Laurie Heiss, co-author of The Merritt Parkway: The Road That Shaped a Region, will discuss the roadway that became the gateway to New England, from its complicated beginnings to current opportunities and challenges.
— from a Greenwich Historical Society announcement
Unfortunately, this event has reached capacity but you can ask to be put on the waiting list (and it’s still worth reading about — you can get the book in a hardcover or paperback edition here or on Kindle, here). To be placed on the waiting list please call the front desk at 203-869-6899.
Photo from Laurie Heiss, as published in Greenwich Free Press
Laurie Heiss, co-author of “The Merritt Parkway: The Road that Shaped a Region”
The talk is hosted in conjunction with Greenwich Historical Society’s new art installation on the other iconic parkway that impacted the region: ‘Rediscover Greenwich / Re- Framing 95’.
Heiss will navigate the hard-fought path of this beloved road which earned the reputation of Queen of American parkways and celebrity status in countless movies, magazines and paintings.
She will introduce bridge artists, landscapers, politicians and the activists whose involvement in its creation were responsible for transforming Fairfield County from a region of farms and country estates to one of the wealthiest in the nation and an economic powerhouse.
To maintain its breathtaking beauty and utility as a major roadway in Connecticut, Heiss will address the need for engaging the next generation in its preservation.
“Thanks to the dedication of preservationists and conservationists led by Greenwich residents Peter Malkin and Dee Winokur, the Merritt remains functional and beautiful, but it will require a concerted effort to educate future generations on how to maintain its sense of place as a defining feature of our County,” Heiss said in a news release.
“The need to balance aesthetics with utility and safety is critical as the population and number of cars in the region grow, otherwise we risk losing its uniqueness and beauty.”
Hosted by the Museum Store, the talk is the third in a four-part series designed to drive meaningful connections through inspirational and thought-provoking literature.
If You’re Going …
To repeat, this event has reached capacity. To be placed on the waiting list please call the front desk at 203-869-6899.
This Spotlight Book Talk will take place from 2 to 3 p.m., Wednesday, April 30, 2025 in the the Permanent Collections Gallery at the Greenwich Historical Society, 47 Strickland Road, Cos Cob.
Admission is free for all talks, but space is limited, and registration is recommended. You can register here.
Books may be purchased in advance or on the day of the program for signing by Laurie Heiss. The author signing will be in the museum store.
About Laurie Hess
A 30-year resident of Greenwich, Laurie came from Chicago’s north suburbs to Connecticut College and never left the state. Her corporate career was comprised of being a manufacturing consultant and a marketing leader for 20-plus years with over half of that at General Electric.
In 2003, Laurie ventured from corporate life to the nonprofit world as the executive director of the Merritt Parkway Conservancy. She worked with Jill Smyth to produce The Merritt Parkway: The Road that Shaped a Region in 2014, and has been involved with the Greenwich Preservation Trust, Fairfield County Preservation Network, and Redding Preservation Society.
She now lives on her 200-year-old farm property in Redding, and for over 25 years has delivered her farm-fresh eggs to Greenwich customers.
This announcement was previously published by GreenwichFreePress.com in a slightly different version.