Fantastic Water Towers: A Discussion of Local Architectural History

Waterworks Museum Board of Directors Vice-Chair and noted architectural historian Dennis De Witt will give a lecture on the 1893 water tower design competition juried by Edmund March Wheelwright. One of Boston’s official City Architects and the designer of the Waterworks’ expansion in 1897-1898, Wheelwright was an influential late 19th and early 20th century architect. His work includes the Longfellow Bridge in Boston, as well as the Harvard Lampoon Building and Horticultural Hall, opposite Boston’s Symphony Hall. Mr. De Witt will examine the 1893 Water Tower competition and Wheelwright’s role in the review of the designs, diving into the documentary records of the day. Save the date for December 2nd at 7pm and join us in the Overlook Gallery for a very special presentation. There is no admission fee, but donations are welcome.

The Metropolitan Waterworks Museum at 2450 Beacon Street in Boston, opposite the Chestnut Hill Reservoir, is a non-profit museum dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the historic waterworks and buildings which supplied the City of Boston with public water. The Museum presents unique stories of this early metropolitan water system through exhibitions and educational programs on engineering, architecture, social history, and public health. The Waterworks sits on the site of the original Chestnut Hill Reservoir and pumping station in a building dating to the late 1880’s. The Museum consists of the Great Engines Hall, housing three historic steam-powered pumping engines, and a two story glass-enclosed pavilion, featuring the Overlook Gallery. Directions and hours can be found at www.WaterworksMuseum.org. Connect with us on Facebook at Waterworks Museum (official) and on Twitter @MetroWaterworks. Accessible by T on the Green Line “C” and “D” trains, and by Bus (#51 and #86). Limited parking available.