The Arnold Arboretum was established through planned gifts from New Bedford whaling merchant James Arnold (1781-1868) and Jamaica Plain farmer Benjamin Bussey (1757-1842) to Harvard University. These bequests of capital and land initiated more than 150 years of philanthropic stewardship of the Arnold by the people who have cherished it. Today, any donor who establishes a planned gift to the Arnold Arboretum is recognized as a member of The James Arnold Society, which honors those who have made efforts to benefit the future of the landscape in this way.
For help with bequest language, or to discuss other options such as charitable gift annuities, remainder trusts, lead trusts, donor advised funds, gifts of real estate, art and other personal assets or gifts of life insurance, please contact Jon Hetman, Associate Director of External Relations and Communications, at 617.384.5763, or by email.