Women Patrons of Architecture: Dr. Edith Farnsworth and Her Iconic Modern House

Join Historic New Harmony at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, 2025, for a lecture and book signing by architectural historian Michelangelo Sabatino. He will present “Women Patrons of Architecture: Dr. Edith Farnsworth and Her Iconic Modern House” in the Clowes Theater of the Atheneum Visitors Center.

Sabatino will discuss his new book, The Edith Farnsworth House: Architecture, Preservation, Culture, exploring the three distinct “lives” of the iconic modern house. Designed by Mies van der Rohe for Dr. Edith Farnsworth, the house has evolved through different phases of ownership and preservation, from its creation as a pioneering work of modern architecture to its later years under the Palumbo family and its current stewardship by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Landmarks Illinois, which opened the house to the public 20 years ago.

Sabatino will be joined by contributor Ron Henderson to discuss the house’s architectural significance, preservation challenges and cultural impact. Assistant Director of Historic New Harmony Diane Sanders will read excerpts from Dr. Edith Farnsworth’s memoirs.

Copies of The Edith Farnsworth House, as well as Sabatino’s other books, Avant Garde in the Cornfields and Modern in the Middle, will be available for sale in the Atheneum’s Museum Shop for signing after the program.

This event is free and open to the public.