Podcast Summary: All Of It — "Wave Hill Marks 60 Years"

Host: Alison Stewart (WNYC)
Guest: Gabriel de Guzman (Director of Arts & Chief Curator, Wave Hill)
Date: September 8, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of All Of It celebrates the 60th anniversary of Wave Hill—a beloved public garden and cultural center nestled on the cliffs of Riverdale, overlooking the Hudson River. Host Alison Stewart invites Gabriel de Guzman, Wave Hill’s Director of Arts and Chief Curator, to reflect on the institution’s rich history, its transformation from a private estate to a public treasure, its ongoing role in community life, and upcoming anniversary events. Callers from around New York share their memories and connections to the garden, underscoring its deep and multifaceted impact.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Origins and Founding of Wave Hill

[01:18] Gabriel de Guzman:

• Wave Hill began as a private estate, with the first house built in the 1840s.
• In the 1890s, George Perkins unified two adjoining properties, enhanced the grounds, and built greenhouses.
• The Perkins-Freeman family donated the estate’s 28 acres to the City of New York in 1960.
• In 1965, local Riverdale residents established Wave Hill as a nonprofit cultural institution:

  "In 2025, we're now celebrating our 60th anniversary as a Wave Hill cultural center." (01:34)

Name Origins

[02:38] Gabriel de Guzman:

• The name "Wave Hill" has two main theories:
  • The hill’s wave-shaped appearance when viewed from the river.
  • A more whimsical story: people on the hill waving at boats passing by.

  "I don't think that's accurate, but it’s fun, right?" (03:37)

Wave Hill’s Relationship with the Palisades & Environmental Legacy

[04:37] Gabriel de Guzman:

• Wave Hill’s mission upholds the visual and environmental connection with the Palisades.
• George Perkins played a crucial role in conserving the Palisades, keeping them undeveloped and protected.

  "We are very committed to making sure that the Palisades remain a public park and not developed." (04:48)

Exploring the Estate Houses

[05:28] Gabriel de Guzman:

• Two main historic buildings:
  • Glendor House: Home to the contemporary art gallery, with exhibitions exploring human/nature connections.
  • Wave Hill House: The older, larger building, now housing a café, performance spaces, and event rooms.

  “I encourage people to come visit both houses and experience our programming in different ways.” (06:13)

Community Stories & Personal Memories

Throughout the episode, listeners call in with personal memories and experiences at Wave Hill:

• Craig (NJ): Remembers reading the Sunday Times on benches with panoramic views and the koi pond:

  “It was a well-kept secret. It's very beautiful there...great for events too." (06:50–07:28)

• Jim (Bayville): Directed raptor shows at Wave Hill; appreciated the audience, the natural beauty, and serendipitous falcon sightings:

  "...because it's in the Hudson, right near the Palisades, occasionally we'd get a peregrine falcon flying directly overhead." (07:40–08:15)

• Jane (Brooklyn): Attended gardening classes, particularly on cacti and succulents, which sparked a lifelong passion:

  "I became addicted to them. I love to collect cacti and succulents and we have a lot of them now." (08:25–09:04)

• Lauren (Manhattan): Values Wave Hill’s inclusivity for observant Jewish community members and shares a humorous story about getting locked in after hours and witnessing “a priest and a rabbi” drive off in a golf cart before a wedding.

  “A priest and a rabbi get on a golf cart and drive away...so that’s my memory.” (13:25–14:46)

Renovation and Restoration

[10:02] Gabriel de Guzman:

• Donation to the city left the grounds and greenhouse in disrepair.
• Restoration led by Marco Polo Stefano, Wave Hill’s first director of horticulture, who revitalized the gardens and greenhouses.

  “He was really the person that brought everything to life...made it possible for us to open to the public.” (10:02–11:03)

Upcoming Anniversary Events

[11:07, 17:19] Gabriel de Guzman:

• Gardener’s Party (Sept 18): Honors the horticulture team and department's legacy.
• Celebrate Arts in the Garden: Wave Hill at 60 (Sept 20–21): Features:
  • Dance performances by Heidi Latsky Dance Company (3pm each day).
  • Outdoor textile and sculptural installations by Sarah Jimenez (her closing weekend, artist tour on Sun at 1:30pm).
  • “Kids on the Move” family art and movement program (Sunday at 1pm).
• Three new art exhibitions opening (Caroline Garcia, Blanca Imesqua, Magdalena Dukovich).

  “We're very excited about that...presenting art in the context of the garden.” (11:07–19:23)

Intersection Between Nature and Art

[11:51] Gabriel de Guzman:

• Art at Wave Hill is designed to enhance the experience of the garden and deepen reflection on nature and the environment, including issues like climate change.

  “We try to present work that's thought provoking and makes you think about our relationship to nature and what that really means in an expansive way...” (11:51–12:35)

The Family Art Project

[14:55] Christopher (Riverdale):

• Free Saturday morning program making art from natural materials, welcoming and imaginative, fostering family participation.

  “Every week is something completely different...My family has enjoyed so many Saturday mornings there.” (14:55–15:52)

Featured Art: Yoko Ono’s Wish Tree

[16:02] Gabriel de Guzman:

• Participatory project inviting visitors to write wishes on tags and tie them to the tree’s branches.

  "It’s just a way for people to share what they're feeling and what they are hoping for." (16:02–17:12)

Notable Historical Figures

[19:26] Jim/Robert:

• Conductor Arturo Toscanini lived at Wave Hill while leading the NBC Orchestra, and the estate has hosted a variety of legendary cultural figures.

  “[He] was acclaimed to be a conductor that comes along every two or three hundred years. And it's got quite a history.” (19:26–20:36)

The Garden as a Refuge

Final text from a listener (read by Allison, [20:36]):

"Walks to and around Wave Hill became the backyard we left in Georgia. Truly a tonic for the anxiety of the time. Long live Wave Hill." (20:36–20:54)

Memorable Quotes

• Alison Stewart:

  "If you've been, you know how beautiful it is. If you haven't been, go to our Instagram...it was gorgeous." (00:10)

• Gabriel de Guzman:

  "The arts is there to enhance the experience of the garden...thought provoking and makes you think about our relationship to nature." (11:51)

• Craig (Caller):

  "I'm almost a little nervous about you having us on the show. Hopefully it won't get overpopulated. It was a well kept secret." (07:08)

• Lauren (Caller):

  "One day I found a secluded nook...I saw a priest and a rabbi get on a golf cart...escaping through a wedding party." (13:25–14:46)

Important Timestamps

• 00:10 — 02:35: History of Wave Hill and its transformation.
• 02:38 — 03:40: Theories behind the estate's name.
• 04:26 — 04:48: Connection to the Palisades and preservation efforts.
• 05:19 — 06:13: Descriptions of the estate houses and what visitors experience.
• 06:43 — 09:04: Listener stories illustrating Wave Hill's role in personal and community life.
• 09:45 — 11:03: Discussing challenges after the estate's donation and subsequent revitalization.
• 11:07 — 19:23: Preview of 60th anniversary events and the unique blending of art and horticulture.
• 14:55 — 15:52: Family Art Project described as a core community activity.
• 16:02 — 17:12: Discussion of Yoko Ono’s Wish Tree project.
• 19:26 — 20:36: Historical note about Toscanini and Wave Hill's cultural legacy.
• 20:36 — 21:23: Listener texts about Wave Hill as essential urban refuge during stressful times.
• 21:23 — 21:38: De Guzman mentions new art exhibitions opening for the anniversary.

Tone and Style Overview

The episode was marked by warmth, nostalgia, and community spirit, with host Alison Stewart’s friendly engagement and Gabriel de Guzman’s thoughtful, enthusiastic reflections on both the serious and whimsical aspects of Wave Hill’s past, present, and future. The inclusion of audience calls and texts provided poignant, funny, and intimate testimony to the garden’s enduring place in New York City’s cultural and personal landscape.

Conclusion

This special anniversary episode highlights how Wave Hill, through thoughtful stewardship and creative programming, continues to weave together history, landscape, art, and community—providing joy, solace, and inspiration for generations of New Yorkers and visitors alike.