Did you know that the White House was nearly torn down during the Truman administration? New Haven architect Douglas Orr was instrumental in saving much of it. He also designed the World War One Memorial Flagpole on the Green, the New Haven Lawn Club, and the former Southern New England Telephone Company headquarters as well as dozens of other buildings in the Elm City, including municipal and academic buildings, laboratories and hospitals, and churches and houses. New Haven Museum (NHM) in partnership with the New Haven Preservation Trust will celebrate National Preservation Month with two programs focusing on the work of this important local architect.

The first event is part of the NHM “What’s in the Whitney Library?” program series and will offer visitors an opportunity to view original drawings produced by the architect and his architectural firm on Saturday, May 17, from 12 to 4 p.m.

For the second program, on Thursday, May 22, at 6 p.m., Cynthia Wrightsman and Douglas Orr Logan will present, “Douglas Orr: Connecticut and Beyond.” The free lecture will be preceded by a reception at 5:30 p.m.

This program is presented in partnership with the New Haven Museum.