Save Venice Inc. : American philanthropy and art conservation in Italy, 1966-2021

"In 1966, the most destructive flood in the history of Venice temporarily submerged the city and threatened its extraordinary art and architecture. Among the organizations that mobilized to protect this fragile heritage was Save Venice Inc. Founded in Boston and now headquartered in New York City, this nonprofit has become the largest and most active committee dedicated to preserving the artistic legacy of Venice. Christopher Carlsmith tells the fascinating story of Save Venice Inc., from its origins to its fiftieth anniversary. It continues to provide an influential model for philanthropy in the cultural sector, raising substantial funds to conserve and restore paintings, sculptures, books, mosaics, and entire buildings at risk from human and environmental impacts. Employing extensive archival research, oral interviews, and newspaper accounts, Save Venice Inc. explores a range of topics, including leadership, conservation projects, fundraising, and educational outreach. Using a range of methodologies from cultural history and art history, Carlsmith traces the achievements and challenges faced by this and other historic preservation organizations and by this unique city on the sea"-- Provided by publisher Cover Title Page Copyright Page Contents Preface Acknowledgments Abbreviations Introduction Chapter 1: Alluvione: The Flood of 1966 and the International Response (1966–1970) Chapter 2: Nascita: Birth and Early Years of Save Venice (1971–1974) Chapter 3: Stabilità: Staying the Course (1974–1986) Chapter 4: Crescita: New Leadership and Expansion (1986–1996) Chapter 5: Scisma: Save Venice Splinters (1997–1998) Chapter 6: Ricostruzione: Rebuilding and Rebranding (1999–2006) Chapter 7: Unità: Integration (2007–2014) Chapter 8: Serenità: Save Venice Matures (2015–2021) Chapter 9: Alleate: The Private Committees and UNESCO (1966–2021) Conclusion Appendix: Officers of Save Venice Inc. Notes Index Back Cover In 1966, the most destructive flood in the history of Venice temporarily submerged the city and threatened its art and architecture. Among the organisations that mobilized to protect this fragile heritage was Save Venice Inc. Christopher Carlsmith tells the fascinating story of Save Venice Inc., from its origins to its fiftieth anniversary.