Barbara Baer Capitman

About the Author

Barbara Baer Capitman was a pioneering preservationist and author whose passion for Miami Beach's iconic Art Deco architecture shaped the city's cultural landscape. Born in 1920, she moved to Miami Beach in the 1970s and quickly recognized the architectural treasures at risk from rampant development. Founding the Miami Design Preservation League in 1976, Capitman led grassroots efforts that culminated in the designation of the Miami Beach Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, saving countless treasures from demolition. Her book Deco Delights: Preserving Miami Beach Architecture captures the elegance and history of these pastel-hued gems, blending vivid storytelling with advocacy for their protection. Capitman's tireless work not only preserved a vital part of American design but also inspired a global movement in historic conservation, leaving an indelible mark on urban heritage until her passing in 1990.