Each lecture will focus on one of the families included in the exhibit - Taft, Probasco-Rowe, Hauck, and Huenefeld. The contributions and achievements of the talented architects and artists commissioned by these families to design and decorate their homes will also be discussed. Among the well known local and national architects and craftspeople are James K. Wilson, William Tinsley, James W. McLaughlin, Samuel Hannaford, Bruce Price, J.J. Rueckert, James Gilmore, Gwathmey/Siegel, the Fry and Pitman art-carvers, and the artists of Rookwood Pottery.

The lectures will be accompanied by a slide presentation featuring historic and contemporary views of the exteriors and interiors of the homes. Some of the notable residences to be discussed include the Lloyd Taft House in Indian Hill, Oakwood in Clifton, the John Hauck House in the West End, and The Towers in East Walnut Hills.

The first lecture will be held June 14, 2008 at 11 am, and will feature the Taft family. The series continues on July 12, with the Probasco-Rowe family; September 20, the Hauck family; and concludes on October 11, with the Huenefeld family.

The lectures will be held at the Cincinnati Fire Museum, 315 West Court Street in downtown Cincinnati. Admission for the lectures  will be $10 for the public and $5 for members of the Betts House and the Cincinnati Fire Museum. A series subscription to all four lectures is $30 for the public and $15 for members. The fee includes admission to the Betts House exhibit Great Cincinnati Families at Home and a pass to visit the Cincinnati Fire Museum. Pre-registration is requested. Call 513-651-0734 or email BettsHouseRC@fuse.net for additional information.