You are Here: Who We Are > Annual Meetings
Annual Meetings
Free and open to all who are interested, our Annual Meeting takes place in March or April. In addition to its official purpose of allowing members to approve minutes and elect board members, the meeting serves as an occasion for us to celebrate another year of community and commitment to the stewardship of Highland Park.
Following the presentation of the Mary Fisher Award, a featured guest speaks on a topic of current interest, pertinent to our mission (more info below). The evening concludes with a reception and light refreshments.
2026 Annual Meeting
Highland Park’s past secrets were revealed by guest speaker, Geoffrey Zeiner, as he presented "Lost in Highland Park." Zeiner is the creator of the popular blog gonechester.com. As a sixth-generation Rochesterian, he has had a lifelong interest in the history of the city; this interest led to the creation of his local history blog, which won a special commendation from the Landmark Society of Western New York in 2024.
2025 Annual Meeting
"The Land Protectors: An Eco-Activism Project in Rochester" was presented by Heather Layton, Associate Professor of Art, University of Rochester. Inspired by a threat to Genesee Valley Park, Layton led a multi-disciplinary team of student artists who used music, performance, dance, and visual art to express the environmental, spiritual, and cultural value of the Olmsted landscape.
2024 Annual Meeting
"Rebuilding for the Future: The Children's Pavilion Project" by Katie Comeau, Architectural Historian with Bero Architecture
Bero prepared the Children’s Pavilion Feasibility Study, 2002, and has done the design and construction plans for Monroe County's Department of Environmental Services and Department of Parks. She updated us on the current status of the design.
2023 Annual Meeting
"Olmsted's 201st: What's Next?" with Anne “Dede” Neal Petri, the first President & CEO of the Olmsted Network (ON).
For over 40 years, ON has been dedicated to advancing the life, work, and living legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted. In 2022, Dede spoke about the importance of Olmsted 200 as a catalyst for the protection of Olmsted parks as we move forward.
Prior Years’ Annual Meeting Programs
2022 • Justin Martin
Brought a unique depth of understanding of our unique Olmsted heritage as author of the meticulously researched Genius of Place–The Life of Frederick Law Olmsted (Da Capo Press, 2011). Watch the recording on Vimeo.
2020 & 2021
Due to the pandemic the two Annual Meetings were held virtually. JoAnn Beck, HPC president, reported on HPC’s key accomplishments for the year; election of Board of Directors was held via proxy votes by the membership.
2019 • Sara Cedar Miller
Central Park Conservancy photographer and historian. Author of Central Park, An American Masterpiece (Harry N. Abrams, Inc. 2003).
2018 • Sue R. Steele
Rochester Landscape Architect. She presented “Nature as Therapy: How Contact with the Natural Environment Can Improve your Health and Well-Being.” Sue has been instrumental in the design of such local projects as the El Camino Trail, the Brickyard Trail, and Art Walk.
2017 • Tupper Thomas
Retired Administrator of Prospect Park in Brooklyn, NY, founding member and former President of the Prospect Park Alliance and Executive Director of New Yorkers for Parks. She shared her career-long experiences restoring Olmsted’s Prospect Park.
2016 • Stephanie Crockatt and Brian Dold
The respective Executive Director and Director of Planning and Advocacy from Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy showcased the revitalization of the Buffalo Olmsted Parks system and its role in Buffalo’s renaissance.