Homes of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society in Philadelphia
Since its inception in 1827, PHS has met in many locations. What are some of the most important ones?
Answer
Since its founding in 1827 PHS met in several locations including the Chinese Museum (9th & Sansom) and the Academy of Music (240 S. Broad Street) before erecting its own Horticultural Hall in 1867. Early meetings (1827-1927) are listed here, in the 1927 Yearbook
Chronology
1867 - 1881 First Horticultural Hall built near Broad and Locust Streets in Philadelphia, 1867. Building destroyed by fire, 1881
1882 - 1893 Second Horticultural Hall built on same location. Designed by Philadelphia architect Addison Hutton. Building destroyed by fire, 1893
1896 - 1917 Third Horticultural Hall built on same location. Designed by Philadelphia architect Frank Miles Day. Building sold in 1917 and demolished that year
See more images of the three halls in PHS digital archives here
1917 - 1963 PHS leases quarters in various Center City office buildings, in the 1920s, at the "Finance Building"; from 1923-1926, PHS had offices at 1600 Walnut Street; from 1927-1945, PHS had offices at 1600 Arch Street; from 1946-1964, PHS had offices in Suburban Station Building at 16th Street & JFK Boulevard
1964 - 1996 PHS is a tenant of the Independence National Historic Park sharing quarters with the Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture at 325 Walnut Street, Philadelphia
1966 Lady Bird Johnson dedicates PHS's 18th century garden which was built next to the Walnut Street headquarters
See images in PHS digital archives
1996 PHS moves to current headquarters at 100 N. 20th Street
See images in PHS digital archives
--- answered by Janet Evans, PHS McLean Library Associate Director