Dr. James Glass is an architectural historian and historian with over 45 years of experience in researching and writing about the history of architecture in the United States and Europe, the historic preservation movement in the United States, and local history and architecture in Indiana, Tennessee, Ohio, Florida, Kansas, Colorado, Arizona, and Wisconsin. He has given illustrated lectures on the history of the preservation movement in the United States, historic preservation in Indiana and Indianapolis, the Gas Boom in East Central Indiana, and a variety of topics in Indiana history and heritage. Beginning in 2013, Dr. Glass began presenting annual public lectures on the history of architecture in nations located in Europe, Asia, and North America.
Dr. Glass is available to speak to organizations, businesses, or the general public on the above topics or on related topics of interest.
Upcoming Lectures
Italianate and Second Empire Architecture in Indianapolis and Book Launch Event
Thursday, November 7, 2024.
Indiana Landmarks Center, 1201 Central Avenue.
5:15 Doors Open.
6:00 P.M. Lecture.
6:45 Book Signing.
Italianate and Second Empire Architecture in Indianapolis is sponsored by Indiana Landmarks. Registration information will be available in late September. This will also be the launch event for the new bookâArchitecture in Indianapolis, 1820-1900 (Volume 1).
On November 7, architectural historian Dr. James Glass will trace the Italianate and Second Empire styles in Indianapolis from 1850 to 1880. Based on research and writing done for Volume 1 of his book, Architecture in Indianapolis, 1820-1920, Dr. Glass will illustrate the Italianate-style commercial buildings and residences that architects and builders constructed in the city. He will also show how the French Second Empire style found favor in often extravagant commercial and public buildings and residences. The origins of both styles in European architecture and American pattern books will also be illustrated. After the presentation, there will be an opportunity to purchase copies of Volume 1 and have them signed by the author.
Both Volumes 1 and 2 (1900-1920) are being published by Indiana University Press with the key support of Indiana Landmarks
Watch Lectures
Architecture in Indianapolis: Buildings of Worship, 1820-1920
Date: November 13, 2023
Location: Indiana Landmarks Center, Indianapolis
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Architecture in London, 1066-1800
Date: February 22, 2023
Sponsor: The English-Speaking Union Happy Hour
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Residential Architecture in Indianapolis, 1820-1920
Date: November 14, 2022
Location: Indiana Landmarks Center, Indianapolis
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Italian Renaissance Architecture
Date: August 7, 2022
Sponsor: Italian Heritage Society of Indiana
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Architecture in Indianapolis, 1880-1920
Date: November 8, 2021
Location: Indiana Landmarks Center
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Architecture in London
Date: November 11, 2019
Location: Riviera Club of Indianapolis
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D.A. Bohlen and Son: Four Generations of Memorable Architecture in Indiana
Date: October 3, 2019
Location: Indiana Landmarks
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Architecture in Mexico
Date: November 12, 2018
Location: Riviera Club of Indianapolis
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Lockerbie Square: The Birthplace of Historic Preservation in Indianapolis
Date: September 9, 2017
Location: Lockerbie Square
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