History
Born in New York, René Silvin grew up in Swiss boarding schools. After earning his bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University in 1970 and an MBA from Cornell in 1972, he spent 25 years in the investor-owned hospital industry. He rose to the head of the international division of American Medical International, Inc., which owned and operated hospitals in 10 countries.
Since retiring after surviving a late stage cancer, René has published five books, including a memoir about his friendship with the late Duchess of Windsor and a history of Palm Beach, Florida seen through the eyes of the famous society architect, Addison Mizner. His latest book, “SS Normandie: The Tragic Story of the Most Majestic Ocean Liner,” is a historical novel that brings to life the magnificent 1930s French line, Normandie, which met its tragic end during WWII.
He continues to add lecture topics which offer well-researched, glamorous stories with historical significance, infused with personal experiences. These include a history of transatlantic ocean liner travel, the history of Mar-a-Lago, and his newest one about the perils of being too rich.
René lives in Palm Beach, FL and is listed in Who’s Who in the World (1988). He is the vice-chairman of the Palm Beach Landmarks Preservation Commission.
A much sought-after lecturer on the Duchess of Windsor, Addison Mizner, the SS Normandie and Mar-a-Lago, René has become one of America’s leading authorities on all four topics.
Addison Mizner: Palm Beach Architect
Palm Beach's Grand Mansions
This lecture will introduce you to the life and work of
the flamboyant, socialite architect Addison Mizner,
including details of Mizner’s colorful personal life
and the grand palaces he designed and decorated for
America’s elite in Palm Beach during the “Roaring
Nineteen Twenties.” Numerous pictures of the unique
mansions, most of which have been demolished, will
be shown as René Silvin also discusses the lives of
Mizner’s best known clients. The talk will include a
history of the architect turned entrepreneur’s failed
attempt to create the model city of Boca Raton as well
as an examination of why the empire-building genius
died insolvent, intestate and without work.
Register Early! There is a $5 charge for registering on the day of a one-time lecture or event.
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| Course # S1W3 — One Time Event
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| Place: | Lifelong Learning Complex, Jupiter Campus |
| Dates: | Wednesday, April 29 2015 |
| Time: | 12:30 - 2 PM |
| Fee: | $25 / member; $35 / non-member |
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Register Now
