Lunchtime Lecture Series
This past spring we launched our virtual Lunchtime Lecture series! In each lecture, join different members of the WSPC Community as they explore the Park’s history, design, programs, or horticulture. Speakers and guests include Park staff, volunteers, and WSP enthusiasts. Each lecture runs about 30 minutes, making them the perfect lunch-hour programming. While the lectures have concluded for the season, recordings of each are available below for your enjoyment.
Most Recent Lectures
October 30, 2020 – Join WSPC Community Relations Manager Grace as she retells (and debunks!) some of Washington SCARE Park’s spookiest stories and myths just in time for Halloween.
October 2, 2020 – In the 1600s, the land that would become Washington Square Park was a world away from the space we know and love today. It was then farmland, and it was tended to by two men: Anthony Portuguese and Manuel Trumpeter. They were half-freed slaves. Join WSPC Deputy Director Sheryl Woodruff as she shares their stories.
September 18, 2020 – We all love the beautiful trees in Washington Square Park, but have you ever wished you knew more about them? Then you’re in luck! Join WSP Head Gardener Gui for a virtual tour of the Park’s trees.
Additional Lectures
August 28, 2020 Lunchtime Lecture: The Volunteer Experience
Join WSPC Greeter Emily as she gives us the inside scoop on what it’s like to volunteer in Washington Square Park
August 14, 2020 Lunchtime Lecture: Arch Restoration
The Arch at Washington Square Park has been an iconic part of the landscape since it was completed in 1892. But no 128-year old stays looking so good without a bit of work. Join Sheryl Woodruff, WSPC Community Development Director for a look back at the 2003-2004 restoration of the Arch.
July 31, 2020 Lunchtime Lecture: Park Maintenance with Caretaker Donald
Join WSP Caretaker Donald and WSPC Communications Manager Grace for a conversation on what it takes to keep the Park clean and beautiful.
July 16, 2020 Lunchtime Lecture: Park Secrets
Join WSPC Communications Director Grace Harman as she gives us the inside scoop on some fascinating Washington Square Park secrets.
July 7, 2020 Lunchtime Lecture: The Fountain
The fountain at Washington Square has witnessed a lot of change since it became a seminal part of the Park’s landscape in the 1850s. Join Sheryl Woodruff, WSPC Community Development Director for this exploration of the fountain from past to present and learn how it has earned its spot as a beloved landmark.
June 18, 2020 Lunchtime Lecture: Spring Blooms
Join local preservationist and horticulture enthusiast Susan De Vries for a walk-through of spring blooms in Washington Square Park! We’ll zoom in on some fan favorites, and learn where you can find them in the Park, and why.
May 22, 2020 Lunchtime Lecture: WSP Head Gardener Guilherme
Join Washington Square Park’s Head Gardener Guilherme as he leads us on a horticulture tour of the Park.
May 7, 2020 Lunchtime Lecture: The Washington Arch
Join WSPC Community Development Director Sheryl Woodruff as she talks about the history of the Washington Arch.
April 16, 2020 Lunchtime Lecture: History of the Half-freed Slaves of WSP
Join Sheryl Woodruff, WSPC Community Development Director, as she tells us about the Half-freed Slaves of Washington Square Park.