FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
David Cheng, Communications Manager
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
[email protected] | 215-988-1631
Ceremony Commemorates the Date and Location of the PHS Event in 1829
[Philadelphia - May 30, 201 – The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, is thrilled to announce the dedication of a Pennsylvania historical marker honoring the nation’s signature gardening event, the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show.
Recently on display at the 2019 Flower Show, the iconic blue-and-gold marker will be installed permanently at 717 Chestnut Street, where the first Philadelphia Flower Show was held in 1829. During that inaugural exhibition, PHS set a precedent for horticultural excellence and inspiration by introducing the Poinsettia plant to the American public. After 190 years, the show remains one of the world’s largest and longest-running horticultural events.
“This is a very special milestone for PHS, and we are proud of the Flower Show’s rich history as a beloved Philadelphia tradition and an opportunity to engage visitors in gardening for the greater good,” said Matt Rader, PHS President. “As PHS approaches its 200th anniversary, we are committed to growing the Flower Show’s impact as a force to advance the well-being of the Philadelphia region.”
PHMC administers a program of historical markers to capture the memory of people, places, events, and innovations that have affected the lives of Pennsylvanians. More than 2,000 of these markers tell the important and interesting stories that are part of the history of Pennsylvania.
“The Philadelphia Flower Show has delighted and educated generations of Pennsylvanians and visitors from all over the world about the gifts horticulture brings to beautifying homes and landscapes and revitalizing communities,” said Nancy Moses, PHMC Chair. “The Commonwealth is proud to honor its singular contribution.”
The marker will be officially unveiled at its permanent location during a ceremony at 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, 190 years to the day of the first Flower Show. PHS President Matt Rader, PHMC Chair Nancy Moses and PHMC Commissioner William Lewis will be on hand to celebrate the dedication. Following the ceremony, a reception and lecture on the history of the Show will be held at the Athenaeum of Philadelphia, 219 S. 6th Street.
Planning is already underway for the 2020 Philadelphia Flower Show, which will take guests on a “Riviera Holiday” from February 29 to March 8 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
For more information about the Philadelphia Flower Show, other PHS initiatives, and how to garden for the greater good, visit PHSonline.org.
About PHS
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, an internationally recognized nonprofit organization founded in 1827, advances the well-being of the Philadelphia region by creating healthier living environments, building deeper connections between people, and increasing access to fresh food and economic opportunity. Fueled by a diverse community of supporters, PHS delivers impact through initiatives in more than 250 neighborhoods, an expansive network of public gardens and landscapes, and the nation’s signature gardening event, the Philadelphia Flower Show. PHS invites everyone to garden for the greater good as a participant, member, donor, or volunteer.
