Capture striking photographs of the gorgeous grounds and statuary of The Green-Wood Cemetery with the expert guidance of photographer Bethany Jacobson!
Discover Kaufman's role in the making of the Empire State Building and how the iconic skyscraper was a result of hurt feelings, hubris, serendipity, and a bad debt
Dive into Kaufman's ‘Zelig’-styled life in which he crossed paths with famous figures like fashion designer Diana Vreeland, Oscar-winning Hollywood costume designer Orry-Kelly, and cosmetics queen Helena Rubenstein
Learn about Kaufman's fabulous properties, including his New York City apartment at 625 Park, considered one of the greatest in New York and now home to businessman Henry Kravis
(Left) 625 Park, Photo by Ann Berman
About this Event:
This talk is about the forgotten man in the story of the Empire State Building, Louis Graveraet Kaufman (1870-1942). He was a half-Jewish, part Indigenous tycoon from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and his story is a fascinating one. Learn about his roots, the bank he built in New York, his Jazz Age life, and the monuments he left behind.
In this author-led talk, viewers will follow Kaufman from the 26,000 square foot log lodge he built on the shore of Lake Superior (where he hosted Gatsbyesque parties with celebrities like John Barrymore and Mary Pickford) to 625 Park Avenue, his James Edwin Ruthven Carpenter masterpiece at the corner of 65th Street. You will also hear the little-known backstory of the Empire State Building, a New York masterpiece that wouldn’t exist without him. It’s a Jazz Age story of anti-Semitism, debutante balls, racehorses, triplex apartments, and ill-advised marriages!
About Ann Berman :
Ann Berman has written about arts and culture for The Wall Street Journal, Town & Country, Forbes, Architectural Digest, Martha Stewart Living, The Art Newspaper, and many other publications. She has also contributed the text for several books and a PBS documentary.
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