Designing an American Landscape

Frederick Law Olmsted (1822-1903) is recognized as the founder of American landscape architecture and the nation's foremost parkmaker. Olmsted moved his home to suburban Boston in 1883 and established the world's first full-scale professional office for the practice of landscape design. During the next century, his sons and successors perpetuated Olmsted's design ideals, philosophy, and influence.

Map with GIS mapping points indicating Olmsted designs

Mapping the Work of the Olmsteds

Mapping the Work of the Olmsteds in the World: What's in Your backyard?

Photograph of Ranger holding a historic photograph and digital camera

#OlmstedPastandPresent

Recreate a historic photo of an Olmsted designed landscape!

Online Tour of Design Office

Visit Us Virtually!

A video tour of the historic design office.

Pencil drawn plan of Acadia Loop Road

Accessing the Olmsted Archives

Learn more about the Olmsted Archives

Historic portrait of Olmsted at Fairsted

Join our Mailing List

Sign up for our email list and receive the latest news from Olmsted NHS.

Advertisement for Olmsted YouTube Channel

Watch, Like, and Subscribe!

Olmsted NHS is now on YouTube. Find all your favorite videos including Plant Chats with Val, and a design office tour.

Last updated: October 13, 2020

Contact the Park

Mailing Address:

99 Warren Street
Brookline, MA 02445

Phone:

(617) 566-1689

Contact Us