America’s Eden
Newport Landscapes through the Ages
A New Research & Publication Initiative
with historian John R. Tschirch
The Book
In 1789, Jedidiah Morse described Newport and its environs as the “Eden of America” in the First Geography of the United States. Building on this legendary image of a centuries-old paradise, this new initiative is dedicated to producing a book entitled America’s Eden: Newport Landscapes through the Ages..
This Newport Tree Conservancy publication by historian John Tschirch will establish Newport as a cultural landscape of national significance and raise awareness of the garden and horticultural legacy of the city just as The Architectural Heritage of Newport, Rhode Island (1952) did for its landmark buildings.
The comprehensive history from European settlement to the present day will be illustrated by a treasure trove of rare period maps, paintings and photographs by prominent artists, and drawings and sketches by leading designers. It will serve as a critical resource guide encompassing landscape architecture, fine art, tree and plant propagation, and the conservation of natural sites. A rich story of art, design and horticulture awaits readers among the gardens, gazebos and trees of Newport.
John R. Tschirch, Architectural Historian and Honorary Member, Garden Club of America, is an award winning architectural historian whose thirty-year career in historic preservation has brought him across the globe to study and teach at cultural heritage sites and landscapes.
The Author
Project Supporters
FOUNDERS CIRCLE
Ala & Ralph Isham
William H. Pitt Foundation
PATRONS CIRCLE
David & Pamela Ford
ARBORETUM CIRCLE
Brittain & John Damgard
Virginia Decker
Bernard & Sarah Gewirz
Diane B. Wilsey
GARDEN CIRCLE
Lilly Dick
Angela & Edwin Fischer
TREE CIRCLE
Bettie & Jonathan Pardee
GREEN CIRCLE
Lady Romayne Bockstoce
Robert W. Currier
Maureen Cronin and Mark Marosits
Victoria Mele
Janet Robinson
Susan Ruf and Michael Walsh
Kristyn A. Woodland