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The History and Architecture of Darien’s Great Island with George Knight Award-Winning Architect to Lecture At Darien Library
May 20 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Free
The Museum of Darien, The Darien Library, and the Great Island Advisory Committee are proud to welcome award-winning architect George Knight for a captivating lecture on the history and architecture of Darien’s Great Island on Tuesday, May 20th at 7pm at the Darien Library.
Located just off the coast of Long Island Sound and connected to the mainland by Rings End Bridge, Great Island is one of Darien’s most storied properties. Originally established as a summer estate by William Ziegler, a billionaire industrialist and baking powder magnate who passed away in 1905, the island is rich in architectural and historical significance.
During this special lecture, George Knight will take attendees on a visual and historical journey through the estate’s iconic buildings, including the Estate House, Stables, Carriage House, Greenhouse, and more. Many of these majestic structures were designed by renowned architectural firms of the era and reflect the grandeur and vision of the early 20th century. The scenic roads and thoughtfully designed spaces throughout the island continue to tell the story of its distinguished past.
This is a unique opportunity to learn about the architectural splendor of Great Island from one of the most respected voices in the field. Registration is required to attend this free event at museumofdarien.org or darienlibrary.org. Parking is available in Darien Library’s parking lot. If the lot is full, there may be parking available behind Nielsen’s on Thorndal Circle.
About the Speaker: George Knight
George Knight, principal of Knight Architecture LLC, founded the firm in 2004 after ten years with Cesar Pelli & Associates in New Haven, Connecticut, where he served as Senior Associate. He also previously worked with Shope Reno Wharton Associates in Greenwich, Connecticut.
A cum laude graduate of Princeton University (1989), Knight received the Willard Thorpe Thesis Prize. He earned his Master of Architecture from the Yale School of Architecture in 1995, where he won the Drawing Prize and has taught since 2004.
Knight also serves on the Board of Directors of the International Festival of Arts and Ideas, the Board of Governors of the Ivy Club in Princeton, and the City of New Haven’s Historic District Commission. He lives in New Haven with his wife and five children.
About the Museum of Darien
The Museum of Darien is dedicated to maintaining, collecting, preserving, and exhibiting materials of local historical value. Through educational programming and exhibits, the Museum aims to deepen community understanding of Darien’s heritage and promote the preservation of its unique past as the town continues to grow and evolve.
About Darien Library
Darien Library’s mission is to provide education, entertainment, enrichment, and community building through compassionate service to all. The library is the heart of Darien and provides experiences that people love and remember.
About Great Island Advisory Committee
As part of the Town of Darien’s planning process for Great Island, the Great Island Advisory Committee (GIAC) is working with landscape architects Reed Hilderbrand and architect George Knight to shape a long-term vision for the property. Knight’s insights into the island’s historic buildings will be shared during a public lecture at the Darien Library, offering a unique look at the role of architecture in the island’s future.
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