Art history alumna highlights the history of presidential architecture

An art history alumna from The College of Wooster, Kathryn (Kay) Fanning ’83 wanted to study the history of presidential commemoration in the United States, specifically how architectural commemoration has changed throughout time. “Not a lot of people recall leaders throughout history unless there is a commemoration of them,” she said. “Many designs for presidential memorials use classical models such as obelisks, reaching for the sky, or circular temples.

In her book American Shrines: The Architecture of Presidential Commemoration, Fanning, historian of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, underlines some of the earliest monuments created, such as the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, as well as the historical changes in monumental design, honoring new leaders. Fanning explained that presidential memorials present a variety of themes, from power to liberty and equality. She presents these changes of American values through a chronology of presidential architecture with more than 500 images of monuments. One memorial she focuses on is the recently renovated Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial. “The Eisenhower Memorial, finished in 2020, featured a huge metal tapestry depicting his rural Kansas birthplace,” shared Fanning. “Now it is an abstract image of present-day Normandy Beach.” Fanning also details the changes within types of monuments including libraries and landscapes, showing how commemoration can be displayed in numerous ways.

The education Fanning received at Wooster fostered her interests in architectural research and aided in developing processes she used to write her book. As a student, Fanning enjoyed analyzing the architecture of the older buildings on campus, including McGaw Chapel and Kauke Hall. “I remember looking at the roof of McGaw Chapel and seeing the triangular pieces that shot into the sky,” shared Fanning. “Their abstract forms are similar to modern memorials, and I was interested in how such forms convey meaning.

A class Fanning took with Arnold Lewis, then professor of art, provided the skills necessary to begin her career as an architectural historian. “He taught a seminar about modern architecture, and it really opened my eyes to what defines a place and how structures are built,” Fanning said. The class, along with her I.S. focused on landscape painting and the American Luminist painters of the 19th century, encouraged her to study architectural history in graduate school. “I realized that I had a limited view of how to conduct art history research before completing my I.S.,” Fanning explained.

Posted in Alumni on March 9, 2026.