New Haven Parks Designer Donald Mitchell Discussed at Historical Society May 3

The life and work of Westville resident, Donald Grant Mitchell (1822-1908), the original designer of the New Haven Parks System, will be the topic for the Amity and Woodbridge Historical Society’s Annual Meeting on May 3, 2015.

At a time when many cities were asking the Olmsted firm to design their parks, Donald Grant Mitchell was asked to design the parks of New Haven. Beginning with East Rock Park, Mitchell designed parks for many areas of New Haven.

His impact as an author, lecturer and designer allowed him to create the aesthetics of the day, from house design, farm layout, landscape design, and cityscape.

Our guest speaker Leslie Martino, a local landscape designer and historian who has conducted extensive research into the origins of the New Haven Park System, will present her research into the life and impact of Mr. Mitchell as well as his Woodbridge connections.

The Woodbridge Historical Society’s Annual Meeting will take place on Sunday May 3, 2015 at the First Church Parish House, 5 Meeting House Lane in Woodbridge from 2 to 4 PM. Light refreshments will be served. This event is free and open to the public. For more information please visit the Woodbridge Historical Society website.

Image: Donald Grant Mitchell in 1883, from Charles Scribner’s Sons Art Reference Department Records (via Wikimedia Commons)