Our speaker/program for this Friday is Hilary Bassett, Executive Director of Greater Portland Landmarks (GPL). For over 40 years, GPL has worked to promote the preservation and revitalization of historic buildings, neighborhoods, and landscapes, and to encourage high-quality new architecture that enhances the livability and economic vitality of greater Portland, Maine. GPL is proud to provide leadership and advocacy, present educational publications, events and programs, and act as steward of the Portland Observatory (1807) for future generations. We are a privately supported nonprofit offering a wide range of resources, as well as a number of ways for you to get involved with the special community of people who care about the architecture of greater Portland.

Hilary has served as chief administrator and advocate for GPL since September 2000. Prior to joining GPL, she helped raise $1.3 million to restore the Portland Observatory, served on the development staff at Bowdoin College, and was an art museum administrator in Michigan and Indiana. Her passion for architecture, now focused on Portland, began in her home town of Louisville, KY, which has wonderful 19th-century buildings and Olmsted-designed parks. She received her bachelor of arts degree from Wellesley College and a master's degree in business administration from Indiana University.

Hilary's topic will be "50 Years of Preserving 250 Years of Portland History."