Lenhardt Library of the Chicago Botanic Garden Digitized Collections: Chicago Horticultural Society History and Archives

"The roots of the Chicago Botanic Garden run deep. Ground was broken in 1965 and the Garden opened in 1972, but its underpinnings can be traced to 1890, when the Chicago Horticultural Society was founded.

To celebrate the Society’s 125th anniversary, the Garden is featuring two special exhibitions, lectures, and the launch of a commemorative book, Chicago and Its Botanic Garden: The Chicago Horticultural Society at 125." 

[Text from the blog link below]

• Founded on October 1, 1890, the Horticultural Society of Chicago, known today as the Chicago Horticultural Society, was dedicated to the “encouragement and promotion of the practice of horticulture in all its branches and the fostering of an increased love of it among the people.” The Chicago Horticultural Society operates the Chicago Botanic Garden, which opened in 1972 and is one of the world's great living museums.

Summary: Records include constitution, minutes, financial records, membership rosters, lists of officers, premiums awarded and notices of meetings; various announcements, passes and membership cards affixed to endpapers; typed or printed matter and contemporary newspaper articles affixed to pages or loosely inserted.

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Lenhardt Library of the Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL 60022