The series features experts sharing stories and research about the history of the built environment.
Chicago architect John H. Waters will speak on “Blending Architecture and Nature: The Work of Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin,” who worked with Frank Lloyd Wright.
A Halloween-themed lecture, “The Graveyard Ghost and Other Unusual Tales” will follow at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Springfield Masonic Center, 125 W. High St. Historian Kevin Rose will share frightening tales of key events in Springfield’s past.
The series concludes with “Upside, Downside, Inside and Out: Perspectives on Mac-A-Cheek Castle,” 6:30 p.m. Nov. 9 at High Street United Methodist Church, 230 E. High St. The lecture will be led by Margaret Piatt.
The settings will be an added attraction according to Marta Wojcik, Westcott House executive director and curator.
“We always try to find interesting venues that highlight restoration and preservation for our presentations,” she said.
The churches are places people may not normally visit unless they’re members. The Masonic Center has been a part of the community for nearly 90 years but it may be unfamiliar to those not associated with the Masons.
The lectures draw typically anywhere from 60 to 100 people. The admission fee is $10 a lecture or free for Westcott Center members and students.
PechaKucha Night will be held at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 3 at the Springfield Museum of Art. These gatherings are fast-paced presentations featuring 20 images, each for 20 seconds, with narration from local people.
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The subject is “The American Experience” and will coincide with the museum’s current exhibit “Norman Rockwell: The Man Behind the Canvas.”
“It’s a fun, unexpected presentation and kind of laid back,” Wojcik said.
The Westcott Center and Museum of Art are co-sponsoring the event and the suggested donation is $5.
Last year’s well-received Westcott Gala celebrating 10 years of the restored Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house continues.
The second gala will be 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, at the Hollenbeck Bayley Creative Arts and Conference Center. It will be highlighted by dinner, live music and dancing, and a special guest of honor.
Michael Bongiorno is a Columbus architect who recently gained national acclaim for his work on the new wing at the Columbus Museum of Art.
“We’ll continue this tradition. We need to raise funds, but we will do it in an educational way with one of the best regional designers,” Wojcik said.
Tickets cost $150 a person or $135 for Westcott members. Proceeds from all events will go toward Westcott Center programs.
For more information or tickets, go to www.westcotthouse.org.
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