -Sarita

"Wow. I knew about her homes with Mr Vanderbilt, but not all the rest. This lady was something else!!! Thank you - most enjoyable!" -Aleisa

"It was very interesting" -EK

"Great information and historical details!" -Jen

"Very informative, great pictures!! Great presentation!! Thanks!!" -Anne

"The presenter was obviously very knowledgeable and some of his comments about the architecture were very helpful." -Maria

"Gary is a gem. Lovely presentation skills with a great depth of knowledge." -Jan

"Gary is a knowledgable fun speaker" -Lawrence

"Interesting information, well presented and enjoyable!" -Jill

"Loved the topic and learning more about the family." -Cindy

"Gary is very knowledgeable. He always presents lots of visuals that enhance his presentation." -Nancy

"Very informative and engaging!" -Melody

"Gary is Very experienced. I'm looking forward to the next one." -Connie

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Categories: Virtual, Gilded Age

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