Olmsted and Yosemite
Author Rolf Diamant co-author of Olmsted and Yosemite: Civil War, Abolition, and the National Park Idea,

Co-Author to Discuss ‘Omsted and Yosemite: Civil War, Abolition and the National Park Idea

By |

Rolf Diamant, co-author of “Olmsted and Yosemite: Civil War, Abolition, and the National Park Idea,” will discuss his fascinating take on America’s national parks, linking their creation to the abolition of slavery and questions of citizenship and nationhood in the Civil War years. — This announcement is from the Stephen Mather Homestead and Barrett  Bookstore

The book takes a fascinating look at the creation of the National Park System, starting with the Yosemite Report. In it, Olmsted expressed the core tenet of the national park idea as a place for ALL citizens to enjoy the restorative benefits of nature, following the turbulent decade of the civil war and the abolition of slavery. He co-authored the book with Ethan Carr. Diamant is not only an author, but also a  landscape architect, adjunct associate professor of historic preservation at the University of Vermont and former superintendent of five national parks, including the Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site.