An orientation video exhibits, bookstore and library reference materials are located on the first floor of the historic Olmsted house. The film further describes Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site's role in preserving and making available a vast collection of Olmsted records to those who are studying and rehabilitating America's great urban landscapes. Exhibits focus on the work of the Olmsted firm, emphasizing innovations and principles and practice of landscape design. Highlights include reproductions from the Olmsted Archives representing a variety of Olmsted-designed landscapes across the United States.
Group tours are available by reservation.
Tour topics include the history of the Olmsted firm, how individual spaces were used during the design process, and National Park Service efforts to preserve the Olmsted Archives. Special tours of the Olmsted residential landscape may be offered in season, weather permitting. Topics include the history of the land, the design ideas of the Olmsteds, and recent restoration of the grounds. The following directions are accurate to the best of our knowledge. Boston is currently undertaking one of the largest highway improvement projects in history, which may affect travel by car.