Kent Barwick at Grand Central Terminal, New York City
Kent Barwick—an urban planner, conservationist, preservationist, and incorrigible New Yorker—will deliver the keynote address at the annual discussion luncheon of the Florida Chapter of the National Institute of Social Sciences on Monday, March 6, at noon in Palm Beach.
“We are absolutely delighted that Mr. Barwick, one of New York City’s most distinguished cultural authorities and architectural champions, has agreed to address our meeting,” said Joseph Flanagan, chairman of the Florida Chapter. “This event will continue the National Institute’s proud history of bringing the finest speakers to our Florida luncheons.”
Mr. Barwick is best known for working with Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in the 1970s to uphold the New York City Landmarks Law and in the process save Grand Central Terminal from a planned skyscraper. But he also led the Municipal Art Society’s fights to save Radio City Music Hall and Lever House, to prevent the construction of massive towers overlooking Central Park, and to build a new Moynihan Station on the site of the main New York City post office.
He was Society’s leader three times and served as chair of New York City’s Landmarks Preservation Commission, president of the New York State Historical Association, and executive director of the New York State Council on the Arts. He was the founder of the Waterfront Alliance, which leads the effort to restore New York's long neglected waterfront. He was appointed by President Reagan to serve on the national commission to restore the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Mr. Barwick has been honored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the American Planning Association (for saving Times Square), and the National Institute of Social Sciences. In 2008, he received the Municipal Art Society’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Medal.
This is the 29th annual discussion luncheon sponsored by the Florida Chapter of the National Institute. Anyone interested in attending the luncheon should contact the Maybell Lin, executive secretary of Florida Chapter, at (561) 582-0279.
About The National Institute of Social Sciences
Established in 1912, the National Institute of Social Sciences (www.socialsciencesinstitute.org) is an honorary society of Americans dedicated by service and philanthropy to the public weal and joined together to recognize and celebrate those who have achieved at the highest level. Since its founding, the National Institute has presented Gold Medals to distinguished honorees, established a vibrant chapter in Palm Beach, Florida, and more recently made grants to graduate students in the social sciences.