Public Book Signing of Jacob Weidenmann

Professor Emeritus Rudy J. Favretti, UConn, proves he has more teaching to do with his latest publication, Jacob Weidenmann: Pioneer Landscape Architect. With encouragement from his lovely wife Joy, Mr. Favretti has spent the last forty years researching the life and work of Jacob Weidenmann in hopes of learning more about the man who made numerous contributions to the field of landscape architecture. His resulting book includes images of Weidenmann’s original design plans and final works as well as the personal story of the man who came from Switzerland and left his mark on landscapes across the United States.


Weidenmann’s surviving contributions to Hartford include the design of Bushnell Park, Cedar Hill Cemetery, and the Butler-McCook Gardens. In addition to being its landscape architect, Weidenmann served as Cedar Hill’s first superintendent. Recognizing the importance in sharing Weidenmann’s accomplishments, Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation, in cooperation with Wesleyan University Press, published this educational and enjoyable manuscript.


Born in Stonington, Connecticut, author Rudy Favretti received degrees in horticulture, landscape architecture, and regional planning from the University of Connecticut, the University of Massachusetts and Cornell. Mr. Favretti served as a professor of landscape architecture at the University of Connecticut for 33 years during which time he founded UConn’s nationally accredited landscape architecture program. In addition to his career in education, Mr. Favretti conducted a private practice specializing in landscape preservation. His commissions include Thomas Jefferson’s “Monticello” and George Washington’s “Mt. Vernon.” He also served on the board of directors at Cedar Hill Cemetery for 10 years.


Mr. Favretti will share his experience researching and writing Jacob Weidenmann: Pioneer Landscape Architect at a public booksigning on Wednesday, September 26 at 5:30pm at Cedar Hill Cemetery. Following his presentation, books will be available for purchase and signing. We hope you will join us.