How the Piarists and the Docent Saved Frank Lloyd Wright's Graycliff
About This Essay
Published in the New York History Review on July 24, 2013, this essay tells the story of how Frank Lloyd Wright's Graycliff estate in Derby, New York was rescued from neglect and restored to its original character through the efforts of the Piarist Fathers and a community of dedicated volunteers, many of whom served as docents.
Graycliff was designed by Wright in 1926 for Isabelle R. Martin and sits on a bluff overlooking Lake Erie. After the Martin family's ownership ended, the property went through a period of institutional use that left it in poor condition. The Piarist Fathers, who had used it as a retreat and educational facility, recognized its architectural significance and committed to its restoration. That effort required years of fundraising, specialized preservation work, and community engagement.
The essay draws on interviews with key figures in the restoration, institutional records of the Piarist order, and Wright's original design documents. It served as background research for Dr. Lubienecki's 2017 book on Graycliff and as the companion public essay to his conference presentation at the 2013 ACHS meeting.
Publication Details
Publication: New York History Review Date: July 24, 2013 Read online: NYHR Blog