Buffalo's Golden Age: An Architectural Adventure

Program Registration: 4:00-6:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived.

At a restaurant a short walk away.

Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will learn from the Group Leader, as well as a series of local experts who will give lectures and lead field trips. Program-related travel and transfers will be via private motorcoach unless noted otherwise. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

At the hotel.

In the meeting room, we will enjoy a lecture from a local historian on Frank Lloyd Wright and his connection to Buffalo. Heading out by motorcoach, we will go on a total exploration of the Darwin D. Martin House – built for a local industrialist between 1903 and 1906 – where we will be introduced to Wright’s innovative design concepts that defined his Prairie-style ideal. We will also explore the Barton House and the Gardener’s Cottage which was his concept for affordable housing.

While at the Martin House, we’ll have box lunches.

Next, we will travel to the Fontana Boathouse for a visit to the only rowing boathouse designed by FLW. It was designed in 1905, but was not built until 2007. We conclude our day with a visit to Forest Lawn, which is home to the FLW Blue Sky Mausoleum which was designed for the Martin family.

At a nearby restaurant.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

In the meeting room, we will enjoy a discussion by a historian on Elbert Hubbard and the Roycroft Movement including the Larkin Soap Company. We will then travel to Delaware Park which was built as Frederick Law Olmsted’s Original Buffalo Parks. We will learn from an expert about the history of Olmsted in Buffalo.

On your own today at a select location in Buffalo.

We’ll conclude our visit at the Roycroft Campus then enjoy some free time for exploration on your own in Buffalo.

This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

We will board the motorcoach for the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania. Here we will go on a docent-led exploration of the center which is now home to the FLW San Francisco office and the 17-foot Butterfly Wing Bridge model.

We will travel to the Battles Estate where we will have lunch.

After lunch, we will explore the 120-acre Battles Estate Family Farm with staff. We will visit the historically restored Yellow and White Houses built in 1858 and 1861. Following our visit, we will ride back to Buffalo.

At a local restaurant.

Returning to the hotel, the evening is at leisure.

At the hotel.

We will board the motorcoach for the Pierce Arrow Museum for a look at the automotive history of Buffalo led by the owner. We will also enjoy a unique visit to the Buffalo Filling Station, designed in 1927. Following our visit, we will travel to the Larkin Gallery, where we’ll meet with a co-founder and Larkin collector. We will also include a visit the Larkin Administration Building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

At a historic restaurant in the Larkin District, known for its beef on weck, Buffalo’s famous roast beef sandwich.

We will travel onward by motorcoach to Graycliff, a summer estate overlooking Lake Erie. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for Darwin D. Martin’s wife, Isabelle, this three-building complex – made of limestone and stucco sourced from the lakeshore – was built between 1926 and 1931. Here we enjoy an expert-led exploration that will include both floors of the Main House. This will include an in-depth Q&A along the journey.

At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

At the hotel.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!