Help SAVE our SOCIETY
by making a gift to the Annual Fund!

The Board of Trustees of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society would like to announce a change in leadership and an S.O.S. – Save our Society appeal.

You may have read that we have had to make draconian cuts in our staff, and it seemed prudent to make changes at the Board level, as well. At the June 19, 2008 meeting of the Board of Trustees, Bill McDonough, President, and Elaine Fiske, Vice President, and Walter Pile, Treasurer, stepped down from their posts after many long and tireless years of service. Betsy Ridge Madsen was elected President, Bob Bartlett will continue as Vice President, Pat Tynan will continue as Secretary.

During Bill’s long tenure, our Gardens on the Greenway went from dream to reality. With Elaine’s careful shepherding, Weezie’s Garden was designed and built to become a Mecca for children of all ages. Last year Walter stepped in to fill a vacancy, returning to the Board on which he had previously served for many years. We are all grateful for their time, resources, and devotion to the Society. Bill, Elaine, and Walter will all remain on the Board under the new leadership.

We are launching an S.O.S. campaign: Save our Society. We seek to save the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, which was founded almost 180 years ago. We are reaching out to foundations, businesses, and individuals with the goal of putting the Massachusetts Horticultural Society back in the black and continuing our most fundamental programs including horticultural education, Master Gardeners and the Flower Show. We continue to hold our same mission:

Founded in 1829, the Massachusetts Horticultural Society is dedicated to encouraging the science and practice of horticulture and developing the public's enjoyment, appreciation, and understanding of plants and the environment.

We are building a new business plan, reviewing each and every department to make sure that we can stay solvent. For example, we are exploring ways to restructure the Flower Show so that it generates significant revenue for the Society. We have nearly completed our garden on the Greenway, five acres of beautiful horticulture in downtown Boston. We have met all the requirements for a 99-year lease at Elm Bank, adding value in the refurbishment of The Hunnewell Building which is available for events, the restoration of The Cottage for on-site residence, and the restoration of The Flora/Welcome Center, for welcome and sales. We have completed many garden installations, including the All America Selection Trial Gardens, Weezie's Garden, The Bressingham Garden, The Italianate Garden, The Goddess Garden, The James Crockett Memorial Garden, and the Society gardens. All these are done, so we do not anticipate many capital expenses going forward.

Many of you have already expressed your support through letters, gifts, and services. For these tangible signs, we are most grateful. If every one of us gives what he or she can in time, talent, and resources, we can Save our Society. Please become part of our effort.

Sincerely,

Betsy Ridge Madsen
President of the Board
Massachusetts Horticultural Society

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