United States of America -- Iowa -- Polk County -- Des Moines
Janis and John Ruan III Garden at The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates (Des Moines, Iowa)
Scope and Contents:
20 digital images (2014-2017), 7 prints (circa 2011) and 1 file folder.
General:
The Janis and John Ruan III Garden is a significant addition to downtown Des Moines' public green space, and features a grand central fountain plaza, a great lawn, and three private gardens. The two-acre garden designed by Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects is an integral part of the restoration of Des Moines, Iowa's century-old public library into a new home for the World Food Prize Foundation – Dr. Norman E. Borlaug Hall of Laureates. Dr. Borlaug (1914-2009) was an agronomist and humanitarian who led initiatives worldwide that contributed to the extensive increases in agricultural production termed the Green Revolution. The formal garden functions as a ceremonial space for the World Food Prize Foundation, which bestows the foremost international award recognizing the achievements of individuals who have advanced human development by improving the quality, quantity, or availability of food in the world. Entrance paths into the garden from the corners of the site along Second Street lead visitors past commissioned statues of Dr. Norman Borlaug and John Ruan (1914-2010), the founder and sponsor of the World Food Prize, and then to a 1100 square-foot, granite inlaid map of the world, which symbolically marks the gathering space located at the entrance to the hall of Laureates. Directly west of the map across the events lawn, a fountain acts as a visual focal point in the garden when viewed from the Hall's main entrance. Designed to appear mature from day one, a third of the trees specified by Hoerr Schaudt and planted by the contractor were 20 feet tall or more.
As the seasons progress, visitors will see an annual display of asters, mums, viola and alyssum in the fall. In the spring, flowering pear, Amelanchiers, hawthorns, lilacs, magnolias, crab apple trees and viburnum will complement a display of tulips, grape hyacinth and allium. In the summer, annuals and perennials will bloom alongside three varieties of hydrangeas and roses. Winter interest is carefully designed into the garden. Formally clipped boxwood and yew hedges will complement the structural qualities of deciduous trees placed in formal patterns throughout the site. All perennials and annuals in the garden were grown from seed at local production nurseries. Specimen trees and shrubs were identified, or 'tagged,' by Hoerr Schaudt at nurseries months in advance. There are 3200 perennials, 2000 shrubs, and 90 trees on the site, in addition to annual displays that will change with the seasons.
The garden surrounds a historic building that was designed by architects Frank A Gutterson and Oliver O. Smith. The design began in 1898 and the cornerstone of the building was laid in 1900 with completion of the property in 1903. The property was designed and constructed for the City of Des Moines Public Library. The original design was part of the "city beautiful" movement at the turn of the century. The Hall of Laureates project began October 18, 2001, when John Ruan III announced a sizable monetary gift by his father, John Ruan Sr. in order to start the renovation project and create a place for the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates. Throughout the next ten years, Ambassador Kenneth Quinn leading the World Food Prize Foundation, conducted a campaign raising additional funds for the project. The renovation conducted by World Food Prize was completed in October 2011 in time for the 25th anniversary of the World Food Prize. The architect of record was RGD planning and Design, and Gensler of Chicago. Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects designed the garden. Neumann Brothers served as the General Contractor of the renovation.
This space achieving LEED Platinum status was very important to the client. Contractors had to monitor construction removals and material installation to have proper documentation in order to receive the LEED credits. The landscape design was a critical component of meeting this goal, with water-efficient landscaping, sustainable storm water design, the use of regional materials, and proper construction waste management all contributing to successfully achieving LEED Platinum Certification.
Persons associated with the garden include: Frank A. Gutterson (Architect, 1898-1903); Oliver O. Smith (Architect, 1898-1903); City of Des Moines (owner, 1900-); Des Moines Public Library (lessee, 1903-2006 ); World Food Prize Hall of Laureates (Lessee, 2006- ); RGD Planning and Design (architect, 2006); Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects (landscape architects, 2006) John Collier (Artist); Chas Fagan (Artist); Delta Fountains (Fountains); Hermes Landscaping (Landscape Contractor).
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original images by appointment only. Researcher must submit request for appointment in writing. Certain items may be restricted and not available to researchers. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Collection Rights:
Archives of American Gardens encourages the use of its archival materials for non-commercial, educational and personal use under the fair use provision of U.S. copyright law. Use or copyright restrictions may exist. It is incumbent upon the researcher to ascertain copyright status and assume responsibility for usage. All requests for duplication and use must be submitted in writing and approved by Archives of American Gardens.
Smithsonian Institution, Archives of American Gardens, The Garden Club of America collection.
Sponsor:
A project to describe images in this finding aid received Federal support from the Smithsonian Collections Care Initiative, administered by the National Collections Program.
Researchers must handle unprotected photographs with cotton gloves. Researchers may use reference copies of audio-visual materials. When no reference copy exists, the Archives Center staff will produce reference copies on an "as needed" basis and as resources allow.
Viewing film portions of the collection requires special appointment, please inquire; listening to LP recordings is only possible by special arrangement.
Gloves must be worn when handling unprotected photographs and negatives. Special arrangements required to view materials in cold storage. Using cold room materials requires a three hour waiting period. Contact the Archives Center at 202-633-3270.
Collection Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Collection Citation:
Civilian Conservation Corps Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
Access to NMAI Archive Center collections is by appointment only, Monday - Friday, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm. Please contact the archives to make an appointment (phone: 301-238-1400, email: nmaiarchives@si.edu).
Collection Rights:
Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. Permission to publish or broadbast materials from the collection must be requested from National Museum of the American Indian Archive Center. Please submit a written request to nmaiarchives@si.edu.
Collection Citation:
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Collection Title, Box and Folder Number; National Museum of the American Indian Archive Center, Smithsonian Institution.
Access to NMAI Archive Center collections is by appointment only, Monday - Friday, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm. Please contact the archives to make an appointment (phone: 301-238-1400, email: nmaiarchives@si.edu).
Collection Rights:
Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. Permission to publish or broadbast materials from the collection must be requested from National Museum of the American Indian Archive Center. Please submit a written request to nmaiarchives@si.edu.
Collection Citation:
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Collection Title, Box and Folder Number; National Museum of the American Indian Archive Center, Smithsonian Institution.
Access to NMAI Archive Center collections is by appointment only, Monday - Friday, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm. Please contact the archives to make an appointment (phone: 301-238-1400, email: nmaiarchives@si.edu).
Collection Rights:
Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. Permission to publish or broadbast materials from the collection must be requested from National Museum of the American Indian Archive Center. Please submit a written request to nmaiarchives@si.edu.
Collection Citation:
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Collection Title, Box and Folder Number; National Museum of the American Indian Archive Center, Smithsonian Institution.
Letters written by Charles Lang Freer to his close friend, Detroit bussinessman Cameron Currie (1860-1942). Many letters are written from overseas while Freer was traveling in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Charles Lang Freer's correspondence with Cameron Currie
Arrangement:
Organized chronologically.
Local Numbers:
FSA A.01 02.1Currie
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from the repository.
Charles Lang Freer Papers. Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Archives. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. Gift of the estate of Charles Lang Freer.
The subject reference files of Revista Aérea Latinoamericana regarding aviation in Latin America during 1937-2003.
Scope and Content Note:
This collection consists of reference files from the Spanish-language monthly periodical Revista Aérea Latinoamericana. This collection is a virtual time-capsule of the evolution of aviation in Latin America over the 66-year period of publication, 1937-2003. The files include information on hardware and aircraft systems, as well as documentation on aeronautical educational enterprises in Latin America, aero clubs, sport aviation, military and naval aviation, indigenous manufacturing enterprises, and air transport. The material in the collection includes black-and-white and color photographs; color slides; domestic and foreign aerospace trade literature; speeches and lectures; news releases; and drawings.
Arrangement:
The collection is organized by subject and designated in parallel to the NASM Archives' Technical Reference Files as follows:
Series A: -- Aircraft (Boxes 1-86; aircraft / lighter-than-air; each section by manufacturer and model)
Series B: -- Propulsion (Boxes 87-101; engines / other propulsion equipment, each section by manufacturer and model)
Series C: -- Biography (Boxes 102-111; by name, last name first)
Series D: -- Organizations (Box 112; by name)
Series E: -- Corporations (Boxes 113-133; by name)
Series F1: -- Airlines (Boxes 134-135; by name)
Series F4: -- Airports (Boxes 136; by name)
Series G: -- Electronics and Communications (Boxes 137-143; navigation equipment / radar systems / communications equipment; each section by manufacturer and model)
Series H: -- Education (Boxes 144-145; by name)
Series J1: -- Events (Box 146; airshows and exhibits; by name)
Series J2: -- Events (Box 146; flights; by name)
Series K: -- Awards (Box 146; by name)
Series M: -- Equipment (Box 147; by manufacturer and model)
Series O: -- Space History (Box 148-150; spacecraft and systems / UAVs; by manufacturer and model)
Series P: -- General Aviation (Box 151; by country)
Series R: -- Art and Literature (Box 151; by country)
Series S: -- Military (Box 152; by country)
Series S2: -- Armament (Box 153-154; by manufacturer and model)
Series U: -- Museums (Box 155; by country)
Series Y: -- Misccellaneous (Box 155)
Series Y1: -- Miscellaneous National History (Box 155)
Series Y3: -- Miscellaneous Photography (Box 155)
Historical Note:
Revista Aérea Latinoamericana was created in 1937 as a Spanish-language version of the highly regarded US monthly Aero Digest aimed at the Latin American market. This region was seen as a rich potential market for export sales of aircraft, engines, and associated technology, and advertisers came to rely heavily on this publication to help promote their line in this lucrative market. When Aero Digest ceased publication in 1956 Colombian businessman Maximillian Garavito purchased Revista Aérea Latinoamericana and took over as editor and publisher. Upon his death in 1979 Elaine Asch-Root assumed control, dropping "Latinoamericana" from the title and expanding into the Spanish and Portugeuse markets. In 2010 Revista Aérea began publishing a Portugeuse language edition as well as a revamped on-line version. In addition to its original role of communicating the latest in aviation technology to potential buyers, the magazine also highlights aviation-related news and events in Latin America and promotes aviation education and humanitarian aviation operations.
Provenance:
Elaine Asch-Root, gift, 2003, 2003-0028
Restrictions:
No restrictions on access.
Rights:
Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests.
The Archives of American Art makes its archival collections available for non-commercial, educational and personal use unless restricted by copyright and/or donor restrictions, including but not limited to access and publication restrictions. AAA makes no representations concerning such rights and restrictions and it is the user's responsibility to determine whether rights or restrictions exist and to obtain any necessary permission to access, use, reproduce and publish the collections. Please refer to the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for additional information.
Collection Citation:
Jacques Seligmann & Co. records, 1904-1978, bulk 1913-1974. Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.
Sponsor:
Processing of the collection was funded by the Getty Grant Program; digitization of the collection was funded by the Samuel H. Kress Foundation and the Terra Foundation for American Art. Glass plate negatives in this collection were digitized in 2019 with funding provided by the Smithsonian Women's Committee.
