FOUNDING DAY
Monday, March 3, 2025
Monday, March 3, 2025
Join us as we celebrate how it all began! One hundred and eighty-three years ago, on March 3, 1842, a group of passionate plantsmen and influential public figures founded the Worcester County Horticultural Society (WCHS), now one of the oldest active horticultural societies in the country and the proud operator of New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill.
Founding Day invites the New England Botanic Garden community to learn more about the Garden’s rich history, deep agricultural roots, and tremendous growth over the years. Thanks to the support of our many members, donors, visitors, volunteers, and community partners, New England Botanic Garden remains a horticultural resource for the entire region and a public garden for everyone to enjoy.
FOUNDING DAY TOURS
Take a stroll through history! Join Garden Guides for a tour on selected days throughout March. Please click on the tours below to reserve your space.
Monday, March 3, 11:00 AM — 11:45 AM | Register here.
Monday, March 3, 1:00 PM — 1:45AM | Register here.
Wednesday, March 19, 11:00 AM — 11:45 AM | Register here.
Wednesday, March 19, 1:00 PM — 1:45 PM | Register here.
Saturday, March 22, 11:00 AM — 11:45 AM | Register here.
Saturday, March 22, 1:00 PM — 1:45 PM | Register here.
Wednesday, March 26, 11:00 AM — 11:45 AM | Register here.
Wednesday, March 26, 1:00 PM — 1:45 PM | Register here.
Saturday, March 29, 11:00 AM — 11:45 AM | Register here.
Saturday, March 29, 1:00 PM — 1:45 PM | Register here.
Take the Founding Day Quiz
Stories & Memories
New England Botanic Garden would not be where it is without the amazing support of so many in our community. In celebration of our long history, we’ve gathered stories from those who have been with us for more than 20 years. Explore these stories below! Learn more here.
TRACE THE GARDEN’S ROOTS
2023
The Climate Garden opens to the public; New England Botanic Garden is votes “Top Botanic Garden in the U.S.” by TravelAwaits; Solar panels are installed on the horticulture barn, a key step in efforts to decarbonize horticulture operations; and the Garden expands by 14 acres with the acquisition of the Joslin Lot.
2022
The Ramble opens to the public; The Garden announces its name change from “Tower Hill Botanic Garden” to “New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill;” Later this year, the Garden becomes the first botanic garden in the nation to be certified a Green Zone by the American Green Zone Alliance for its transition to electric landscaping equipment.
2021
Construction on a new ADA accessible entry way and expanded parking lot is completed.
2019
Restoration of the Frank L. Harrington Sr. Orchard begins, preserving the historic collection of heirloom apples from fire blight.
2018
Acquisition of the Kim Property expands the Garden’s footprint by 26 acres.
2017
Growing Boldly, a $28M capital campaign to support projects that improve accessibility and resiliency, launches; Acquisition of the Lucia property expands the Garden’s footprint by seven acres.
2015
The Court: A Garden Within Reach opens.
2010
The Winter Garden and Limonaia, the Garden’s second conservatory for non-hardy plants, open to the public.
2002
The Hope H. Spear Wildlife Refuge Pond and the Moss Steps are dedicated.
2000
The Systematic Garden, today known as the Garden of Inspiration, opens to the public.
1999
The Orangerie is dedicated
1997
Tower Hill breaks ground on the Orangerie, a 14,000 sq. foot addition that includes a conservatory housing temperate plants for year-round winter enjoyment.
1994
The Stoddard Education and Visitors Center opens in January.
1993
The first oak, and English oak (Quercus robur), is planted on Pliny’s Allée.
1992
At a celebration of WCHS’s 150th Anniversary, the Massachusetts Horticultural Society recognized Tower Hill with the Gold Medal for Outstanding Achievement; Tower Hill breaks ground on the Entry Garden and Stoddard Education and Visitors Center.
1991
Tower Hill hosts its first wedding.
1990
The Lawn Garden and Harrington Orchard are dedicated at Tower Hill.
1986
Tower Hill Botanic Garden officially opens to the public; In October of this year, Tower Hill is selected out of 100 nominations to receive designation as one of 15 Special Environmental Sites by the MA Executive Office of Environmental Affairs.
1985
WCHS decides to purchase Tower Hill Farm (130 acres) with the intention of building a botanic garden. Trustes looked at over 25 sites before deciding on this one.
1943
WCHS hosts the headquarters of the 1943 Worcester Victory Garden Committee to support the community during the WWII war effort.
1942
WCHS celebrates its 100th anniversary.
1925
Second Horticultural Hall hosts first year exhibitions at 30 Elm Street, Worcester, MA. The new location accommodates the organization’s growth.
1875
Membership nears 1,400.
1853
Fruit, flowers, and vegetable exhibitions begin to be held weekly from May to August.
1851
The organization’s first Horticultural is built at 16-20 Front Street in Worcester, MA.
1842
On March 3, Worcester County Horticultural Society is incorporated.
The Horticultural Hall in Worcester
A fall chrysanthemum show at former Society headquarters at 30 Elm St in Worcester.
The Farmhouse, 1986
Building the Lawn Garden arbor, 1990
Stoddard Education and Visitors Center, 1994
Construction of the Orangerie, 1998
Planting and building the Garden of Inspiration, 2000
FoundingDay7Construction of the Wildlife Refuge Pond, 2001
An aerial shot of New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, 2023