An Evening with Virginia McAlester

Join Preservation Austin and the Student Historic Preservation Association at UT Austin for "The Secret Language of Houses," a special lecture by legendary architectural historian, preservationist, and activist Virginia Savage McAlester, Honorary AIA.

Ms. McAlester’s A Field Guide to American Houses, published in 1984, is a standard guide to our nation’s residential architecture across all eras and regions. Using text, line drawings and photos, this groundbreaking book is widely considered the first and best of its kind, and is beloved by enthusiasts and professionals alike. It was named one of 1984’s ten most outstanding reference books by the American Library Association and received an honor award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. A revised, updated, and greatly expanded second edition was released in 2013.

McAlester has been a leader in historic preservation, both nationally and in her hometown of Dallas. In 1984 she formed the Friends of Fair Park, which successfully petitioned to protect the permanent buildings in Dallas' Fair Park, site of the Texas State Fair and Cotton Bowl. She was a founding member of Preservation Dallas; is an Adviser Emeritii for The National Trust for Historic Preservation; and has served on the board of Preservation Dallas and The Dallas Landmark Commission.

Visit our website for tickets and details! $15 PA Members, $20 Non-Members, Students are free with RSVP and ID.