Stephen Kurkjian to Discuss Book on Infamous Boston Art Theft

On September 13, The Watermark at 3030 Park will host author Stephen Kurkjian as part of its biannual Book & Author series. Kurkjian will discuss his book Master Thieves, a re-telling of the Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum art theft based on his investigative reporting as a Boston Globe journalist.

The free event begins at 2:00 p.m. at the continuing care retirement community, located at 3030 Park Avenue on the Bridgeport-Fairfield town line.

“The Watermark at 3030 Park is thrilled to host Mr. Kurkjian for this discussion on his work,” said Executive Director of The Watermark at 3030 Park, Kristin Butler. “The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum theft has become one of Boston’s most intriguing pieces of history. We are honored that Mr. Kurkjian can join us at The Watermark and we look forward to hearing his firsthand account of the investigation.”

In March of 1990, two men dressed as police officers tricked their way into the museum, stealing thirteen masterpieces valued at up to 500 million dollars. Kurkjian became The Globe’s lead reporter on the story; his 2005 article of the theft is regarded as the most complete account of the still-unsolved crime. In Master Thieves, Kurkjijan recounts the heist, subsequent FBI investigation, suspects and a possible motive. The thirteen stolen pieces have never been recovered.

During his 40-year career with the Boston Globe, Kurkjian won three Pulitzer Prizes and more than 20 regional and national reporting awards. He was a founding member of the Globe’s investigative Spotlight Team and its editor from 1979-1986. He also served as chief of the Globe's Washington bureau and covered the supreme court, the justice department and the Bush White House.

This event is free and open to the public. However, reservations are required. Copies of the book will be available for purchase, with a book signing after the lecture. For more information, or to RSVP, please contact The Watermark at 3030 Park at 203-374-5611.