Five Centuries of New Jersey Architecture

Janet W. Foster, noted architectural historian, researcher, writer, and lecturer on New Jersey's historic buildings, presents "Five Centuries of New Jersey Architecture." Tonight's lecture focuses on buildings of New Jersey from the 17th through the 21st centuries in order to show the changes in style, building materials, and technologies that have shaped our built environment. From the varied vernacular houses reflecting the origins of the earliest European settlers -- Dutch, English, Swedish, and German -- to the adoption of skyscrapers and energy-efficient design in our own era, this is a fascinating "highlights" tour of buildings and the history they reveal.

No registration necessary, however seating is first-come, first-seated.

About Janet W. Foster: Ms. Foster has taught at Columbia University, Drew University, and for the Madison Library “Mini-Courses” series. Her publications include Building By the Book and The Queen Anne House: America’s Victorian Vernacular, along with numerous smaller pamphlets and articles. Trained in historic preservation at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation, she has prepared numerous National Register nominations, Historic Structures Reports, and investigated hundreds of old buildings, focusing on vernacular architecture of New Jersey. She lives in Madison, and maintains an active pro bono involvement in historic preservation, including as a board member of the New Jersey Historic Trust and a member of the New Jersey State Review Board for Historic Sites.

Image description: Janet W. Foster stands riverside in Lyons, France. Photo courtesy of Ms. Foster.