Washington College Academy of Life Long Learning is offering a trip to Dumbarton Oaks on Wednesday April 23.
The founders of Dumbarton Oaks, Robert and Mildred Bliss had a vision for their undertaking: “There was a need in this country, we thought, of a quiet place where the advanced students and scholars could withdraw, the one to mellow and develop, the other to write the result of a life’s study, ” wrote Robert Bliss in 1940. What a legacy they left!
Rose garden at Dumbarton Oaks
Now administered by Harvard University, the Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection is located in residential Georgetown and is indeed a “quiet place” in a strikingly beautiful setting on a hillside near Rock Creek Park. Its museum focuses on Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art.
In addition to the museum and research facility, the Blisses had a vision for the adjacent terraced gardens. Working in an agreeably close collaboration for almost thirty years, Mildred Bliss and landscape gardener, Beatrix Farrand, designed every garden detail, each terrace, bench, urn, and border. Visitors can enjoy these gardens today, a creation of special and stunning beauty in an urban setting.
Dr. Donald McColl, Professor of Art History at Washington College and an expert in Byzantine art, spent a sabbatical semester in residence at Dumbarton Oaks several years ago. McColl will share his experience of this art collection during a pre-trip talk on Tuesday, April 22, 3-4 PM in Litrenta Hall, Toll Science Center on the Washington College campus. The talk is free and open to the public.
The bus trip begins at 8:30 AM in Chestertown and returns by 4 PM. Reservations are due to WC-ALL by April 5. The cost is $30 members; $35 non-members for tours and bus fare. There will be a mid-afternoon lunch stop at The Narrows restaurant on Kent Island on the return trip. Lunch is on your own… For more information contact [email protected], 410.778.7221.
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