December, 2014 – THE DISTINGUISHED LECTURE SERIES: FLORIDA STORYTELLERS
West Palm Beach, FL | November 21, 2014 – On December 10, 2014 at 7:00 PM, Richard René Silvin will launch the 2014-2015 Distinguished Lecture Series with a talk entitled The Life and Work of Addison Mizner. The talk includes details of Mizner’s colorful personal life and the grand palaces he designed and decorated for America’s elite in Palm Beach during the “Roaring Nineteen Twenties.” Numerous pictures of the mansions, most of which have been demolished, will be shown as he discusses the lives of Mizner’s best-known clients and the architect-turned entrepreneur’s failed attempt to create the model city of Boca Raton.
René Silvin was raised in Switzerland and received a Bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University and two Graduate degrees from Cornell University. He worked for twenty-five years in the investor owned hospital industry (AMI, Inc now Tenet Health Care) and became the Chief Executive Officer of their International subsidiary (AMI, International) which was listed on the London and Zurich Stock Exchanges. Silvin left the business world after surviving a late stage cancer and took up writing as a retirement passion. His new book, Villa Mizner: The House That Changed Palm Beach is about Addison Mizner’s own house in Palm Beach and its various influential owners.
This season’s lectures are based on the theme of “Florida Storytellers,” with four speakers based in Florida or speaking about unique aspects of our culture and history, sharing stories in a style that features richly textured tales, humor, and smarts.
Distinguished Lecture Series Highlights.
- The series will be held for the second year in the Historic 1916 Courthouse, home to the Historical Society of Palm Beach County and the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum.
- Museum galleries will remain open throughout the evening, so attendees should arrive early to view this season’s special exhibition Courage Under Fire: 120 Years of Fire Rescue.
- The Society’s Bookstore will also remain open and attendees will receive a 10% discount off store purchases.
- Parking is free in the non-metered parking lot off 4th Street, between Dixie and Olive Avenues.
- A book signing and reception will follow the lecture.
Tickets. Advanced reservations are strongly advised. Limited seating is available, and those with reservations are seated first. Call (561) 832-4164, ext. 100 to reserve your ticket.
- Free for Historical Society Members.
- Non-member Admission is $20.
Funding for the series is provided in part by the Palm Beach County Cultural Council, Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners, Tourist Development Council, and The Florida Humanities Council. Palm Beach Illustrated is the Official Magazine Sponsor for the 2014-2015 Season.