Library Schedule

The library is usually open on weekdays from 10:00 to noon, but it is often open much longer. Because the library is managed by volunteers, it may be a good idea to check the schedule in advance with Maureen Horn, Librarian, at 617-933-4912 or by e-mailing This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Library holdings online

Click here to view our online listings: Online Catalog.  We also provide additional resources, including General Onefile, Academic Onefile, New York Times Archives, Massachusetts History Online and Health Reference Center.

MassHort Library Book Return Policy

Patrons returning MassHort Library books must return the library materials during library open hours. Members can also return items via mail and pay for any postage incurred.

Maureen Horn, Librarian
(617) 933-4912
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

New England Garden History Society – Journals

The MassHort staff is gratified that there has been continuing interest in the scholarship and artistry that was created by the authors who wrote for the Journals of the New England Garden History Society across twelve years and eleven volumes, which were published between 1991 and 2003. During that time, the Journal was founded and edited by Judith B. Tankard. One can remain current with her activities at www.judithtankard.com.

We offer below three entry points to the contents of the publications. A comprehensive index of all eleven volumes will appear at the end of the summer.

Back issues of the Journal can be ordered by contacting the Library at the Elm Bank Horticulture Center, 900 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA 02482; 617-933-4910; This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Click on the following link to view or download the indexes:

NEW ENGLAND GARDEN HISTORY SOCIETY - Journals (Indexes)

The scientific documentation and art history represented in the Society’s seed and nursery catalog collection are part of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society’s legacy to horticultural research. Although we own many catalogs with an earlier date, MHS did not begin to deliberately collect them until 1880, just in time to benefit from the Golden Age in seed catalog design. Professor Charles S. Sargent, director of Harvard’s Arnold Arboretum donated many catalogs, both American and foreign, and an exchange with the library of the U. S. Department of Agriculture brought many more. Because several of the Society’s founding members were nurserymen, there are early catalogs bearing their names, most notably that of Joseph Breck. By the 1930’s more fanciful names began to appear, e. g. Weathered Oak Herb Farm, in 1937. Click on the following links to view the listings of the MHS collection of U. S. and International Seed catalogs available in our archives.