Pennsylvania

Frank Lloyd Wright: Revolutionary Contributions to Modern Architecture

Program No. 1885RJ
Join experts in the Laurel Mountains to immerse yourself in the works of Frank Lloyd Wright as you explore three of his most iconic designs, including a visit to Fallingwater.

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At a Glance

Frank Lloyd Wright is considered by some to be the greatest American architect. Explore the many facets of his contributions to modern architecture in discussions with experts representing three Wright-designed houses in this region. Step inside these exquisite homes to compare and contrast them while you consider the 75-year career of the architect, a working life that spanned two world wars.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Moderate walking and standing on each of the field trips. Morning lectures followed by afternoon field trips to the houses to experience them as works of art. There are approximately 100 stairs to negotiate at Fallingwater.

What You'll Learn

  • Visit Fallingwater, Wright's best essay on the harmony between architecture and nature.
  • Admire a superb example of Wright’s organic architecture at Kentuck Knob, a private residence blending impeccably with its surroundings.
  • At Duncan House, marvel at the fascinating story of this home’s journey from Illinois to Pennsylvania.

General Notes

The Retreat Difference: This is a Road Scholar Retreat program. Our Retreat programs offer a tranquil respite from daily life in locales that lend themselves to outdoor exploration, reflection, or study. The accommodations may be basic in nature, but the facilities offer communal spaces to gather and to relax. During the week, opportunities usually exist for some combination of light exercise, a locally sourced meal, or evening entertainment.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Amy Humbert
Amy Humbert has been employed in the Fallingwater Education department since 1986 and currently manages the school and outreach programs that are offered. She is a second-generation employee of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. Her late father, Frank “Lee” Lowden, was a naturalist at Ferncliff in Ohiopyle and also at the Bear Run Nature Reserve adjacent to Fallingwater. Amy lives close by in Ohiopyle with her husband, Roger, who was employed for a number of years in Fallingwater’s Preservation department.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Amy Humbert
Amy Humbert View biography
Amy Humbert has been employed in the Fallingwater Education department since 1986 and currently manages the school and outreach programs that are offered. She is a second-generation employee of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. Her late father, Frank “Lee” Lowden, was a naturalist at Ferncliff in Ohiopyle and also at the Bear Run Nature Reserve adjacent to Fallingwater. Amy lives close by in Ohiopyle with her husband, Roger, who was employed for a number of years in Fallingwater’s Preservation department.
Profile Image of Scott Wise
Scott Wise View biography
Scott Wise is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University. He has been a theatrical professional for 30 years, including a stint as Artistic Director of the Pittsburgh International Folk Theater, and was the recipient of a Choreographers Fellowship from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. Scott is an amateur potter.
Profile Image of Mary Kaufman
Mary Kaufman View biography
Mary Kaufman holds degrees in journalism-professional writing and in communications-PR. She began her career at VisitPittsburgh and is the new program director at Laurelville. A Penn State Master Gardener, she finds meaning in volunteering, teaching, and gardening. Mary co-owns a small plant nursery and enjoys garden design, biking, hiking, yoga, reading, cooking, and being outdoors.
Profile Image of Robin Albright
Robin Albright View biography
Robin Albright is a registered yoga teacher (RYT 200) from Pennsylvania who works full-time in higher education. She has been teaching yoga for three years and practicing it for more than 20. When she is not on the mat, she might be weight training, trail running and hiking, playing tennis, or spinning. She enjoys reading, attending concerts and music festivals, and playing with her dogs. She loves helping people develop strength and self-love with a mindful practice that threads together breathwork and physical postures.
Profile Image of Ashley Andrykovitch
Ashley Andrykovitch View biography
Ashley Andrykovitch is the Curator of Education at Fallingwater. She holds a MA in Education from Seton Hill University, a Certificate of 19th and 20th Century Fine Art History from Sotheby's Institute, and a BA in Studio Art from Saint Vincent College. Prior to working at Fallingwater, Andrykovitch was Assistant Curator of Education at Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh. She is also a visual artist and resident at UnSmoke Systems in Braddock, Pennsylvania.
Profile Image of Daniel Cocks
Daniel Cocks View biography
Daniel Cocks is Executive Director of the Fayette County Cultural Trust. One of their projects is the Connellsville Canteen, a reconstructed B&O (Baltimore & Ohio) Railroad Station that highlights the “canteen ladies” who fed the troops during World War II. The museum showcases thousands of WWII artifacts. It also features a display on the late John Woodruff, one of Connellsville's residents who won a gold medal during the 800 meter race in the 1936 Olympics. Another highlight is Harry Clark's Indian Creek Valley Railroad display.
Profile Image of Lisa Hall
Lisa Hall View biography
Lisa Hall is a graduate of Washington and Jefferson College with degrees in Fine Art and Business Administration. Currently, she is an educator and team member of the development department at Fallingwater. Previously, she owned and operated a hardware store and café. When she isn't working, she is hiking or creating in stone and metal.
Profile Image of Amy Craig
Amy Craig View biography
Amy Craig is a member of Laurelville's Guest Services/Program department. Amy has worked in a variety of jobs and fields, including customer service, owning her own photography business, and health care. She has a great love of travel, adventure, and new experiences. Amy has been married to her husband Scott for over two decades and has two daughters. In her free time, she enjoys photography, paddle boarding, finding new restaurants and fun activities, singing on her church's worship team, and relaxing by a fire.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Meals
12 Meals
4 Breakfasts
1 Brunch
3 Lunches
4 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Sep 22, 2024 - Sep 26, 2024
  • Sep 22, 2024 - Sep 26, 2024
  • May 19, 2024 - May 23, 2024
  • Sep 22, 2024 - Sep 26, 2024
  • Apr 13, 2025 - Apr 17, 2025
  • May 11, 2025 - May 15, 2025
  • Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 25, 2025
4 nights
Mount Pleasant
Nestled among 600 acres at the Laurelville Retreat Center, both the Solarhouse and Guesthouse accommodate visitors in simple motel-style rooms with private bathrooms. Rooms in each of these restful retreats open to an airy lobby with a seating area. In keeping with Mennonite tradition and the center’s intent to provide guests with an environment for connecting with their surroundings and each other, there are no TVs, phones or alarm clocks in the rooms. Recreational activities include 8+ miles of hiking trails, a labyrinth, horseshoes, an indoor gymnasium The Shenandoah), ping-pong, shuffleboard, bocce, native gardens, tennis courts, and a tree-shaded mini-golf course. Good to know: Alcohol allowed in Guesthouse and Solarhouse only. Smoking prohibited. Wi-Fi available. Cell service spotty for T-Mobile; other carriers good. Housekeeping upon request. Most meals served buffet-style; another Mennonite tradition: guests bus their own tables.
4 nights
Mount Pleasant
Nestled among 600 acres at the Laurelville Retreat Center, both the Solarhouse and Guesthouse accommodate visitors in simple motel-style rooms with private bathrooms. Rooms in each of these restful retreats open to an airy lobby with a seating area. In keeping with Mennonite tradition and the center’s intent to provide guests with an environment for connecting with their surroundings and each other, there are no TVs, phones or alarm clocks in the rooms. Recreational activities include 8+ miles of hiking trails, a labyrinth, horseshoes, an indoor gymnasium The Shenandoah), ping-pong, shuffleboard, bocce, native gardens, tennis courts, and a tree-shaded mini-golf course. Good to know: Alcohol allowed in Guesthouse and Solarhouse only. Smoking prohibited. Wi-Fi available. Cell service spotty for T-Mobile; other carriers good. Housekeeping upon request. Most meals served buffet-style; another Mennonite tradition: guests bus their own tables.
4 nights
Mount Pleasant
Nestled among 600 acres at the Laurelville Retreat Center, both the Solarhouse and Guesthouse accommodate visitors in simple motel-style rooms with private bathrooms. Rooms in each of these restful retreats open to an airy lobby with a seating area. In keeping with Mennonite tradition and the center’s intent to provide guests with an environment for connecting with their surroundings and each other, there are no TVs, phones or alarm clocks in the rooms. Recreational activities include 8+ miles of hiking trails, a labyrinth, horseshoes, an indoor gymnasium The Shenandoah), ping-pong, shuffleboard, bocce, native gardens, tennis courts, and a tree-shaded mini-golf course. Good to know: Alcohol allowed in Guesthouse and Solarhouse only. Smoking prohibited. Wi-Fi available. Cell service spotty for T-Mobile; other carriers good. Housekeeping upon request. Most meals served buffet-style; another Mennonite tradition: guests bus their own tables.
4 nights
Mount Pleasant
Nestled among 600 acres at the Laurelville Retreat Center, both the Solarhouse and Guesthouse accommodate visitors in simple motel-style rooms with private bathrooms. Rooms in each of these restful retreats open to an airy lobby with a seating area. In keeping with Mennonite tradition and the center’s intent to provide guests with an environment for connecting with their surroundings and each other, there are no TVs, phones or alarm clocks in the rooms. Recreational activities include 8+ miles of hiking trails, a labyrinth, horseshoes, an indoor gymnasium The Shenandoah), ping-pong, shuffleboard, bocce, native gardens, tennis courts, and a tree-shaded mini-golf course. Good to know: Alcohol allowed in Guesthouse and Solarhouse only. Smoking prohibited. Wi-Fi available. Cell service spotty for T-Mobile; other carriers good. Housekeeping upon request. Most meals served buffet-style; another Mennonite tradition: guests bus their own tables.
4 nights
Mount Pleasant
Nestled among 600 acres at the Laurelville Retreat Center, both the Solarhouse and Guesthouse accommodate visitors in simple motel-style rooms with private bathrooms. Rooms in each of these restful retreats open to an airy lobby with a seating area. In keeping with Mennonite tradition and the center’s intent to provide guests with an environment for connecting with their surroundings and each other, there are no TVs, phones or alarm clocks in the rooms. Recreational activities include 8+ miles of hiking trails, a labyrinth, horseshoes, an indoor gymnasium The Shenandoah), ping-pong, shuffleboard, bocce, native gardens, tennis courts, and a tree-shaded mini-golf course. Good to know: Alcohol allowed in Guesthouse and Solarhouse only. Smoking prohibited. Wi-Fi available. Cell service spotty for T-Mobile; other carriers good. Housekeeping upon request. Most meals served buffet-style; another Mennonite tradition: guests bus their own tables.





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