First Fridays 2026: Planting Fields as Palimpsest, An Archival Walking Tour
Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 | 10 – 11am | $25 per person
Location: Throughout the grounds of Planting Fields
Check-in: The Main House at Planting Fields

What stories remain when the buildings themselves are gone?

Explore the hidden layers of architectural history at Planting Fields on this special walking tour that uncovers the traces of structures, landscapes, and eras that have shaped the estate over time, led by Planting Fields Foundation’s Director of Collections and Research, Marie Penny!

A palimpsest refers to the layers of history embedded within a place, where remnants of the past continue to influence the present. Throughout its history, Planting Fields has been home to remarkable buildings that have since disappeared—from the Byrne House, which stood on the property before the Coe family, to the mid-century SUNY-era geodesic domes. Though these structures are no longer part of the landscape, their stories remain woven into the identity of the site.

This fascinating tour invites guests to uncover the architectural evolution of Planting Fields through historic photographs, archival materials, and the physical landscape itself. Discover how the estate has transformed across generations and how each era has left its mark.

As part of this exclusive experience, guests will receive an advance preview of Fragment, the 2026 Catalyst installation by Fiona Tan, before its public opening. The installation offers a timely reflection on memory, fragments, and the ways we preserve and reconstruct our understanding of the past.

The tour concludes with a special opportunity to visit the Planting Fields Foundation archives, where historic documents, photographs, and collections provide an even deeper look into the people, places, and stories that have shaped the estate.

This tour takes place primarily outdoors and requires a moderate amount of walking. Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable footwear.

For any additional information and questions, please contact Kayla Cheshire, Communications and Marketing Manager at kcheshire@plantingfields.org