Historic Landmarks Foundation sponsors event for Historic Preservation Month

Although he was a Finnish architect best known for designing international architectural masterpieces and iconic modernist furniture, it was in Columbus, Indiana, where Eero Saarinen was able to make his mark on an entire community – and forge a friendship founded on a shared vision and mutual respect. 

As one of several events to celebrate National Historic Preservation Month, on Thursday, May 29, Irwin Financial Corporation Chairman and CEO Will Miller will give a talk on the relationship between Saarinen and his parents, J. Irwin and Xenia Miller, as it was reflected in the two houses Saarinen designed for the Millers, their home in Columbus and a summer cottage in Ontario. A free illustrated talk sponsored by Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana, Eero, Irwin and Xenia: The Design of Two Houses begins at 5:30 p.m. in Shelton Auditorium at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis,

As president of Cummins Engine Company, J. Irwin Miller aimed to enhance the city’s attractiveness to prospective workers. He led his company’s foundation to pay the architects’ fees for the design of new schools if the school board selected from a list suggested by an independent panel. Saarinen helped create the first lists and encouraged talented architects to apply.

The Cummins Architectural Program, later expanded to include all public buildings, continues today and has led to the construction of more than 60 modern landmarks by noted architects. Saarinen is famous for his design of the St. Louis Arch, the TWA terminal at Kennedy airport, and a dozen other iconic buildings of the 1950s and ‘60s. His last work was Columbus’s North Christian Church in 1964. Saarinen created three buildings in Columbus, all designated National Historic Landmarks: Irwin Union Bank (1954), the Miller home (1957), and the church.

Miller’s talk and Back to the Future: the Mid-Century Modern Home Tour on May 31 are staged with support from the Foundation’s Landmarks of the Recent Past Committee. The committee fuels debate and develops strategies for preserving the architectural modernism of the ‘50s and ‘60s, from houses to whimsical roadside buildings to the world-renowned modern landmarks of Columbus. 

To find out about other lectures, tours and workshops held in May, visit www.historiclandmarks.org or call 317-639-4534 or 800-450-4534.

WHAT: 
Will Miller lecture, “Eero, Irwin and Xenia:  The Design of Two Houses”

WHEN: 
Thursday, May 29, 2008

WHERE:
  Shelton Auditorium at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis

WHY: 
As one of several events to celebration National Historic Preservation Month

COST: 
Free

Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana saves, restores, and protects places of architectural and historical significance. From its Indianapolis headquarters and nine offices located throughout the state, Historic Landmarks helps people rescue endangered landmarks and preserve historic neighborhoods and downtowns. Historic Landmarks uses technical assistance, advocacy, and financial support to save the buildings that give communities visual identity and links to their distinctive heritage. Historic Landmarks Foundation is a private, not-for-profit organization. For more information, call 317-639-4534, 800-450-4534, or visit www.historiclandmarks.org.