Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Doris Duke’s Birth
Saturday, Nov. 17, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Update: We regret to announce that this symposium has been canceled. We hope you will watch our events announcements for future symposia and workshops at Duke Gardens.
Doris Duke had many passions, leaving a legacy that continues to impact cultural and social lives today. Learn more about the world in which Doris lived, her conservation ethic, the extended Duke family’s impact, and current efforts at Duke Gardens and Duke Farms. Join us in celebration of the legacy of Doris Duke, presented in partnership with Duke University's David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.
9:30 a.m.
LANDSCAPES AND PATRONAGE: How we assign value
Charles A. Birnbaum, FASLA, FAAR, founder and president of The Cultural Landscape Foundation (TCLF)
American history is replete with visionary, inspired and willful patrons who supported and shaped beloved and nationally significant estates, parks, plazas and other civic amenities across the country. Charles will focus his talk on these visionary patrons and/or organizations and the sites they helped create, perhaps inspiring a new generation of patrons and philanthropists.
Break: refreshments served
10:45 a.m.
WASHINGTON DUKE: A Tradition of Education
Valerie Gillispie, Duke University archivist, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library
The Duke family has a long history of philanthropy, starting with Washington Duke’s support of Trinity College, a small Methodist school in North Carolina. Thanks to Washington’s sons, James B. and Benjamin N. Duke, Trinity became Duke University. Learn about the roots of the Duke family, and how their charitable giving made a broad impact both inside and outside North Carolina.
11:30 a.m.
THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DORIS DUKE
Mary Samouelian, Doris Duke Collection archivist, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library
Even 100 years after her birth, the name Doris Duke still resonates with the public. But who was she really? Having worked exclusively with Doris Duke’s personal papers for the past two years, Mary will provide insight into the “real” Doris Duke and how family and friends shaped her desire to leave a lasting philanthropic legacy.
Lunch served at 12:30 p.m.
Tours of the Gardens offered 1 p.m.
2 p.m.
SARAH P. DUKE GARDENS: The Women of Duke Gardens
Chuck Hemric, Duke Gardens' director of volunteer services, and volunteer docent Ann Stock
Sarah P. Duke Gardens stands as a testament to the influence of women. Chuck and Ann will outline the vision and stewardship of generations of women, beginning with Sarah P. Duke and including Ellen Biddle Shipman, Mary Duke Biddle, and Biddle’s daughter Mary Trent Semans.
Break: refreshments served
3 p.m.
DUKE FARMS: Current progress and conservation efforts
Timothy Taylor, executive director, Duke Farms, New Jersey
Duke Farms was created by James B. Duke (father of Doris) and then expanded by Doris. Its future was outlined in Doris’ will to focus on protection of flora and fauna, agriculture and horticulture, and research. How has her board of directors translated her desires into action? This past May, Duke Farms re-opened after a $50 million adaptive building renovation and the regeneration of 1,000 of its 2,740 acres. Tim will discuss the ecological stewardship and educational programming “at the Farm,” meant to inspire visitors to become informed stewards of the land.
DETAILS:
Date: Saturday, Nov. 17, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: The Doris Duke Center, Sarah P. Duke Gardens, 420 Anderson St., Duke University, Durham
Fee: $95; $75 Gardens members. Includes all handouts, break refreshments, lunch and tour.
Pre-registration required (parking pass included).
To register, please call 919-668-1707 or email slsmith@duke.edu
Photo credits: Full color photo courtesy of Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art. Photo below from the Duke University Archives.
