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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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Homes & GardensHistoryRetreats
Length
5 days
Rating (4.97)
Activity Level
Starts at
1,549
Program
At a Glance
Duration
5 days
Program Begins
Mount Pleasant, PA
Program Concludes
Mount Pleasant, PA
Meals
12 ( 4B, 1BR, 3L, 4D )
Activity Level
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.
Best of all, you'll...
  • 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.
View Full Itinerary
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
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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 the program
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Serena Beam is an educator at Fallingwater. She is originally from Kentucky and now lives in West Virginia. She has a degree in English from Southeast Missouri State University and has previously worked in human resources. She enjoys cooking, reading, photography, and day hiking with her dog. Her favorite way to spend time is traveling with her husband to visit their son in Charleston, South Carolina.
Matthew Hoke is a museum educator and a member of development department at Fallingwater. He is originally from Pittsburgh and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in Johnstown. Matthew has been a part of Fallingwater for four years, and he continues to explore new ways to share Wright’s amazing work. If Matthew isn’t walking in the woods, you can find him reading and enjoying his vinyl record collection, or enjoying watching sports with his friends and family.
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.
Suggested Books and Resources
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You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
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We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

  • Peace of Mind

    We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

  • Assurance Plan

    Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

  • Want to Protect Your Investment?

    Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

  • Sustainable Travel

    We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.