150 Years of Plants and People
Then and Now
Our History →Timeline
-
The Arboretum Celebrates its Sesquicentennial
The Arboretum celebrates its 150th birthday in 2022. - 2020
-
The Arboretum is a pandemic refuge
We were the only cultural institution in the city to remain open to the public during Covid. - 2019
-
Collecting Expedition to Honshu, Japan
Michael Dosmann and Stephen Schneider collect Stewartia and other plants with American and Japanese colleagues. - 2018
-
Coastal Southeastern Expedition collects in North and South Carolina
Sean Halloran and Jenna Zukswert explore the southeast with colleagues from other institutions. - 2016
-
The Arboretum Goes Solar!
Solar panels installed on the roofs of the Horticulture Maintenance Garage and Dana Greenhouses headhouse are turned on. - 2015
-
Ozarks Plant Collecting Expedition
Michael Dosmann represented the Arboretum on this collecting trip to Arkansas. - 2013
- 2011
-
NACPEC Explores Shaanxi, Hebei, and Beijing
Michael Dosmann joined colleagues from the North America-China Plant Exploration Consortium to collect plants in Shaanxi, Hebei, and Beijing. - 2008
-
Linden Path Completed
Visit the Linden Collection with a walk along Linden Path. It leads from Meadow Road through a grove and on to the Leventritt Shrub and Vine Garden. - 2003
-
Leventritt Shrub and Vine Garden is dedicated
The three-acre M. Victor and Frances Leventritt Shrub and Vine Garden is dedicated. It provides a dedicated space for the display of shrubs and vining woody plants. - 2002
-
Renovation of Peters Hill
A major renovation of the highest point on the Arboretum grounds featured the planting of many trees and understory shrubs. - 1998
-
NACPEC Trip to Changbai Shan
Peter Del Tredici represented the Arboretum on this North America-China Plant Collecting Consortium trip to Changbai Shan. - 1997
-
Hemlock Wooly Adelgid Discovered on the Grounds
This destructive, invasive pest is discovered infesting our Canadian hemlocks. - 1996
-
Bussey Brook Meadow Added to Arboretum
The 24-acre urban wild adjacent to Forest Hills Station is added to the Arboretum. - 1994
-
Hunnewell Building is Renovated
The 101-year old Hunnewell Building is given a complete "down to the studs" renewal. The renovations make it ADA compliant. - 1989
-
Hurricane Gloria Damages the Grounds
Damage sustained by the Arboretum from the September 27 hurricane was significant, 45 accessioned trees were destroyed and another 100 trees suffered major damage. - 1985
-
Second Sino American Botanical Expedition
David Boufford represented the Arboretum during this plant collecting expedition. - 1980
- 1977
-
The Arboretum Celebrates it’s Centennial
The Arboretum celebrated it's 100th birthday over the year of 1972 with a variety of programs and activities. - 1968-1972
-
A Paved Road Installed to the Top of Peters Hill
A paved road was installed to the top of Peters Hill, replacing the old dirt road. This facilitated grounds maintenance and winter plowing. - 1961
-
Hurricane Donna Damages the Grounds
Hurricane Donna struck on September 12 causing damage to 40 trees. - 1954
- 1947
-
The Azalea Border is Installed
Consulting Landscape Gardener Beatrix Farrand designs the Azalea Border on Meadow Road. - 1946
-
The Case Estates become part of the Arboretum.
Marian Case bequeaths Hillcrest Gardens in Weston to the Arboretum. - 1941-1945
-
Hurricane of 1938
This hurricane devastated the landscape on September 21, destroying 1500 trees. - 1938-1947
-
Larz Anderson Collection of Japanese Dwarfed Trees donated to the Arboretum
This collection of bonsai was the nucleus of our Bonsai and Penjing Collection today. - 1936
- 1931
-
China, Mother of Gardens Published
Ernest Wilson published this personal reflection on the plants of China in 1929. - 1928
-
The Lilac : A Monograph Published
Author Susan McKelvey publishes her monumental work on the genus. Her study of Syringa was encouraged by Charles Sargent. - 1927
-
America’s Greatest Garden Published
Ernest Wilson's illustrated appreciation of the Arboretum is published. - 1924-1927
-
Weld Hill Parcel Purchased
The land on which the Weld Hill Research Building stands was acquired in 1922. Prior to construction of the building, it served as additional nursery space. - 1919
-
Greenhouse Facilities constructed on Orchard Street
A new greenhouse facility was constructed in 1917 off-site from the Arboretum grounds on a plot of land between Orchard and Prince Streets in Jamaica Plain. - 1917-1919
- 1911
-
Wilson’s second Arboretum expedition to China
Ernest Wilson made a second collecting trip to China from 1910-1911. - 1909-1912
-
Herbarium wing added
The Herbarium Wing is added on the back of the Hunnewell Building. - 1907-1909
-
Jack’s expedition to east Asia
John Jack made a plant collecting expedition to Japan, Korea, and China in 1905. - 1898
-
Alfred Rehder Joins the Staff
Alfred Rehder comes from Germany and gets a job as an Arboretum gardener. He soon transitions to taxonomic work, creating the Bradley Bibliography and contributing to Plantae Wilsonianae. - 1895
-
Sargent’s journey to Japan
Charles Sargent made a plant collecting expedition to Japan in 1892. - 1892
-
Silva of North America Published
Charles Sargent's 14-volume study of the trees of North America is published over 11 years. It featured illustrations by Charles Faxon. - 1888-1897
-
Greenhouse Facilities Constructed at 1090 Centre Street
The Arboretum greenhouse and nursery is moved to the grounds of the white farmhouse on Centre Street, where it will remain until 1917. - 1886
- 1882
-
Frederick Law Olmsted Commissioned to design Arboretum
Sargent hires Frederick Law Olmsted to produce a design for the Arboretum. - 1873
- 1872
- 2022
-
Weld Hill Solar Production Begins
Following on our previous solar projects, the Arboretum launches a large solar array at Weld Hill. - 2020-2021
-
Pride and Prejudice Comes to the Leventritt Garden
The Actor's Shakespeare Project performed an adaption of Jane Austen's classic romance Pride and Prejudice in the Leventritt Garden. - 2018
-
Fog x FLO Sculptures on the Landscape
Fujiko Nakaya’s art installation Fog x FLO created ever-changing fog "sculptures" on the grounds adjacent to the Hunnewell building through the summer and fall. It also provided a moody backdrop for the Actor's Shakespeare Project performance of Macbeth in October. - 2017
-
Inuksuit Brings Music to the Grounds
John Luther Adams' percussion work “Inuksuit” is performed by over 90 musicians from Kadence Arts group spread across the Arboretum landscape. - 2016
-
Launch of the Campaign for the Living Collections
The Campaign is launched! Over its ten-year duration, nearly 400 species will be added to the living collections. - 2014
-
Larz Anderson Bonsai Collection Centennial
We celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Anderson's acquisition of this collection with an exhibition at the Gardner Museum. - 2011
- 2010
-
Construction begins on the Weld Hill Research Center
Ground was broken for the new Weld Hill Research Center, the first new Arboretum building in about 50 years. - 2006
-
Isabella Welles Hunnewell Internship Program Endowed
The Hunnewell family endowed our annual summer internship program in honor of Isabella Welles Hunnewell (1812-1888), wife of H.H. Hunnewell benefactor to the Arboretum. - 2002
-
Blackwell Footpath Dedicated
The Blackwell Footpath across Bussey Brook Meadow is dedicated in May 2002. It joins Forest Hills with the Arboretum at South Street Gate. - 1998
-
Katharine H. Putnam Fellowships Endowed
The Katharine H. Putnam Fellowships in Plant Science are made possible by the generosity of George and Nancy Putnam through the Putnam Fellows Fund. - 1997
-
“April Fool’s” Day Ice Storm Damages the Collections
This strong storm encased our trees in ice and damaged many severely. - 1997
-
The Arboretum Launches its website
The Arboretum takes a step into the future when it launches it's first website in April 1996. - 1996
-
NACPEC expedition to Wudang Shan, Hubei
Peter Del Tredici represented the Arboretum on this North America-China Plant Exploration Consortium expedition to Hubei. - 1993
- 1985
-
Bradley Rosaceous Collection Dedicated
The five-acre Bradley Rosaceous Collection is dedicated. It features roses and many other members of the rose family. - 1984
-
First Sino-American Botanical Expedition
Stephen Spongberg represented the Arboretum on this expedition. - 1978
-
Weaver and Spongberg Collect plants in Japan and South Korea
Arboretum taxonomists Richard Weaver and Stephen Spongberg collected plants in eastern Asia in 1977. - 1972
-
Shiu-ying Hu explores the Hong Kong Flora
Shiu-ying Hu conducts a collecting campaign to gather plants in Hong Kong. - 1963
-
The Charles Stratton Dana Greenhouses are constructed
Our plant production has taken place at the Dana Greenhouses since 1962. - 1960
-
Hurricanes Carol and Edna Damage the Grounds
In 1954, the Arboretum was hit with two hurricanes within the span of eleven days. On August 31, Hurricane Carol struck damaging 400 trees. Hurricane Edna followed on September 11. - 1954
-
Dawn Redwood Seed Collected in China
The Arboretum sponsors a Chinese trip to collect Dawn redwood (Metasequoia) seed in Hubei. This tree dates to the time of the dinosaurs, and was thought to be extinct. - 1946
- 1942
-
World War II Cuts Staff
World War II cut staff, and subsequent maintenance, as workers were drafted for the war effort. - 1938
-
Yuccas of the southwestern United States Published
Arboretum Associate Susan McKelvey publishes her two-volume work on the genus Yucca. - 1937
-
Donald Wyman Joins the Staff
Donald Wyman joins the staff as Horticulturist, a position akin to the of curator of the living collections. He was a prolific author of gardening books and did much to encourage horticulture in post World War II America. - 1935
-
Centre Street Widening takes Arboretum Land
Centre Street was widened and straightened in 1931 and as a result the Arboretum lost some trees when the land on which they stood was seized by eminent domain. - 1929
-
Greenhouse Facilities Constructed at the Bussey Institution
The Arboretum built a new greenhouse facility on the grounds of the Bussey Institution in 1928 that would serve the organization until 1962. - 1928
- 1925
-
Rock’s Expedition to Gansu and Tibet
Joseph Rock led a plant collecting expedition to Gansu and Tibet. - 1922
-
Journal of the Arnold Arboretum begins publication
This scholarly journal published botanical research until the 1990s. - 1917
-
Wilson’s expedition to Eastern Asia
Ernest Wilson explored Japan, Korea, and Taiwan from 1917-1919. - 1914-1915
-
Bulletin of Popular Information begins publication
The Bulletin of Popular Information begins publication. It is superseded by Arnoldia in 1941. - 1910-1911
-
Purdom’s expedition to northern China
William Purdom made an expedition to northern China and Gansu from 1909-1912. - 1909
-
Wilson’s first Arboretum expedition to China
Ernest Henry Wilson made his first expedition to China for the Arboretum from 1907-1909. He explored Sichuan and Hubei. - 1905
-
Alfred Rehder joins the staff
Alfred Rehder is hired as grounds staff. He later (1902) becomes taxonomist. - 1898
-
Peters Hill Added to the Arboretum
The Peters Hill tract is added to the Arboretum. - 1892
-
Hunnewell Building Constructed
The Hunnewell Building is constructed on the grounds. - 1891-1902
-
Garden and Forest begins publication
The weekly publication Garden and Forest starts publication. - 1886
-
John George Jack joins the staff
John Jack is hired as an assistant in curation. He would go on to be an educator and plant explorer during his long career. - 1885
-
Harvard and Boston Ratify the 1000-Year Lease
Harvard and Boston sign a 1000-year lease for care of the Arboretum grounds. - 1877
-
Jackson Thornton Dawson Joins the Staff
Jackson Dawson was the first employee of the Arboretum. He served as propagator for 43 years. - 1873
-
The Arboretum Celebrates its Sesquicentennial
The Arboretum celebrates its 150th birthday in 2022. - 2020
-
The Arboretum is a pandemic refuge
We were the only cultural institution in the city to remain open to the public during Covid. - 2019
-
Collecting Expedition to Honshu, Japan
Michael Dosmann and Stephen Schneider collect Stewartia and other plants with American and Japanese colleagues. - 2018
-
Coastal Southeastern Expedition collects in North and South Carolina
Sean Halloran and Jenna Zukswert explore the southeast with colleagues from other institutions. - 2016
-
The Arboretum Goes Solar!
Solar panels installed on the roofs of the Horticulture Maintenance Garage and Dana Greenhouses headhouse are turned on. - 2015
-
Ozarks Plant Collecting Expedition
Michael Dosmann represented the Arboretum on this collecting trip to Arkansas. - 2013
- 2011
-
NACPEC Explores Shaanxi, Hebei, and Beijing
Michael Dosmann joined colleagues from the North America-China Plant Exploration Consortium to collect plants in Shaanxi, Hebei, and Beijing. - 2008
-
Linden Path Completed
Visit the Linden Collection with a walk along Linden Path. It leads from Meadow Road through a grove and on to the Leventritt Shrub and Vine Garden. - 2003
-
Leventritt Shrub and Vine Garden is dedicated
The three-acre M. Victor and Frances Leventritt Shrub and Vine Garden is dedicated. It provides a dedicated space for the display of shrubs and vining woody plants. - 2002
-
Renovation of Peters Hill
A major renovation of the highest point on the Arboretum grounds featured the planting of many trees and understory shrubs. - 1998
-
NACPEC Trip to Changbai Shan
Peter Del Tredici represented the Arboretum on this North America-China Plant Collecting Consortium trip to Changbai Shan. - 1997
-
Hemlock Wooly Adelgid Discovered on the Grounds
This destructive, invasive pest is discovered infesting our Canadian hemlocks. - 1996
-
Bussey Brook Meadow Added to Arboretum
The 24-acre urban wild adjacent to Forest Hills Station is added to the Arboretum. - 1994
-
Hunnewell Building is Renovated
The 101-year old Hunnewell Building is given a complete "down to the studs" renewal. The renovations make it ADA compliant. - 1989
-
Hurricane Gloria Damages the Grounds
Damage sustained by the Arboretum from the September 27 hurricane was significant, 45 accessioned trees were destroyed and another 100 trees suffered major damage. - 1985
-
Second Sino American Botanical Expedition
David Boufford represented the Arboretum during this plant collecting expedition. - 1980
- 1977
-
The Arboretum Celebrates it’s Centennial
The Arboretum celebrated it's 100th birthday over the year of 1972 with a variety of programs and activities. - 1968-1972
-
A Paved Road Installed to the Top of Peters Hill
A paved road was installed to the top of Peters Hill, replacing the old dirt road. This facilitated grounds maintenance and winter plowing. - 1961
-
Hurricane Donna Damages the Grounds
Hurricane Donna struck on September 12 causing damage to 40 trees. - 1954
- 1947
-
The Azalea Border is Installed
Consulting Landscape Gardener Beatrix Farrand designs the Azalea Border on Meadow Road. - 1946
-
The Case Estates become part of the Arboretum.
Marian Case bequeaths Hillcrest Gardens in Weston to the Arboretum. - 1941-1945
-
Hurricane of 1938
This hurricane devastated the landscape on September 21, destroying 1500 trees. - 1938-1947
-
Larz Anderson Collection of Japanese Dwarfed Trees donated to the Arboretum
This collection of bonsai was the nucleus of our Bonsai and Penjing Collection today. - 1936
- 1931
-
China, Mother of Gardens Published
Ernest Wilson published this personal reflection on the plants of China in 1929. - 1928
-
The Lilac : A Monograph Published
Author Susan McKelvey publishes her monumental work on the genus. Her study of Syringa was encouraged by Charles Sargent. - 1927
-
America’s Greatest Garden Published
Ernest Wilson's illustrated appreciation of the Arboretum is published. - 1924-1927
-
Weld Hill Parcel Purchased
The land on which the Weld Hill Research Building stands was acquired in 1922. Prior to construction of the building, it served as additional nursery space. - 1919
-
Greenhouse Facilities constructed on Orchard Street
A new greenhouse facility was constructed in 1917 off-site from the Arboretum grounds on a plot of land between Orchard and Prince Streets in Jamaica Plain. - 1917-1919
- 1911
-
Wilson’s second Arboretum expedition to China
Ernest Wilson made a second collecting trip to China from 1910-1911. - 1909-1912
-
Herbarium wing added
The Herbarium Wing is added on the back of the Hunnewell Building. - 1907-1909
-
Jack’s expedition to east Asia
John Jack made a plant collecting expedition to Japan, Korea, and China in 1905. - 1898
-
Alfred Rehder Joins the Staff
Alfred Rehder comes from Germany and gets a job as an Arboretum gardener. He soon transitions to taxonomic work, creating the Bradley Bibliography and contributing to Plantae Wilsonianae. - 1895
-
Sargent’s journey to Japan
Charles Sargent made a plant collecting expedition to Japan in 1892. - 1892
-
Silva of North America Published
Charles Sargent's 14-volume study of the trees of North America is published over 11 years. It featured illustrations by Charles Faxon. - 1888-1897
-
Greenhouse Facilities Constructed at 1090 Centre Street
The Arboretum greenhouse and nursery is moved to the grounds of the white farmhouse on Centre Street, where it will remain until 1917. - 1886
- 1882
-
Frederick Law Olmsted Commissioned to design Arboretum
Sargent hires Frederick Law Olmsted to produce a design for the Arboretum. - 1873
- 1872
- 2022
-
Weld Hill Solar Production Begins
Following on our previous solar projects, the Arboretum launches a large solar array at Weld Hill. - 2020-2021
-
Pride and Prejudice Comes to the Leventritt Garden
The Actor's Shakespeare Project performed an adaption of Jane Austen's classic romance Pride and Prejudice in the Leventritt Garden. - 2018
-
Fog x FLO Sculptures on the Landscape
Fujiko Nakaya’s art installation Fog x FLO created ever-changing fog "sculptures" on the grounds adjacent to the Hunnewell building through the summer and fall. It also provided a moody backdrop for the Actor's Shakespeare Project performance of Macbeth in October. - 2017
-
Inuksuit Brings Music to the Grounds
John Luther Adams' percussion work “Inuksuit” is performed by over 90 musicians from Kadence Arts group spread across the Arboretum landscape. - 2016
-
Launch of the Campaign for the Living Collections
The Campaign is launched! Over its ten-year duration, nearly 400 species will be added to the living collections. - 2014
-
Larz Anderson Bonsai Collection Centennial
We celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Anderson's acquisition of this collection with an exhibition at the Gardner Museum. - 2011
- 2010
-
Construction begins on the Weld Hill Research Center
Ground was broken for the new Weld Hill Research Center, the first new Arboretum building in about 50 years. - 2006
-
Isabella Welles Hunnewell Internship Program Endowed
The Hunnewell family endowed our annual summer internship program in honor of Isabella Welles Hunnewell (1812-1888), wife of H.H. Hunnewell benefactor to the Arboretum. - 2002
-
Blackwell Footpath Dedicated
The Blackwell Footpath across Bussey Brook Meadow is dedicated in May 2002. It joins Forest Hills with the Arboretum at South Street Gate. - 1998
-
Katharine H. Putnam Fellowships Endowed
The Katharine H. Putnam Fellowships in Plant Science are made possible by the generosity of George and Nancy Putnam through the Putnam Fellows Fund. - 1997
-
“April Fool’s” Day Ice Storm Damages the Collections
This strong storm encased our trees in ice and damaged many severely. - 1997
-
The Arboretum Launches its website
The Arboretum takes a step into the future when it launches it's first website in April 1996. - 1996
-
NACPEC expedition to Wudang Shan, Hubei
Peter Del Tredici represented the Arboretum on this North America-China Plant Exploration Consortium expedition to Hubei. - 1993
- 1985
-
Bradley Rosaceous Collection Dedicated
The five-acre Bradley Rosaceous Collection is dedicated. It features roses and many other members of the rose family. - 1984
-
First Sino-American Botanical Expedition
Stephen Spongberg represented the Arboretum on this expedition. - 1978
-
Weaver and Spongberg Collect plants in Japan and South Korea
Arboretum taxonomists Richard Weaver and Stephen Spongberg collected plants in eastern Asia in 1977. - 1972
-
Shiu-ying Hu explores the Hong Kong Flora
Shiu-ying Hu conducts a collecting campaign to gather plants in Hong Kong. - 1963
-
The Charles Stratton Dana Greenhouses are constructed
Our plant production has taken place at the Dana Greenhouses since 1962. - 1960
-
Hurricanes Carol and Edna Damage the Grounds
In 1954, the Arboretum was hit with two hurricanes within the span of eleven days. On August 31, Hurricane Carol struck damaging 400 trees. Hurricane Edna followed on September 11. - 1954
-
Dawn Redwood Seed Collected in China
The Arboretum sponsors a Chinese trip to collect Dawn redwood (Metasequoia) seed in Hubei. This tree dates to the time of the dinosaurs, and was thought to be extinct. - 1946
- 1942
-
World War II Cuts Staff
World War II cut staff, and subsequent maintenance, as workers were drafted for the war effort. - 1938
-
Yuccas of the southwestern United States Published
Arboretum Associate Susan McKelvey publishes her two-volume work on the genus Yucca. - 1937
-
Donald Wyman Joins the Staff
Donald Wyman joins the staff as Horticulturist, a position akin to the of curator of the living collections. He was a prolific author of gardening books and did much to encourage horticulture in post World War II America. - 1935
-
Centre Street Widening takes Arboretum Land
Centre Street was widened and straightened in 1931 and as a result the Arboretum lost some trees when the land on which they stood was seized by eminent domain. - 1929
-
Greenhouse Facilities Constructed at the Bussey Institution
The Arboretum built a new greenhouse facility on the grounds of the Bussey Institution in 1928 that would serve the organization until 1962. - 1928
- 1925
-
Rock’s Expedition to Gansu and Tibet
Joseph Rock led a plant collecting expedition to Gansu and Tibet. - 1922
-
Journal of the Arnold Arboretum begins publication
This scholarly journal published botanical research until the 1990s. - 1917
-
Wilson’s expedition to Eastern Asia
Ernest Wilson explored Japan, Korea, and Taiwan from 1917-1919. - 1914-1915
-
Bulletin of Popular Information begins publication
The Bulletin of Popular Information begins publication. It is superseded by Arnoldia in 1941. - 1910-1911
-
Purdom’s expedition to northern China
William Purdom made an expedition to northern China and Gansu from 1909-1912. - 1909
-
Wilson’s first Arboretum expedition to China
Ernest Henry Wilson made his first expedition to China for the Arboretum from 1907-1909. He explored Sichuan and Hubei. - 1905
-
Alfred Rehder joins the staff
Alfred Rehder is hired as grounds staff. He later (1902) becomes taxonomist. - 1898
-
Peters Hill Added to the Arboretum
The Peters Hill tract is added to the Arboretum. - 1892
-
Hunnewell Building Constructed
The Hunnewell Building is constructed on the grounds. - 1891-1902
-
Garden and Forest begins publication
The weekly publication Garden and Forest starts publication. - 1886
-
John George Jack joins the staff
John Jack is hired as an assistant in curation. He would go on to be an educator and plant explorer during his long career. - 1885
-
Harvard and Boston Ratify the 1000-Year Lease
Harvard and Boston sign a 1000-year lease for care of the Arboretum grounds. - 1877
-
Jackson Thornton Dawson Joins the Staff
Jackson Dawson was the first employee of the Arboretum. He served as propagator for 43 years. - 1873
-
The Arboretum Celebrates its Sesquicentennial
The Arboretum celebrates its 150th birthday in 2022. - 2020
-
The Arboretum is a pandemic refuge
We were the only cultural institution in the city to remain open to the public during Covid. - 2019
-
Collecting Expedition to Honshu, Japan
Michael Dosmann and Stephen Schneider collect Stewartia and other plants with American and Japanese colleagues. - 2018
-
Coastal Southeastern Expedition collects in North and South Carolina
Sean Halloran and Jenna Zukswert explore the southeast with colleagues from other institutions. - 2016
-
The Arboretum Goes Solar!
Solar panels installed on the roofs of the Horticulture Maintenance Garage and Dana Greenhouses headhouse are turned on. - 2015
-
Ozarks Plant Collecting Expedition
Michael Dosmann represented the Arboretum on this collecting trip to Arkansas. - 2013
- 2011
-
NACPEC Explores Shaanxi, Hebei, and Beijing
Michael Dosmann joined colleagues from the North America-China Plant Exploration Consortium to collect plants in Shaanxi, Hebei, and Beijing. - 2008
-
Linden Path Completed
Visit the Linden Collection with a walk along Linden Path. It leads from Meadow Road through a grove and on to the Leventritt Shrub and Vine Garden. - 2003
-
Leventritt Shrub and Vine Garden is dedicated
The three-acre M. Victor and Frances Leventritt Shrub and Vine Garden is dedicated. It provides a dedicated space for the display of shrubs and vining woody plants. - 2002
-
Renovation of Peters Hill
A major renovation of the highest point on the Arboretum grounds featured the planting of many trees and understory shrubs. - 1998
-
NACPEC Trip to Changbai Shan
Peter Del Tredici represented the Arboretum on this North America-China Plant Collecting Consortium trip to Changbai Shan. - 1997
-
Hemlock Wooly Adelgid Discovered on the Grounds
This destructive, invasive pest is discovered infesting our Canadian hemlocks. - 1996
-
Bussey Brook Meadow Added to Arboretum
The 24-acre urban wild adjacent to Forest Hills Station is added to the Arboretum. - 1994
-
Hunnewell Building is Renovated
The 101-year old Hunnewell Building is given a complete "down to the studs" renewal. The renovations make it ADA compliant. - 1989
-
Hurricane Gloria Damages the Grounds
Damage sustained by the Arboretum from the September 27 hurricane was significant, 45 accessioned trees were destroyed and another 100 trees suffered major damage. - 1985
-
Second Sino American Botanical Expedition
David Boufford represented the Arboretum during this plant collecting expedition. - 1980
- 1977
-
The Arboretum Celebrates it’s Centennial
The Arboretum celebrated it's 100th birthday over the year of 1972 with a variety of programs and activities. - 1968-1972
-
A Paved Road Installed to the Top of Peters Hill
A paved road was installed to the top of Peters Hill, replacing the old dirt road. This facilitated grounds maintenance and winter plowing. - 1961
-
Hurricane Donna Damages the Grounds
Hurricane Donna struck on September 12 causing damage to 40 trees. - 1954
- 1947
-
The Azalea Border is Installed
Consulting Landscape Gardener Beatrix Farrand designs the Azalea Border on Meadow Road. - 1946
-
The Case Estates become part of the Arboretum.
Marian Case bequeaths Hillcrest Gardens in Weston to the Arboretum. - 1941-1945
-
Hurricane of 1938
This hurricane devastated the landscape on September 21, destroying 1500 trees. - 1938-1947
-
Larz Anderson Collection of Japanese Dwarfed Trees donated to the Arboretum
This collection of bonsai was the nucleus of our Bonsai and Penjing Collection today. - 1936
- 1931
-
China, Mother of Gardens Published
Ernest Wilson published this personal reflection on the plants of China in 1929. - 1928
-
The Lilac : A Monograph Published
Author Susan McKelvey publishes her monumental work on the genus. Her study of Syringa was encouraged by Charles Sargent. - 1927
-
America’s Greatest Garden Published
Ernest Wilson's illustrated appreciation of the Arboretum is published. - 1924-1927
-
Weld Hill Parcel Purchased
The land on which the Weld Hill Research Building stands was acquired in 1922. Prior to construction of the building, it served as additional nursery space. - 1919
-
Greenhouse Facilities constructed on Orchard Street
A new greenhouse facility was constructed in 1917 off-site from the Arboretum grounds on a plot of land between Orchard and Prince Streets in Jamaica Plain. - 1917-1919
- 1911
-
Wilson’s second Arboretum expedition to China
Ernest Wilson made a second collecting trip to China from 1910-1911. - 1909-1912
-
Herbarium wing added
The Herbarium Wing is added on the back of the Hunnewell Building. - 1907-1909
-
Jack’s expedition to east Asia
John Jack made a plant collecting expedition to Japan, Korea, and China in 1905. - 1898
-
Alfred Rehder Joins the Staff
Alfred Rehder comes from Germany and gets a job as an Arboretum gardener. He soon transitions to taxonomic work, creating the Bradley Bibliography and contributing to Plantae Wilsonianae. - 1895
-
Sargent’s journey to Japan
Charles Sargent made a plant collecting expedition to Japan in 1892. - 1892
-
Silva of North America Published
Charles Sargent's 14-volume study of the trees of North America is published over 11 years. It featured illustrations by Charles Faxon. - 1888-1897
-
Greenhouse Facilities Constructed at 1090 Centre Street
The Arboretum greenhouse and nursery is moved to the grounds of the white farmhouse on Centre Street, where it will remain until 1917. - 1886
- 1882
-
Frederick Law Olmsted Commissioned to design Arboretum
Sargent hires Frederick Law Olmsted to produce a design for the Arboretum. - 1873
- 1872
- 2022
-
Weld Hill Solar Production Begins
Following on our previous solar projects, the Arboretum launches a large solar array at Weld Hill. - 2020-2021
-
Pride and Prejudice Comes to the Leventritt Garden
The Actor's Shakespeare Project performed an adaption of Jane Austen's classic romance Pride and Prejudice in the Leventritt Garden. - 2018
-
Fog x FLO Sculptures on the Landscape
Fujiko Nakaya’s art installation Fog x FLO created ever-changing fog "sculptures" on the grounds adjacent to the Hunnewell building through the summer and fall. It also provided a moody backdrop for the Actor's Shakespeare Project performance of Macbeth in October. - 2017
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Inuksuit Brings Music to the Grounds
John Luther Adams' percussion work “Inuksuit” is performed by over 90 musicians from Kadence Arts group spread across the Arboretum landscape. - 2016
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Launch of the Campaign for the Living Collections
The Campaign is launched! Over its ten-year duration, nearly 400 species will be added to the living collections. - 2014
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Larz Anderson Bonsai Collection Centennial
We celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Anderson's acquisition of this collection with an exhibition at the Gardner Museum. - 2011
- 2010
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Construction begins on the Weld Hill Research Center
Ground was broken for the new Weld Hill Research Center, the first new Arboretum building in about 50 years. - 2006
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Isabella Welles Hunnewell Internship Program Endowed
The Hunnewell family endowed our annual summer internship program in honor of Isabella Welles Hunnewell (1812-1888), wife of H.H. Hunnewell benefactor to the Arboretum. - 2002
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Blackwell Footpath Dedicated
The Blackwell Footpath across Bussey Brook Meadow is dedicated in May 2002. It joins Forest Hills with the Arboretum at South Street Gate. - 1998
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Katharine H. Putnam Fellowships Endowed
The Katharine H. Putnam Fellowships in Plant Science are made possible by the generosity of George and Nancy Putnam through the Putnam Fellows Fund. - 1997
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“April Fool’s” Day Ice Storm Damages the Collections
This strong storm encased our trees in ice and damaged many severely. - 1997
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The Arboretum Launches its website
The Arboretum takes a step into the future when it launches it's first website in April 1996. - 1996
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NACPEC expedition to Wudang Shan, Hubei
Peter Del Tredici represented the Arboretum on this North America-China Plant Exploration Consortium expedition to Hubei. - 1993
- 1985
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Bradley Rosaceous Collection Dedicated
The five-acre Bradley Rosaceous Collection is dedicated. It features roses and many other members of the rose family. - 1984
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First Sino-American Botanical Expedition
Stephen Spongberg represented the Arboretum on this expedition. - 1978
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Weaver and Spongberg Collect plants in Japan and South Korea
Arboretum taxonomists Richard Weaver and Stephen Spongberg collected plants in eastern Asia in 1977. - 1972
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Shiu-ying Hu explores the Hong Kong Flora
Shiu-ying Hu conducts a collecting campaign to gather plants in Hong Kong. - 1963
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The Charles Stratton Dana Greenhouses are constructed
Our plant production has taken place at the Dana Greenhouses since 1962. - 1960
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Hurricanes Carol and Edna Damage the Grounds
In 1954, the Arboretum was hit with two hurricanes within the span of eleven days. On August 31, Hurricane Carol struck damaging 400 trees. Hurricane Edna followed on September 11. - 1954
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Dawn Redwood Seed Collected in China
The Arboretum sponsors a Chinese trip to collect Dawn redwood (Metasequoia) seed in Hubei. This tree dates to the time of the dinosaurs, and was thought to be extinct. - 1946
- 1942
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World War II Cuts Staff
World War II cut staff, and subsequent maintenance, as workers were drafted for the war effort. - 1938
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Yuccas of the southwestern United States Published
Arboretum Associate Susan McKelvey publishes her two-volume work on the genus Yucca. - 1937
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Donald Wyman Joins the Staff
Donald Wyman joins the staff as Horticulturist, a position akin to the of curator of the living collections. He was a prolific author of gardening books and did much to encourage horticulture in post World War II America. - 1935
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Centre Street Widening takes Arboretum Land
Centre Street was widened and straightened in 1931 and as a result the Arboretum lost some trees when the land on which they stood was seized by eminent domain. - 1929
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Greenhouse Facilities Constructed at the Bussey Institution
The Arboretum built a new greenhouse facility on the grounds of the Bussey Institution in 1928 that would serve the organization until 1962. - 1928
- 1925
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Rock’s Expedition to Gansu and Tibet
Joseph Rock led a plant collecting expedition to Gansu and Tibet. - 1922
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Journal of the Arnold Arboretum begins publication
This scholarly journal published botanical research until the 1990s. - 1917
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Wilson’s expedition to Eastern Asia
Ernest Wilson explored Japan, Korea, and Taiwan from 1917-1919. - 1914-1915
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Bulletin of Popular Information begins publication
The Bulletin of Popular Information begins publication. It is superseded by Arnoldia in 1941. - 1910-1911
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Purdom’s expedition to northern China
William Purdom made an expedition to northern China and Gansu from 1909-1912. - 1909
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Wilson’s first Arboretum expedition to China
Ernest Henry Wilson made his first expedition to China for the Arboretum from 1907-1909. He explored Sichuan and Hubei. - 1905
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Alfred Rehder joins the staff
Alfred Rehder is hired as grounds staff. He later (1902) becomes taxonomist. - 1898
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Peters Hill Added to the Arboretum
The Peters Hill tract is added to the Arboretum. - 1892
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Hunnewell Building Constructed
The Hunnewell Building is constructed on the grounds. - 1891-1902
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Garden and Forest begins publication
The weekly publication Garden and Forest starts publication. - 1886
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John George Jack joins the staff
John Jack is hired as an assistant in curation. He would go on to be an educator and plant explorer during his long career. - 1885
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Harvard and Boston Ratify the 1000-Year Lease
Harvard and Boston sign a 1000-year lease for care of the Arboretum grounds. - 1877
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Jackson Thornton Dawson Joins the Staff
Jackson Dawson was the first employee of the Arboretum. He served as propagator for 43 years. - 1873