LINCOLN, MA.-DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park announces the launch of a brand new publication that chronicles the shared history of the institution’s founders—Julian de Cordova and Mary Elizabeth Dana de Cordova (“Lizzie”). Author Susan Master-Karnik has spent nearly a decade diligently researching the lives of these two captivating people and the fruits of their 46-year marriage. This 35-page softbound book, resplendent with historical images from Julian and Lizzie’s past, provides vivid insight into a bygone era. The release of this book also coincides with the town of Lincoln’s 250th anniversary, to be celebrated in 2004.

Julian and Lizzie de Cordova: From Mansion to Museum follows the rise of two individuals from prominent New York- and Boston-based families and their decisive move to the town of Lincoln in 1882. World travelers sixteen times over, avid collectors of art and antiquities, and shrewd observers of world events, Julian and Lizzie de Cordova began planning to convert their Lincoln mansion into a museum in the early 1900s. Learn their fascinating story—family histories, lively international business pursuits, passion for adventure, and fervent desire to leave a legacy of culture to successive generations. The book also explains how the Museum became incorporated as an independent non-profit 501(c)3 organization devoted to contemporary American art with an emphasis on New England artists.

Julian and Lizzie de Cordova: From Mansion to Museum is available in person at The Store @ DeCordova and through the Web site at www.decordova.org. The price is $9.95 plus tax. A booksigning event is being planned for Sunday, October 26 from 2 – 4 pm at The Store @ DeCordova.